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Clinical Microbiology
Undergraduate Certificate
Get certified to work in a lab
Advance your career in the clinical microbiology laboratory with a certificate in clinical microbiology!
Develop the specialized knowledge and skills that are essential to culture, identify, and analyze disease-causing microorganisms. Students who complete the certificate program are eligible for the ASCP BOC(M) examination.
Why earn a clinical microbiology certificate at UMass Dartmouth?
Do you have a BS degree in biology or chemistry? Are you interested in a hands-on career in microbiology and working with state-of-the-art equipment, where you can collaborate with a healthcare team as you help diagnose infections? Consider our Clinical Microbiology Certificate Program!
UMass Dartmouth's NAACLS-accredited clinical microbiology certificate program is designed for professionals who already have a bachelor's degree and at least 15 combined credits in biology and chemistry. The certificate can be completed in as little as 15 months and prepares students for a career in the growing, lucrative, and fulfilling field of clinical microbiology.
Launch your career
What can I do with a certificate in clinical microbiology?
With this certification, you can work as a clinical microbiologist in hospitals, laboratories, research facilities, and government institutions. Clinical microbiologists are in high demand across the country and are crucial members of healthcare teams.
What skills will I learn?
While earning the clinical microbiology certification, you'll learn the skills to:
- Isolate and identify clinical pathogens
- Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate laboratory results
- Operate specialized instrumentation
- Work safely in a Biohazard Safety Level 2 Laboratory (BSL-2)
- Apply quality control and assurance practices
Program curriculum and details
Student success
Average salary for medical laboratory scientists in Massachusetts
Salary range: $87,000 American Society for Clinical Pathology 2023 Wage SurveyClinical Microbiology Certificate curriculum
| Year | Term | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall | MLS 301 Principles of Microbiology | 4 |
| Year 1 | Fall | MLS 303 Principles of Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| Year 1 | Spring | MLS 313 Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| Year 1 | Spring | MLS 314 Medical Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| Year 1 total | 9 | ||
| Year 2 | Fall | MLS 401 Clinical Microbiology | 5 |
| Year 2 | Fall | MLS 411 Clinical Microbiology II | 3 |
| Year 2 total | 8 | ||
| Total credits | 17 |
Course descriptions, schedules and requirements
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Clinical Microbiology Undergraduate Certificate program? Below are answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
A certificate in microbiology qualifies students to sit for the ASCP BOC (M) Categorical Examination. Upon passing, you will be eligible to work in a clinical microbiology lab, where you will analyze patient samples to identify microorganisms that cause infectious diseases.
A certificate in clinical biochemistry qualifies students to sit for the ASCP BOC (C) Categorical Examination. Upon passing, you will be eligible to work in a clinical chemistry lab, where you will analyze blood and bodily fluids to measure electrolytes, lipids, hormones, and more.
MLT, MLS, M, and C are all certifications offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC).
| Role | Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) | Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) | Scientist in Microbiology (M) | Scientist in Chemistry (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Associates degree with training in all areas of the clinical laboratory | Bachelor's degree with training in all areas of the clinical laboratory | Bachelor's degree with a specialized training in microbiology | Bachelor's degree with specialized training in chemistry |
| Certification | MLT (ASCP)CM | MLS (ASCP)CM | M (ASCP)CM | C (ASCP)CM |
| Scope of Practice | Perform routine laboratory testing under supervision | Perform complex laboratory testing and may supervise staff | Performs complex testing exclusively in clinical microbiology | Performs complex testing exclusively in clinical chemistry |
Credentialed scientists can work to become laboratory leaders including mangers, supervisors, lead scientists, and technical specialists.
Accreditations and distinctions
The Medical Laboratory Science program at UMass Dartmouth is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.