University of Kentucky®
Bachelors Degree (BHS) in
Medical Laboratory Science (MLT to MLS)
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 120
CREDENTIALS BHS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$624.00
- UK Online
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- Bachelors Degrees
- Medical Laboratory Science (MLT to MLS) (BHS)
About this Program
Designed for working medical laboratory technicians (MLT), this accredited online program will prepare you for clinical practice in a variety of medical laboratory settings. Our 100% online MLT to MLS program can be completed in as little as one year. At the end of the program, graduates will receive a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science and will be eligible to sit for the certification examination (ASCP) at the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) level.
This program accepts up to 80 transfer credit hours toward the degree. To earn your bachelor's degree (BHS) students must complete 120 credit hours.
Coursework can be completed in as little as one year (full-time enrollment), and a part-time enrollment plan is also available (24 months).
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Designed For
This program is appropriate for certified medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) looking to advance their careers by obtaining the additional knowledge and skills required for the role of a medical laboratory scientist (MLS). It is suitable for MLTs seeking to expand their scope of practice, perform more complex laboratory tests, and potentially increase their earning potential within the healthcare industry.
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What You’ll Learn
Upon graduation from our NAACLS accredited program, you will be qualified to sit for the ASCP board of certification exam at the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) level. As a graduate of our program, you will be able to:
- Work independently in a laboratory setting and perform high complexity testing.
- Sign off on calibrations, quality control, and method validation.
- Deploy expertise in a wide variety of areas, including hematology, clinical chemistry, toxicology, virology, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), and/or molecular biology.
- Facilitate the reporting of accurate and precise laboratory results that contribute to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions.
Course Credit for Experience
Students with comprehensive work experience in hematology, chemistry, blood banking, or microbiology have the ability to test out of a clinical practicum course. MLT students must meet core technical proficiencies and pass a special examination in each area to be awarded two tuition-free credits for each associated practicum course for a maximum award of eight tuition-free credit hours.
Course Examples
- MLS 410 Medical Laboratory Biochemistry
- MLS 420 Immunology & Serology
- MLS 460 Clinical Hematology
- MLS 461 Clinical Microbiology
- MLS 430 Clinical Mycology, Parasitology
- MLS 462 Clinical Chemistry
- MLS 463 Immunohematology
- MLS 464 Body Fluids & Hemostasis
- MLS 440 Molecular Techniques
- MLS 450 MLS Education & Management
- MLS 470 Clinical Correlations
- MLS 471 Professionalism in MLS
- Work experience or practicums: MLS 480, MLS 481, MLS 482, MLS 483
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How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Students must achieve an overall (cumulative) GPA of 2.5 and successfully pass all program pre-requisite courses
- An associate degree from a MLT program
- Meet the UK general education courses requirement. If you already have an A.S. from a MLT program, you fulfill the general education requirements for this degree. If you have an A.A.S degree from a MLT program and do not also have an A.S., A.A., or A.G.S. degree from a community college, you should meet with the program director to review the most advantageous way for you to meet general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
- Certification (BOC preferred) - if uncertified, then you must have documentation of 5 years of work experience in a MLT position within a multidisciplinary laboratory
- Current and continued employment in a clinical laboratory – prefer laboratory that offers testing in all major disciplines
Prerequisite courses
The following pre-requisite courses (or those that are approved as equivalent) must be completed prior to acceptance into the program. Courses taken in your associate degree program can count toward this requirement.
- 1 semester of general biology with laboratory
- 2 semesters of general chemistry with laboratory
- 1 semester of statistical methods
- 1 semester of human physiology (or combined course in physiology and anatomy)
Application Requirements
Standard undergraduate application requirements apply.
Have your direct supervisor complete a statement of support form. Also, provide three recommendation forms.
Your current direct supervisor MUST complete the statement of support form and a recommendation form. The other two recommendation forms should be completed by professionals (additional laboratory administrator, pathologist, co-worker external to the laboratory, educator) who are familiar with your abilities.
- Provide Proof of being an MLT/CLT. This may include any one of the following items:
- Copy of MLT/CLT degree
- Documentation of MLT/CLT certification
- Letter from MLT/CLT program director
Qualified applicants may be asked to participate in a brief phone interview with MLS faculty member(s).
There are TWO steps in our application process.
Step 1: Students must apply to UK Admissions
Step 2: Complete the College of Health Sciences and MLT to MLS application (open Dec. 1- June 1, please check back at that time)
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025 - application opens Dec 1 - June 1
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Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Explore the many options available to help fund your education.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
What's the difference between MLT and MLS?
MLT grads perform much of the same work as MLS grads. However, an MLS degree is required for approval of quality control logs in upper level healthcare management and is required for jobs in sales, consulting, and education. An MLS provides more career opportunity in the field of medical laboratory science.
How long is the MLT to MLS program?
The program can be completed in one year if enrolled fulltime. A part time option is also available, and students typically complete the part-time program in 2 years.
Admissions
Do I need to take more courses before being admitted to the MLT-MLS program?
We no longer require Organic Chemistry for admission.
You must have taken the following courses (or an approved equivalent):
- General Biology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Statistics
- General Chemistry I & II
Do I need an associate degree to be admitted to the MLT to MLS program?
An associate of science in medical laboratory technology (MLT) is the preferred degree for admission into the program. An associate of applied science is also acceptable, but may require additional coursework to complete the program. Please talk with the program director if you have concerns about your previous degree.
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Curriculum
What clinical rotation/practicums are required for the MLT to MLS program?
Students with comprehensive work experience in hematology, chemistry, blood banking, and/or microbiology can receive tuition-free credit to fulfill the practicum/clinical rotation requirement. MLT students must meet core technical proficiencies and pass a special examination for each associated practicum course for a maximum award of eight tuition-free credit hours.
For the areas you do not have experience, you will need to do a rotation. These rotations are not as in depth as the student’s MLT rotations, as they should be a review of the course material and their prior MLT rotations. The four required practicums/clinical rotations include:
- Blood Banking - 2 credits
- Clinical Microbiology - 2 credits
- Clinical Hematology - 2 credits
- Clinical Chemistry - 2 credits
Is the MLT to MLS program really 120 credits? How many credits will I need to take to graduate?
The program requires only 32-40 credit hours for graduation depending on how many credits you obtain for your work experience. The remaining credits for graduation are fulfilled by your previous collegiate coursework. This allows you to meet the minimum 120 credit hour minimum requirement for graduation with a bachelor's degree.
Do I need to complete a capstone or research project for the MLT to MLS program?
We do not require a capstone or research project for graduation.
Can my MLT work experience count for credit?
Your work experience can qualify for up to 8 tuition-free credit hours towards your degree. This is dependent on the number of specialty areas you are trained in, and pass the assessment for. These specialty areas include:
- Blood Banking - 2 credits
- Clinical Microbiology - 2 credits
- Clinical Hematology - 2 credits
- Clinical Chemistry - 2 credits
Please speak with the program director if you have questions about how your training can qualify for these tuition-free credits.
Career Info
What is the demand for MLS grads?
The demand for MLS grads is high and a bachelor’s degree in MLS will create more professional opportunities for you in healthcare management, education, sales, and consulting.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for online students?
Yes! Online students enrolled in a degree-bearing program are eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. Learn more at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Will this program lead to licensure in my state?
Students should consult with their licensure board to verify if this program will meet licensure requirements for the state in which they will practice. UK has assembled a database of licensure information for different states. However, the ultimate responsibility for verifying this information prior to enrollment lies with the student.
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Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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