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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.*

Quick Facts

52

total credits

94%

ASCP MLS Overall Pass Rate for 2020 GW Grads

2 years

average duration

Accreditation and Rankings

  • Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Institutional Member of the Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research (CoAPCR)  
  • #66 Best National University*
  • #19 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs*

* U.S. News & World Report‘s 2021 Best Colleges Rankings

Program Highlights

  • GW grads have a 94% overall pass rate in 2020 for the ASCP MLS board of certification exam vs. the national average of 74.6%**
  • 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

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.

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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.

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 publicly available here: https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/boc-pdfs/boc_statistical_reports/exam-stats-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=4

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. Please find the cost per credit hour and total estimated program costs here.

Note: Tuition rates are subject to change and additional fees may vary by program. Please call at (844) 386-7323 for more information.

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Meet the Program Director

Yousif Barzani, MD, MLS (ASCP) CM

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you explore an online program at the George Washington University, our dedicated staff is here to support you. If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 844-386-7323.

Visit our FAQ page

* 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 publicly available here: https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/boc-pdfs/boc_statistical_reports/exam-stats-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=4