MSHS in Laboratory Medicine

A lab researcher using a microscope

Hands-On Skills for the Medical Laboratory

  Online Coursework

 24 Months*

The George Washington University’s (GW) Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) 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.*

To learn more about our programs, you can register for our upcoming events.

*The total number of credits and duration of the program depend on the number of transferred credits

 

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Accreditation and Rankings

  • GW 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
  • Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) 

 

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

Yousif Barzani

 

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:

  1. 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)
  2. Member, GW Faculty Senate Research Committee (July 2021 to Present)
  3. Member, GW Health Sciences Curriculum Committee (July 2020 to Present)
  4. Member, GW Educational Policy & Technology Committee (2020 to Present)
  5. Member, GW Health Sciences Student Evaluation Committee (July 2019 to Present)

GW BLS Department:

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

External:

  1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Career Ambassador- April 2019 to Present
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

 Curriculum Details

52 TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED

The MSHS in Laboratory Medicine is a 52-credit-hour program with online coursework 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.

Core

HSCI 6263 Biostatistics for Clinical and Translational Research (3)

Basic concepts and methods of biostatistics applied to translational research. Topics include distributions, populations and sample selection, variables, interaction and confounding, hypothesis formulation, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and chi.

MLS 6116 Advanced Clinical Bacteriology I (3)

This course covers the pathogenic characteristics, isolation techniques, specimen collection and handling, laboratory identification, and treatment of medically significant bacteria and viruses with an emphasis on current diagnostic techniques used in clinical practice.

MLS 6117 Advanced Clinical Bacteriology II (2)

This course presents the etiology of infectious diseases in different body sites using a case-study‐based approach It emphasizes the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and laboratory identification of suspected etiologic agents. Commonly encountered clinical species will be discussed using case studies that include clinical history, signs and symptoms, and laboratory test results of diseases produced by the etiologic agents.

MLS 6119 Advanced Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology (2)

This course is designed to provide the student with a systematic approach to the biology and epidemiology of human parasitic, fungal and viral diseases. The course will cover the symptomology, pathology, diagnostic procedures and treatment of the various parasites, fungi and viruses that infect humans. Other topics including disease causation and specimen collection/handling will be discussed.

MLS 6130 Advanced Hematology I (3)

This course covers all aspects of blood and blood-forming tissues with emphasis on hematologic techniques and cell identification. Anemias and non-malignant leukocyte disorders are also presented.

MLS 6131 Advanced Hematology II (3)

This course focuses on hematopoiesis and hemostatic disorders.

MLS 6141 Advanced Immunology and Serology (3)

This course covers the principles of the immune system and the clinical applications of immunology related to the diagnosis of human diseases. The first half of the course will focus on the components of the immune system and the various functions of each.

MLS 6145 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry I (3)

This course covers the methodologies employed in the chemical analysis of human blood and body fluids and the associated pathophysiology of each analyte measured. Topics include the measurement of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and clinically significant enzymes.

MLS 6146 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry II (3)

This course covers the methodologies employed in the chemical analysis of human blood and body fluids and the associated pathophysiology of each analyte measured. Topics include the measurement of hormones, urinalysis and body fluids, biomarkers, and toxins.

MLS 6150 Advanced Immunohematology (3)

This course covers the blood group systems that impact the practice of transfusion medicine and examines the processing and distribution of blood products supplied by blood donor centers and transfusion services.

MLS 6151 Advanced Molecular Diagnostics (3)

The advances in scientific technology have expanded the interest and applicability of nucleic acid based analysis within clinical diagnostic laboratories and routine screening procedures. This course provides an overview of molecular biology and genetic concepts as well as the molecular techniques used to diagnose human diseases. The course will emphasize the technology, theory, and methodology of specific molecular protocols that can be utilized within a clinical and research laboratory setting to aid in disease diagnosis, including those of genetic, oncogenic, and infectious origin.

MLS 6158 Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations (3)

An introduction to critical concepts of lab management, including leadership theory, management principles, human resource management, financial management, quality management, and laboratory operations.

MLS 6244 Research Ethics and Integrity (3)

Traditional and modern topics in research ethics and scientific integrity Students will learn to conduct unbiased peer-review, conduct research, and report on an independent case examinations, research misconduct or other ethical issues, and participate in oral scientific and ethical discussions.

MLS 6245 Current Topics in MLS (3)

Exploration of findings within the medical laboratory science field. Current topics will be integrated into the development of a required project proposal for the capstone research project that the student will complete in the following semester.

MLS 6246 Capstone Project (3)

Students apply the knowledge gained throughout the program to complete an independent, mentored project. A proposal for the capstone project will have been developed by the student as a component of the Current Topics in MLS course (MLS 6245) during the previous semester.

MLS 6247 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry Practicum (2)

During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic Advanced Clinical Biochemistry I and Advanced Clinical Biochemistry II courses.

MLS 6248 Advanced Blood Bank Practicum (2)

During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic Immunohematology course.

MLS 6249 Advanced Coagulation Practicum (1)

During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic Advanced Hematology and Advanced Hematology II courses.

MLS 6250 Advanced Hematology Practicum (1)

During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic Advanced Hematology I and Advanced Hematology II courses.

MLS 6251 Advanced Clinical Microbiology Practicum (2)

During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic Advanced Clinical Bacteriology I, Advanced Clinical Bacteriology II, and Advanced Parasitology, Mycology and Virology courses.

MLS 6252 Advanced Urinalysis Practicum (1)

During this practicum course, the student will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in the didactic course materials.

Key Dates

  Summer 2024 Fall 2024 Spring 2025
Application Deadline March 20, 2024 July 20, 2024 December 1, 2024
Scholarship Application Deadline April 15, 2024 August 12, 2024 N/A

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program (online coursework), you’ll need:

Completed application
3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Clinical practicum site
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.
Official transcripts from every college and university attended. All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential agency. Please find the list of member organizations here: https://www.naces.org/members.
Two letters of recommendation
Students must have the following prerequisite coursework with a C grade or higher: 3 credits English; 3 credits of college mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher); 8 credits of general biology with hands-on lab; 8 credits general or inorganic chemistry with hands-on lab; 4 credits microbiology with hands-on lab; 3 credits organic or biochemistry. Please be prepared to provide unofficial transcripts to determine program admissibility.
Application fee: A non-refundable application fee of $80 is required. The application fee is waived for active-duty U.S. military, current GW students, degree-holding GW alumni, current McNair Program Scholars, and graduates of minority-serving institutions (MSI).
Students who live outside of the Washington, D.C., metro area are required to secure a satisfactory clinical site at the time of admission.
Review the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Policies in the Health Sciences Programs Bulletin

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. State’s requiring licensure may require an extended duration of practicum experiences, additional academic courses (outside the student’s program of study), etc. These additional requirements may require you to take a course or courses outside of GW.

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.

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

International Students

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.

Supporting Documents and Official Transcript

Documents and Official Transcripts not submitted online should be mailed to:

Mail: George Washington University
ATTN: Transcript Processing Center
8300 Norman Center Dr
Suite 400
Bloomington, MN 55437 

Alternatively, official electronic transcripts can be sent to: transcripts@hsprograms.gwu.edu

Contact Us

As you explore our programs at George Washington University, our dedicated staff is here to support you. If you have any questions or want to know more, click the "Request More Information" button below, or email  info@hsprograms.gwu.edu.