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MLS Student sitting in laboratory

Medical Laboratory Science MLT-MLS
Online BS

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Now accepting applications for the Spring 2027 cohort. This program has an application review deadline of Dec. 15.

Advance from an MLT to an MLS

This part-time, cohort-based MLT-MLS program offers the flexibility you need to complete your degree while balancing other life responsibilities and commitments. Succeed in the field of Medical Laboratory Science and achieve your professional goals and aspirations with personalized guidance from our faculty.

Our College of Nursing & Health Sciences specifically designed this online degree for people who already hold an associate Medical Laboratory Technology degree from a NAACLS-accredited institution but want to further advance their careers.

Invest in your career. Advance your earning potential.

Becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist can help you increase your earning potential, expand your responsibilities, and qualify for advanced laboratory roles.

Earn more: MLS professionals earn an average of $20,000 more annually than MLT professionals.
Take on more responsibility: Advance into roles with greater responsibility, leadership, and supervisory opportunities.
Perform advanced testing: Expand your skills and qualify to perform more complex laboratory testing.

UMass Dartmouth’s MLT-MLS program benefits

  • 100% online courses
  • 100% job placement rate
  • High ASCP BOC MLS exam pass rates
  • Nationally recognized faculty
  • One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
  • The value and affordability of a UMass education

Student success

Average salary for medical laboratory scientists in Massachusetts

American Society for Clinical Pathology 2023 Wage Survey

Career opportunities

Move up in your career with an MLS degree and discover additional opportunities at your current place of employment, including the ability to work in specialty testing areas. 

Medical Laboratory Scientists have expanded career options and can be employed in: 

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Forensic or public health laboratories
  • Research institutions
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Veterinary clinics

MLT-MLS Online Program Curriculum

Year Term Course Credits
Year 1 Spring ENL 264 Communicating in the Sciences* 3
Year 1 Spring MTH 147 Fundamental of Statistics 3
Year 1 Spring PHL 215 Introduction to Ethics* 3
Year 1 Summer MLS 301 Principles of Microbiology 4
Year 1 Summer MLS 313 Medical Microbiology 3
Year 1 Fall MLS 325 Clinical Immunobiology 3
Year 1 Fall MLS 331 Fundamentals of Clinical Hematology 3
Year 1 Fall MLS 341 Clinical Chem. in Diagnostic Techniques 3
Year 1 Winter MLS 327 Applications of Immunology & Human Genetics to Immunohematology 3
Year 1 total     27
Year 2 Spring MLS 401 Clinical Microbiology I 4
Year 2 Spring MLS 421 Immunohematology I 2
Year 2 Spring MLS 431 Hematology I 2
Year 2 Summer MLS 443 Clinical Biochemistry I 4
Year 2 Summer MLS 426 Phlebotomy & Urinalysis 2
Year 2 Summer MLS 432 Hematology II 2
Year 2 Fall MLS 411 Clinical Microbiology II 3
Year 2 Fall MLS 422 Immunohematology II 3
Year 2 Fall MLS 444 Clinical Biochemistry II 3
Year 2 Fall MLS 450 Senior Seminar 3
Year 2 total     29
Total credits     56

To earn your Medical Laboratory Science bachelor’s online at UMass Dartmouth, you will need to take 47 MLS course credits and additional courses outside of MLS as needed. You will also have to complete an internship dependent on your clinical work experience.

Upon admission it is important that you start to work on arranging your internship before mid-fall semester break of your first cohort year by providing the Online MLS Support and Competency form completed by a current employer or practicum site that indicates agreement to support your clinical experience:

Typically, a new MLT-MLS cohort begins each spring semester.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Medical Laboratory Science BS degree applicants must: 

  • Hold an associate degree from a NAACLS accredited CLT/MLT program or equivalent coursework. You can verify your program is NAACLS accredited by visiting their website.
  • Submit proof of current ASCP CLT/MLT certification by uploading into the Applicant Portal or email a copy to online@admissions.umassd.edu. 
  • Submit in your professional resume. Upload in the Applicant Portal or email PDF attachments to online@admissions.umassd.edu.
    • Resume must show you are currently working as a MLT in a clinical lab setting or indicate that you will be at the start of this program.
  • Have earned a GPA of 2.5 or better in your original MLT degree program.
  • Submit official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities for which you enrolled in courses.
  • A TOEFL or IELTS score is required if you do not hold an undergraduate degree from a U.S. higher education institution.

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

Explore more

Read the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement from the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

UMass Dartmouth is Military Friendly

UMass Dartmouth is a Military Friendly School, that focuses on recruitment and retention of students with military experience. Learn more

NAACLS logo for the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

The Medical Laboratory Science program at UMass Dartmouth is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.