MSHS in Laboratory Medicine

Hands-On Skills for the Medical Laboratory

The George Washington University’s (GW) online Master of Science in Health Sciences in Laboratory Medicine program is a clinical program designed to prepare you for a career in medical laboratory science. As one of the few Medical Laboratory Medicine graduate programs in the country that combines online coursework and a hands-on practicum, you will obtain the knowledge and experience you need to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) board certification exam.*

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QUICK FACTS:

52

Total Credits

100%

Online

24 months

Average Duration

Accreditation and Rankings

GWU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#62 Best National University*
#15 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs*
#8 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans*

* The U.S. News & World Report – 2023 Rankings

Gloved hands using a pipette and sample tray

Program Highlights

GW grads have a 89.47% overall pass rate in 2022 for the ASCP MLS board of certification exam vs. the national average of 69.14%***
100% of students who enter Phase II of the MLS program graduate
Greater than 95% of graduates are employed in the field within three months of program completion
Applicants with clinical laboratory experience may be eligible to waive individual clinical practicum requirements
Qualify to move into a lab supervisory, management, or teaching position
100% ASCP MLS Overall Pass Rate for 2022 GW Grads

Curriculum

The online MSHS in Laboratory Medicine is a 52-credit-hour program that leverages distinguished faculty, innovative curriculum, and real-world experience. You’ll acquire the comprehensive skills you need to succeed in the field of laboratory medicine.

VIEW COURSES

GW MLS Graduation Rates:*	GW MLS Placement Rates:**	GW ASCP Pass Rates:***	ASCP National Overall Pass Rate:
2019: 98.6%	100%	91%	75.13%
2020: 100%	100%	93%	74.57%
2021: 100%	100%	91%	69.14%
2022: 99%	100%	89.47%†	68.71%

*Students graduating that began the second half of the program.

** Students who found employment (in the field or in a closely related field) and/or continued their education within one year of graduation.

*** Students who passed within the first year of graduation.

†Not a final result; rate calculation currently in progress

Program Outcomes

When you graduate, you’ll be able to:

Evaluate research to understand its relevance in the laboratory science field
Investigate research questions pertinent to clinical laboratory practice
Analyze new laboratory-related technologies and determine their relevance in the lab
Implement a research study to improve and enhance the medical laboratory science field
Communicate, both orally and in writing, in an effective and scholarly manner
Integrate basic ethical principles and cultural sensitivity in professional and research settings

Who Is the Ideal Student for This Program?

The MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a medical laboratory scientist and who would like to qualify to sit for the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) board certification exam.

ASCP Certification and State Licensure

While the completion of this program will make graduates eligible to register for an ASCP Board of Certification Exam, this does not automatically guarantee a graduate will also meet their state’s requirements for state licensure [if applicable]. Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program. In particular, New York and California have additional requirements for state licensure. Both NY and CA require extended times for practicum rotations. Please also be aware that the MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program does not meet the student lab requirement for NY state licensure. We recommend that students who live in New York or California or plan to relocate to New York or California do research to determine the NY and CA licensure requirements.

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119

National MLS average first-time pass rates per the 2018 Examination Statistics for ASCP Credential document are publicly available.

Career Outlook

With U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting available jobs to increase 11% between 2018 and 2028, students will have the opportunity to pursue a career in a laboratory setting like diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, public health laboratories, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. Career titles include:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
MLT/MLS Education position
Biotechnology or Government Research Associate

Admission Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

Completed application
3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
A bachelor’s degree in a basic or medical science (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology) from a regionally accredited institution.
Resume/CV
Personal statement: Applicants must include a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at GW, your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
Two letters of recommendation

SEE ALL REQUIREMENTS

Tuition Details

The MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program at GW consists of 52 credit hours. Explore the cost per credit hour and total estimated program costs.

Note: Tuition rates are subject to change and additional fees may vary by program.

GET TUITION DETAILS

Meet the Program Director

GW’s experienced faculty provide you with the rich, practical knowledge and support needed for you to succeed in the program and in your career.

Yousif Barzani, MD, MLS (ASCP) CM

Read Full Bio

Dr. Barzani is an assistant professor at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (GWSMHS). He has taught and is presently teaching several undergraduate and graduate courses in Hematology & Hemostasis, Immunology & Serology, Mycology & Parasitology, and others. Dr. Barzani is the reviewer and editorial board member of several peer reviewed journals. He has published several textbook chapters on diagnostic microbiology and infectious diseases.

Biography

Dr. Barzani is an educator, researcher, assistant professor, and program director of the MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program.

Teaching

Dr. Barzani presently teaches graduate courses in the laboratory medicine and other programs in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

MLS 6141 Advanced Immunology & Serology
MLS 6130 Advanced Hematology I
MLS 6131 Advanced Hematology II
MLS 6246 Capstone Project LM
MLS 6245 Current Topics in MLS
MLS 6213 Seminar in Immunohematology
MLS 4219 Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology Lab
HSCI 2102 Pathophysiology
HSCI 6297 Independent Study/Health Profession
MLS 6251 Advanced Clinical Microbiology Practicum
MLS 6248 Advanced Blood Bank Practicum
MLS 6250 Advanced Hematology Practicum
MLS 6249 Advanced Coagulation Practicum
MLS 6247Advanced Clinical Biochemistry Practicum
MLS 6252 Advanced Urinalysis Practicum

Community Service

GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences:

Member, GW Committee on Human Research, Institutional Review Board (IRB) Blue Panel primary member, and alternate member on the Gold Panel (October 2019 to Present)
Member, GW Faculty Senate Research Committee (July 2021 to Present)
Member, GW Health Sciences Curriculum Committee (July 2020 to Present)
Member, GW Educational Policy & Technology Committee (2020 to Present)
Member, GW Health Sciences Student Evaluation Committee (July 2019 to Present)

GW BLS Department:

Chair, BLS Department Faculty Search Committee (August 2021)
Member, BLS Department Scholarship Committee (July 2021 to Present)
Member, BLS Department Search Committee, Diversity Advocate for Assistant Director of Clinical Education position (February 2020)
Member, BLS Department Chair Search Committee, Diversity Advocate (Jan 2019)
Member, BLS Department Faculty Search Committee, Diversity Advocate (Feb-2019)
Member, GW Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program Faculty Search Committee, Diversity Advocate (March 2019)
Member, BLS Department Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Program Advisory Board (January 2017-to present)
Teaching faculty, BLS Department Summer Immersion Program (January 2016-to present)

External:

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Career Ambassador- April 2019 to Present
Member, Governor’s Health Sciences Academy at TC Williams High School-Surgical Technology Sciences Planning Committee (August 2018 to Present) and GW Academy Course Director (Spring 2020 to Present)

Research

Dr. Barzani’s research interests include student outcomes and professional development, medical education, health and healthcare disparities, community-based participatory research, health equity, diversity and inclusion. He is a member of the Journal of Collaborative Healthcare & Translational Medicine Editorial Board and peer reviewer of the Pathology Laboratory Medicine- Board and Certification Review by StatPearls Publishing (2021 ed)

Chapters in Books

Barzani Y (2018). Zoonotic Diseases. In Connie Mahon and Donald Lehman (Eds), Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (6th ed), pp. 939-952. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
Barzani Y (2018). Genital Infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections. In Connie Mahon and Donald Lehman (Eds), Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (6th ed), pp. 897-929. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
Barzani Y (2018). Nonfermenting and Miscellaneous Gram-Negative. In Connie Mahon and Donald Lehman (Eds), Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (6th ed), pp. 465-485. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.

* While the completion of this program will make graduates eligible to register for an ASCP Board of Certification Exam, this does not automatically guarantee a graduate will also meet their states requirements for state licensure (if applicable). Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their states regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program.