Become a Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical laboratory science professionals, often called medical laboratorians or clinical laboratory scientists, are vital healthcare detectives. They uncover and provide laboratory information from analyses that assists physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment as well as in disease monitoring or prevention. Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BHS/CLS) offers a wide range of career options. You may work in a hospital, private clinic, independent laboratory or in the forensic science field. Other possibilities include business, industry, research, sales and marketing. Or maybe this is just the beginning of your educational journey. Students also use this major to prepare for medical, dental or pharmacy schools and admission to many graduate programs in medical sciences.   

Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $54,180hybrid
science beakers in a lab

Choosing Washburn for CLS

Washburn University offers a Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BHS/CLS) through its partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). After three years of prerequisite coursework, students may complete this program in less than 12 months which includes 11 weeks in the summer at the UNMC Omaha campus. The remaining clinical and didactic coursework is then completed at Topeka area hospitals.

This program is a hybrid delivery. Students complete required prerequisites on campus. Once accepted into the program in their senior year students take courses online with the exception of their summer at UNMC. Exams are proctored on campus. Clinicals are completed in person.

Graduates of this program are prepared to sit for the ASCP national certification examinations as Clinical/Medical Laboratory Scientists. They also will be well prepared for the workforce.

 

  • Washburn University's BHS/CLS graduation rate is 100% (graduating classes from 2015-2021).
  • Washburn University's BHS/CLS credentialing exam pass rate is 100% (graduating classes from 2015-2021).
  • Washburn University's BHS/CLS placement rate is 100% as most of our graduates are hired at their clinical site.

Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to provide laboratory information that is timely, cost-effective and of high quality. Graduates demonstrate a command of medical laboratory science theory and application such that they develop, implement and evaluate the total laboratory process to improve patient care outcomes.

spring flowers on the WU campus

Application & Admission

  • Students apply during the first semester of their junior year. Priority deadline is Dec. 1. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 GPA in math/science. The application process is competitive, and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
Bell Tower on Washburn campus

Essential Functions

  • Students must meet essential requirements to ensure success in both their clinical coursework and later in the workforce.
Washburn University's Morgan Hall

Quality Indicators

  • The CLS program values its mission, goals and student successes. Our numbers indicate the quality of education that Washburn provides.
Washburn campus

FAQs

  • Learn more about this program by exploring the answers to a list of frequently asked questions.

Take a Closer Look

Once prerequisite requirements are complete, the CLS program offers online coursework and clinical education that may be completed in less than a year. Our experienced faculty will assist you in navigating your educational journey.

Toni Caldwell is the CLS program coordinator at Washburn University. Contact her via email or call (785) 670.1286.
The Medical Laboratory Science (CLS) program at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, leads to a Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science. The CLS program is designed to meet the growing demand for Certified Medical Laboratory Scientists in Northeast Kansas and beyond.

The program requires three years of prerequisite coursework, including a minimum of 16 hours of biology and 16 hours of chemistry. Once in the program, students will spend 11 weeks at the University of Nebraska's Medical Center in Omaha to begin their coursework, laboratory introduction and rotations.

Upon returning to Topeka, students will complete the remaining coursework online through the University of Nebraska's course management system as well as completion of nine months of clinical training at assigned affiliate hospitals. The Medical Laboratory Science Program requires 43 credit hours once students begin the program.

Some students choose to complete B.S. degree requirements before applying to the CLS program. These students should contact the CLS adviser for further information.

CLINICAL AFFILIATES

Clinical rotations will typically be completed at one of the following hospitals: 

  • Providence Medical Center, Kansas City KS
  • The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, Topeka
  • Stormont Vail Health, Topeka

ACCREDITATION

The Medical Laboratory Science program through its partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). http://www.naacls.org/   

5600 N River Road, Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: (773) 714-8880

Upon completion of the medical laboratory science education program, the graduate will be the health care team professional responsible for providing laboratory information that is timely, cost-effective and of high quality. The laboratory professional will demonstrate a command of medical laboratory science theory and application such that s/he develops, implements and evaluates the total laboratory process to improve patient care outcomes.

By the Numbers

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook
Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Prenatal testing for various types of genetic conditions also is increasingly common. These professionals will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Experienced Salary

$83,700

(top 10%)

Exam Pass Rate

100%

(WU: 2015-19)

Placement Rate

100%

(WU: 2015-19)

Apply Now

Apply to Washburn University's Medical Laboratory Science Program during the first semester of your junior year (priority deadline December 1). Applications received after December 1 will be considered on a space available basis. If you currently are not a Washburn student, please complete an application to Washburn University in addition to a CLS application.The application process is competitive, and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission. Preference is given to current Washburn students and undergraduates.

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