Frequently Asked Questions | George Washington University

About GW

Why should I choose GW?

Our hallmark is academic rigor. These high standards ensure you gain an education unlike any other, with a top-ranked university that connects you to authorities in policy and health care in the nation’s capital.

Join GW and prepare to be an innovator in clinical research, regulatory affairs, medical laboratory sciences, or another leading field.

Is GW accredited?

Yes, GW is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

What is the George Washington University’s mission?

The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is dedicated to improving the health of our local, national, and global communities by:

Educating a diverse workforce of tomorrow’s leaders in medicine, science, and health sciences.
Healing through innovative and compassionate care.
Advancing biomedical, translational, and health services delivery research with an emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration.
Promoting a culture of excellence through inclusion, service, and advocacy.

As a globally recognized academic medical center, GW embraces the challenge of eliminating health disparities and transforming health care to enrich and improve the lives of those we serve.

What recognition has the George Washington University received?

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges Rankings, GW was ranked the No. 62 Best National University, No.62 Best National University, No.13 Best Online Bachelor's Programs, No.7 Best Online Programs for Veterans

Online Courses and Programs

Are classes held at a specific time?

No, you do not need to attend class at a specific time. Our online courses are designed to be asynchronous, giving you flexibility.

Assignments will have specified due dates that must be met. Students are expected to read the weekly readings, participate in online weekly discussion boards and other asynchronous group activities, and submit papers and other assignments through the online learning management system.

Do online programs have a campus residency requirement?

While most studies will be completed online, your program may require you to visit campus during the course of your studies.

How much time do online classes take?

Online classes are designed to take the same amount of time as on-campus classes. They are taught by GW faculty members and have comparable assignments to campus programs that can be completed off-site. Time spent per course varies by the course’s length and credit hours. For example, students are expected to spend approximately 14 hours per week working on an eight week long, three-credit hour course and 7.5 hours per week working on a fifteen week, three-credit hour course. As an off-campus student, you also save time that on-campus students spend commuting.

What technical requirements do I need for the online course?

For Health Sciences Programs online courses, you will need to meet certain technical requirements to be able to access course materials and participate in the courses. For more information read our technical requirements for online programs.

Do you accept international students?

Yes! The George Washington University is committed to reaching the future leaders of health care wherever they are in the world. In fact, GW has 290,000 alumni representing more than 135 countries worldwide.

International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship. Generally, online and hybrid programs are not eligible for student visa sponsorship from GW. This would include transfer students from any other institution with an existing visa.

Official transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grades, U.S. degree equivalency, grade-point averages (GPA), and date of degree conferral. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services, please visit NACES.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are also required to submit official test scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) Academics or the academic International English Language Test System (IELTS). To be considered for admission, there are required scores that you will need to meet. Score requirements may differ by school and program so check the admissions requirements for your program.

Laboratory Science Programs

Are all of the biomedical laboratory science courses online?

All of the didactic courses in the Biomedical Laboratory Science department programs are taught online. These programs also include at least one practicum course (the number of practica vary depending on the program). The practicum courses are completed in an approved hospital or diagnostic laboratory and will include some online components. Students in the Blended BSHS program will complete in-person lab courses each semester at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Va.

Does the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program offer concentrations?

The MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program currently offers a general concentration track as well as three unique concentrations for students to choose from: translational microbiology, medical laboratory sciences, and immunohematology and biotechnology.

Does the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree have full-time and part-time options?

The online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program has both full- and part-time options.

How do I move through BLS programs?

For the BSHS and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in MLS, students must successfully complete Phase I (didactic courses) before becoming eligible to enter Phase II (clinical rotations). In order to successfully complete Phase I, students must complete all MLS courses with grades of C or higher and have a 2.5 MLS GPA. Students must also complete the Clinical Rotation Request form and submit any other required documents as indicated in the CRR.

For the Categorical Certificates and the clinical MSHS programs, students must complete the core clinical MLS courses to become eligible to enter their program’s rotation. Certificate students must also complete courses with grades of C- or higher and maintain a 2.5 MLS GPA; MSHS students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Students who fail to meet the minimum GPA requirements may be placed on academic probation, suspension, or face possible dismissal. The Regulations section of the GW Bulletin includes detailed information on academic standing. Details on the academic grievance and appeals process are included in this section as well.

How many courses are in the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program?

You’ll complete 12 courses to earn the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree. Learn more about coursework for the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science at the George Washington University .

How quickly can I complete the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree?

You can earn the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree in as few as four semesters. Total duration depends on the number of transfer credits accepted and whether you choose to study full- or part-time.

How many credits are in the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program?

You’ll complete 36 credits to earn the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree. You can review courses now.

Is the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program accredited?

The George Washington University is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

How do I apply to the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program?

Applying is easy! You can start your application to the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program in the GW Applicant Portal.

How do GW ASCP pass rates compare to the national average?

In 2023, the GW MLS Graduation Rate is 99%, MLS Placement Rate is 100%, the ASCP Pass Rate is 87.5%, and the ASCP National Overall Pass Rate is 68.71%.

What are the MLS program graduation and employment rates?

Graduation Rates:
In 2019, 98.6% of students who entered Phase II of the MLS program graduated.

Employment Rates:
100% of graduating students from 2015 to 2019 found employment in the field or a closely related field and/or continued their education within one year of graduation

Does the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree require work experience?

The MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree requires national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), medical technologist (MT), clinical laboratory scientist (CLS), medical laboratory scientist (MLS), blood banking technologist/specialist, or microbiology technologist/specialist.

Clinical Leadership and Research Programs

Where can I find out more information about the PhD in Translational Health Science Program?

https://ths.smhs.gwu.edu/frequently-asked-questions

Learn about our scholarship/award opportunities

Do the online CRA programs have a campus residency requirement?

Currently, the CRA bachelor’s, master’s, dual bachelor’s/master’s and graduate certificate programs can be completed online with no campus residency requirement. Some of the electives may have a hybrid or on-campus component so students are advised to consult with their academic advisor when selecting elective courses.

Admissions

How do I get started?

You can request more information to speak with a GW program manager, or you can begin the application process today.

When can I start classes?

GW operates on the semester system with the fall semester beginning in August, the spring semester beginning in January and the summer semester beginning in April or May. Some programs admit new students in all three semesters, while other programs admit new students once or twice per year. Your start date will depend on which program you select so please complete our website.

Can GW order my transcripts for me?

Yes. GW’s transcript ordering service is available to interested applicants of the programs listed on this website. The service is designed to make the application process simpler for you, while also helping us expedite the admissions decision on your behalf. Our transcript services team will order all domestic transcripts once you decide to allow us to help you with this task.

The George Washington University will only request and pay for your domestic college transcripts that allow third-party requests up to the point of admission to the university. This means that any coursework completed after you are advised of an admission decision, including coursework you are currently completing, will still need to be submitted by you.

It is your responsibility to request and purchase these additional transcripts to complete your file. This information may be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid, admission, and potential transfer credits. Additionally, some institutions may require you to obtain your official transcripts directly; if this is the case, we will contact you.

How is my overall GPA calculated during the admissions process?

If you have attended multiple institutions, your final GPA and credits earned are factored together to determine your overall GPA.

Does the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree require an entrance exam like the GMAT or GRE?

No, there are no entrance exams required for the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program.

What GPA is required for admittance into the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program?

You’ll need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college. Explore admission requirements.

Does the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program accept transfer credits?

Yes, the MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science accepts up to nine transfer credits. Learn more about our admissions policy.

Financial Information

Can I get financial aid?

Degree-seeking students who are U.S. citizens may be eligible for federal financial aid. To apply, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). GW’s federal school code is 001444.

What financial aid will I have access to?

Students in GW’s master’s, bachelor’s and post-bachelor’s programs may be eligible for financial aid. Students seeking graduate certificates are not eligible for federal financial aid.

You may also be able to benefit from loans, institutional scholarships, merit- or need-based grants, employer reimbursement programs, and more. Explore your options on our Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Does the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program offer scholarships?

Yes, we have a scholarship for students with economic needs for our MSHS programs.

What is the cost per credit for the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program?

To learn about tuition rates for this program, please visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page.

What is the total tuition for the online MSHS in Biomedical Laboratory Science program?

To learn about tuition rates for this program, please visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page.

Support and Resources

Are there any support resources available to me during the program?

Yes, an academic advisor will work with you throughout the admissions process, scheduling classes, and the course of your studies. GW also offers our online students 24/7 technical support.

Do online students have access to career services?

Yes! You have access to all of the support provided by our Center for Career Services, including career coaching, self-assessments, networking opportunities, job search strategies, and more.

What other resources are available to me as a GW School of Medicine Student?

All GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences students can find support through a wide variety of services and resources. We encourage you to visit the links below to familiarize yourself with the resources available at GW:

What resources does GW offer to Military Students?

More than 1,500 GW military students, veterans and their families attend GW and benefit from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs educational benefits. Veterans and active military servicemen and women may also take advantage of several benefits offered by GW:

GW Health Science Programs offer a waiver of the $80 admission application fee for active-duty U.S. military personnel
Online and asynchronous course structure accommodates any schedule – even for students deployed or on a overseas assignment
GW is VA approved and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon awards up to $5,120 for graduate students
To enhance our commitment to our military, GW has a Veterans Services Office and Student Veterans of America chapter.

GW is committed to providing the highest level of student and financial services to those who have served in our armed forces. Service members are invited to contact GW’s Office of Veteran Services for more information on the benefits and opportunities we provide; this office is the VA certifying official for the university.

Clinical and Field Work

What is the process for securing a clinical placement?

Local students who live in the Washington, D.C. metro area can be placed in one of our affiliate hospital labs in the area. Students who live outside of the Washington, D.C. metro area are required to secure a satisfactory clinical site at the time of admission. For further information please contact info@hsprograms@gwu.edu

Can I automatically be placed in a clinical site that I already know is affiliated with GW?

GW establishes an affiliation agreement with all facilities prior to the clinical practicum rotations. However, GW does not have the authority to automatically place students into these sites, since many of these affiliations are temporary and are only generated for an individual student. GW has local primary affiliates, which are the only sites that GW can use to place students for rotations. Students securing their own clinical sites must acquire permission from the clinical site to attend the rotations.

For the required clinical work, will I be assigned to a clinical site by GW?

As part of the application process for the Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (BLS) programs, you are required to secure a clinical placement site, and your application will be incomplete if securing a site has not been satisfied.

Have you worked with any clinical sites previously in my geographic area?

We have many clinical affiliates nationwide; please contact the GW MLS clinical coordinators (mlsclinicals@gwu.edu) for state-specific questions.

I am a local to the Washington, DC metro area. Can I secure my own clinical site?

Yes, you may secure your own site. However, if you are planning on securing your own clinical site, you cannot use any of our already affiliated local sites for your rotations. Students are not allowed to contact our local clinical sites to secure a spot for their clinical placement. All local clinical placements are done through your GW clinical coordinator. In addition, if you wish to secure your own site for your clinical rotation, that site must be an accredited lab with all specific lab areas required to complete your practica.

I have identified a clinical site. What is the next step?

Once a clinical site is identified, the GW clinical coordinator will determine if the site performs all of the mandatory testing required. If the facility is missing tests in any area, the student may need to find an additional site to complete the requirements for the rotations. Once a site or sites are identified and approved; an affiliation agreement with each site is initiated. The student cannot begin the clinical rotations until there is an affiliation agreement in place.

I live outside of the Washington, DC metro area. Can I relocate to DC to attend clinical rotations?

Due to a high volume of applications and the limited number of local clinical spots, we are typically unable to place non-local students in one of our primary local affiliates. Keep in mind that, it is also important for students to develop a professional relationship with a clinical site in their own geographic area to create possible future employment opportunities.

Can I work while I am taking the classes?

Yes, most of our students work while they are enrolled in an online Biomedical Laboratory Science (BLS) program.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions