Post baccalaureate certificate in microbiology for medical laboratory science

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Overview

Table of Contents Show

The Second Degree and Certificate Curriculum
Medical Laboratory Science Certification
Connect With Us

The MLS Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program is open to individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, molecular and cell biology, or a related subject area and who have completed appropriate prerequisite courses. You will apply by February 1st for admission the following January. The program is limited to a maximum of 24 students each year (combined undergraduate and certificate program admissions).

Over the course of 17 months, you will complete didactic and clinical laboratory training. The didactic portion of the curriculum will be completed over two semesters and a summer session at the UConn Storrs campus. Didactic coursework will cover seven major areas of study:

Clinical Chemistry – The biochemical analysis of blood and body fluids for the detection of disease including the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation.
Clinical Immunology – The study of immune responses in normal and diseased states including the detection of antigens and antibodies in blood and body fluids in infectious and auto-immune diseases.
Clinical Microbiology – The isolation and identification of normal flora and clinically significant bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, including anti-microbial susceptibility testing.
Diagnostic Molecular Technologies – DNA and RNA technologies used in clinical settings, including cancer management, transplantation, infectious disease, and genetic disorder diagnosis.
Hematology – The study of hemostasis and blood cell formation and function, including the diagnosis of coagulation disorders, anemias, leukemias, and lymphomas.
Transfusion Services – Evaluation of laboratory results for selection of blood components for therapy, including human blood groups, HLA antigens, and compatibility testing and donor selection.
Urinalysis – The chemical and microscopic examination of urine for the detection of disease.

In the final semester of the program, you will complete a clinical rotation at one of several clinical affiliates throughout Connecticut where you will work one-on-one with a practicing technologist in a licensed clinical laboratory. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the certification examination in Medical Laboratory Sciences offered by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers both a second bachelor’s degree and a clinical laboratory science certificate program in an online hybrid format combining distance education with on site laboratory sessions. Both the second degree and certificate options are accredited 12-month programs for students who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university and who now wish to obtain a second bachelor’s degree in clinical lab science or acquire additional training to work in the field of medical laboratory science.

Each program combines online lectures and instructional material with a six-day laboratory session conducted on-site at the end of each of the first two semesters. For either program, you will be required to complete a clinical preceptorship in an affiliated laboratory.

While the coursework for both programs is the same, the prerequisite requirements for the clinical laboratory science post-baccalaureate certificate and the second degree bachelor’s programs are different. Please review carefully the prerequisites for each program prior to applying. You may apply to more than one program and you will be considered for the program for which you meet the requirements.

The Second Degree and Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

NAACLS
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 733-714-8880
Fax: 733-714-8886

For complete information about prerequisites and other program requirements, please visit the program admissions page.

The Second Degree and Certificate Curriculum

The curriculum of both the TTUHSC CLS Second Degree and Certificate Program consists of 35 hours of academic education combining online class instruction and on site laboratory experience. Classes include:

Clinical Immunology
Foundations of Clinical Microbiology
Clinical Laboratory Practice
Principles of Molecular Diagnostics
Advanced Microbiology

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.

DEC. 1

Application open

MAY 1

Application deadline

FALL

Program Start Term

Explore our curriculum and research and on-site laboratory requirements.

Medical Laboratory Science Certification

When you successfully complete the requirements of either the second degree or certificate in clinical laboratory science you are eligible to sit for the national Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.

Outcomes (2020-2022)

For the past three years, TTUHSC students in the CLS traditional and Second Degree / Certificate Combined had a graduation rate of 94.3%.
For the past three years, our student had a MLS (ASCP) certification first-time pass rate of 78.6%.
For the past three years, 99% of our graduates found employment in the field or a closely related field within one year of graduation.

"The online CLS program at TTUHSC changed my life! While investigating career options, I found the CLS online program at TTUHSC. The program was challenging and there were times, despite my determination and commitment, that I was sure I wasn’t going to be up to the task; but the instructors were so great at their subjects and so invested in my success, that they got me through every challenge and past every doubt. The quality of education I received from this program ensured that I was confident and impressive in my local job market. I received multiple job offers at graduation and chose a great spot for me. I feel secure in my bright future with this exciting new career, thanks to the great education I’ve received. I can’t thank everyone involved with the program enough, for helping me find my way to a job I love."