Medical Laboratory Sciences Online Certificate
Work as a technologist in one of many laboratory settings.
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Request InfoMedical Laboratory Sciences Online Certificate Overview
The University of West Florida’s online Medical Laboratory Sciences Certificate programs provide key knowledge and skills needed to become a technologist in laboratory settings. Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and culminating in national board examinations, each certificate targets a specific laboratory setting:
- Technologist in Clinical Chemistry Online Certificate Program: Work as a technologist in the clinical chemistry section of medical facilities. This program prepares you to take the Chemistry C(ASCP) national board examination and be certified as a Technologist in Chemistry C(ASCP).
- Technologist in Hematology Online Certificate Program: Work as a technologist in the hematology/bodily fluids section of medical facilities and advance your career to a supervisory role. This program prepares you to sit for the categorical exam for certification as a Technologist in Hematology H (ASCP).
- Categorical Concentration in Core Lab (Hematology & Chemistry) Online Certificate Program: Work as a technologist in the hematology or clinical chemistry sections of medical facilities. This program prepares you to sit for national board examinations for hematology (ASCP) and chemistry (ASCP).
- Technologist in Microbiology Online Certificate Program: Work as a technologist in a hospital microbiology laboratory. This program prepares you to sit for national board examinations for Microbiology M(ASCP).
You’ll enroll in the same courses as students in the degree-seeking program. And at the end of the curriculum, you’ll participate in a virtual review week and take the national board examination to help you advance your career as a technologist.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students who want to work as a technologist in a medical laboratory
- Non-degree seeking students
- Working professionals seeking career advancement
You Will Be Able To:
- Demonstrate entry-level medical laboratory scientist knowledge of the specific category that you study, e.g. Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry and/or Hematology.
- Identify and apply principles of quality assurance in the clinical laboratory.
- Evaluate patient results and distinguish normal from abnormal results.
- Interact effectively with laboratory peers and supervisors.
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online Medical Laboratory Sciences Certificate programs include a total of 14 to 25 credit hours. Each certificate requires prerequisite coursework in genetics, as well as 12 credits of college-level chemistry, biochemistry, and human or mammalian physiology.
First Year Coursework (10 credit hours)
- MLS 4221C - Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
3 Credit Hours
Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
This course teaches the physiology, routine testing and interpretation for the following body fluids: urine, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, sweat, serous fluids (peritoneal, pleural, pericardial, synovial) and dialysates. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. BSC 1085 AND BSC 1086.
- MLS 4626C - Clinical Chemistry I for the MLT to MLS
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Chemistry I for the MLT to MLS
Review of the basic principles and procedures of clinical chemistry. Lecture and case studies devoted to chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids. Lab safety, specimen collection/handling/storage, lab mathematics, basic lab instrumentation and automation, data management, reference range determination and quality control monitoring will be stressed throughout the course. This class will discuss the pathophysiology and diagnostic testing related to the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, assessments of diabetes and diabetic risk, assessments of cardiac risk and monitoring and prognosis following myocardial infarction. Methodologies discussed include spectrophotometry, immunodiagnostics and computer generated analyses. Students will participate in class discussions about recent research in clinical chemistry, which will be presented in the forms of abstracts, research papers and figures. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and to interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: BCH 3033 AND CHM 2210.
- MLS 4631C - Clinical Chemistry II for the MLT to MLS
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Chemistry II for the MLT to MLS
This course continues where Clinical Chemistry I left off, discussing kidney function, electrolytes, blood gases, acid-base balance, mineral metabolism, enzyme measurement, liver function studies and pancreatic function assessment. It also includes the more esoteric tests involved in testing endocrine function, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, tumor markers and testing during pregnancy. Methodology is primarily immunoassay, potentiometry and spectrophotometry. Reading and disseminating research in the discipline is emphasized in the format of a journal club. Prerequisite: MLS 4625.
- MLS 4705 - Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
1 Credit Hours
Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
Fundamentals of clinical laboratory management, supervision and educational methodologies are covered. Students are introduced to clinical laboratory operations in areas of financial and human resource management, marketing of laboratory services, communications with other health care professionals, laboratory information systems and regulatory compliance with applicable regulatory agencies. Other special clinical topics related to education and training, lab safety, HIV / AIDS, prevention of medical errors, professional ethics and career planning are presented.
Internship Courses (4 credit hours)
- MLS 4820L - Clinical Chemistry III (Spring)
4 Credit Hours
Clinical Chemistry III (Spring)
Application of clinical chemistry principles and techniques presented in Clinical Chemistry I and II. Supervised practice in the hospital laboratory. Permission is required.
- MLS 4221C - Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
First Year Coursework (11 credit hours)
- MLS 4306C - Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
Study of production, maturation and morphology of normal and abnormal human blood cells. Pathological changes in morphology, cytochemistry and distribution of cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Discussion and interpretation of manual and automated methods for blood cell counts, hemoglobin measurement and other hematology parameters. Purpose, principle and clinical value of routine and special procedures. Quality control and quality assurance processes in a clinical hematology laboratory. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: BSC 1086 AND MLS 3194.
- MLS 4335C - Hemostasis and Thrombosis for the MLT to MLS track
3 Credit Hours
Hemostasis and Thrombosis for the MLT to MLS track
Role of blood vessels, platelets and coagulation factors in normal hemostasis. Platelet morphology and function, laboratory tests for evaluation of platelets and platelet disorders. Study of coagulation factors, coagulation pathways and inherited and acquired coagulation disorders. Normal fibrinolysis and disorders of fibrinolysis. Physiologic and pathologic coagulation inhibitors and their role in normal and abnormal hemostasis. Diagnosis and management of hemorrhagic diseases. Thrombotic disorders and their management by anticoagulant therapy and fibrinolytic therapy. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required.
- MLS 4221C - Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
3 Credit Hours
Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
This course teaches the physiology, routine testing and interpretation for the following body fluids: urine, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, sweat, serous fluids (peritoneal, pleural, pericardial, synovial) and dialysates. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. BSC 1085 AND BSC 1086.
- MLS 4705 - Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
1 Credit Hours
Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
Fundamentals of clinical laboratory management, supervision and educational methodologies are covered. Students are introduced to clinical laboratory operations in areas of financial and human resource management, marketing of laboratory services, communications with other health care professionals, laboratory information systems and regulatory compliance with applicable regulatory agencies. Other special clinical topics related to education and training, lab safety, HIV / AIDS, prevention of medical errors, professional ethics and career planning are presented.
Internship Courses (4 credit hours)
- MLS 4822L - Hematology II (Spring)
4 Credit Hours
Hematology II (Spring)
Application of Hematology I. Advanced practical training in automated hematology instrumentation, routine and special procedures in hematology lab, and practice of quality control methods, maintenance and trouble shooting of clinical hematology equipment. Training includes all aspects of clinical lab medicine in a modern hematology / coagulation lab and prepares the student to assume responsibility as a medical technologist. Permission is required.
- MLS 4306C - Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
First Year Coursework (17 credit hours)
- MLS 4306C - Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
Study of production, maturation and morphology of normal and abnormal human blood cells. Pathological changes in morphology, cytochemistry and distribution of cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Discussion and interpretation of manual and automated methods for blood cell counts, hemoglobin measurement and other hematology parameters. Purpose, principle and clinical value of routine and special procedures. Quality control and quality assurance processes in a clinical hematology laboratory. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: BSC 1086 AND MLS 3194.
- MLS 4335C - Hemostasis and Thrombosis for the MLT to MLS track
3 Credit Hours
Hemostasis and Thrombosis for the MLT to MLS track
Role of blood vessels, platelets and coagulation factors in normal hemostasis. Platelet morphology and function, laboratory tests for evaluation of platelets and platelet disorders. Study of coagulation factors, coagulation pathways and inherited and acquired coagulation disorders. Normal fibrinolysis and disorders of fibrinolysis. Physiologic and pathologic coagulation inhibitors and their role in normal and abnormal hemostasis. Diagnosis and management of hemorrhagic diseases. Thrombotic disorders and their management by anticoagulant therapy and fibrinolytic therapy. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required.
- MLS 4221C - Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
3 Credit Hours
Urinalysis/Body Fluids for the MLT to MLS track
This course teaches the physiology, routine testing and interpretation for the following body fluids: urine, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, sweat, serous fluids (peritoneal, pleural, pericardial, synovial) and dialysates. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. BSC 1085 AND BSC 1086.
- MLS 4626C - Clinical Chemistry I for the MLT to MLS
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Chemistry I for the MLT to MLS
Review of the basic principles and procedures of clinical chemistry. Lecture and case studies devoted to chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids. Lab safety, specimen collection/handling/storage, lab mathematics, basic lab instrumentation and automation, data management, reference range determination and quality control monitoring will be stressed throughout the course. This class will discuss the pathophysiology and diagnostic testing related to the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, assessments of diabetes and diabetic risk, assessments of cardiac risk and monitoring and prognosis following myocardial infarction. Methodologies discussed include spectrophotometry, immunodiagnostics and computer generated analyses. Students will participate in class discussions about recent research in clinical chemistry, which will be presented in the forms of abstracts, research papers and figures. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and to interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: BCH 3033 AND CHM 2210.
- MLS 4631C - Clinical Chemistry II for the MLT to MLS
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Chemistry II for the MLT to MLS
This course continues where Clinical Chemistry I left off, discussing kidney function, electrolytes, blood gases, acid-base balance, mineral metabolism, enzyme measurement, liver function studies and pancreatic function assessment. It also includes the more esoteric tests involved in testing endocrine function, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, tumor markers and testing during pregnancy. Methodology is primarily immunoassay, potentiometry and spectrophotometry. Reading and disseminating research in the discipline is emphasized in the format of a journal club. Prerequisite: MLS 4625.
- MLS 4705 - Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
1 Credit Hours
Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
Fundamentals of clinical laboratory management, supervision and educational methodologies are covered. Students are introduced to clinical laboratory operations in areas of financial and human resource management, marketing of laboratory services, communications with other health care professionals, laboratory information systems and regulatory compliance with applicable regulatory agencies. Other special clinical topics related to education and training, lab safety, HIV / AIDS, prevention of medical errors, professional ethics and career planning are presented.
Internship Courses (8 credit hours)
- MLS 4820L - Clinical Chemistry III (Spring)
4 Credit Hours
Clinical Chemistry III (Spring)
Application of clinical chemistry principles and techniques presented in Clinical Chemistry I and II. Supervised practice in the hospital laboratory. Permission is required.
- MLS 4306C - Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
Study of production, maturation and morphology of normal and abnormal human blood cells. Pathological changes in morphology, cytochemistry and distribution of cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Discussion and interpretation of manual and automated methods for blood cell counts, hemoglobin measurement and other hematology parameters. Purpose, principle and clinical value of routine and special procedures. Quality control and quality assurance processes in a clinical hematology laboratory. Correlation of lab findings to various disease conditions is stressed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: BSC 1086 AND MLS 3194.
- MLS 4306C - Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
First Year Coursework (17 credit hours)
- MLS 4506C - Clinical Immunology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Clinical Immunology for the MLT to MLS track
The course is divided into three major sections. The immune system and its components, complement, antibody and antigens, cellular and humoral immunity are described. Immune-mediated diseases, such as AIDS, hemolytic disease of the newborn and lupus erythematosis are featured. Diseases that are diagnosed using serologic methods, such as syphilis, infectious mononucleosis and measles are discussed. Current methodologies used in the medical serology and immunodiagnostic laboratory are reviewed. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret serologic and immunologic results, such as agglutination, precipitation, immunofluorescence, ELISA and antibody elution and detection methods. Permission is required. Prerequisite: MLS 3194 AND MLS 3621.
- MLS 4461C - Diagnostic Microbiology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Diagnostic Microbiology for the MLT to MLS track
Study of bacteria associated with infectious diseases. Includes microbial taxonomy, physiology, genetics and host-parasite relationships as they apply to clinical microbiology. Pathogens of particular organ systems, pathogenesis of infectious disease, clinical manifestations, etiology and epidemiology of disease are covered. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: MLS 3020.
- MLS 4463C - Medical Microbiology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Medical Microbiology for the MLT to MLS track
Study of medical microbiology covering areas of clinical parasitology, mycobacteriology, clinical virology, clinical mycology and miscellaneous and emerging pathogens. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities to identify parasites, fungi and to interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: MCB 3020.
- MLS 4193C - Molecular Diagnostics for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Molecular Diagnostics for the MLT to MLS track
This course covers the fundamentals of clinical diagnosis and management of disease by molecular biology laboratory methods. Two broad areas in the current state of the art are addressed: molecular diseases/variants and molecular methods to diagnose and monitor disease. Disorders due to inherited or acquired molecular defects such as errors of metabolism, hemoglobinopathies, leukemia and cystic fibrosis are discussed. Principles and procedures for the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases by molecular methods are also included. The discussion of molecular approaches to diagnosing and monitoring these diseases will span the conventional methods of PCR, gel electrophoresis and Southern Blotting to semi-automated methods of TMA, LCR and real-time PCR. A survey of molecular diagnostic methods currently available in various sections of a clinical laboratory is included. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret laboratory data. Permission is required. Prerequisite: BCH 3033 AND PCB 3063C.
- MLS 4705 - Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
1 Credit Hours
Special Clinical Topics (Fall)
Fundamentals of clinical laboratory management, supervision and educational methodologies are covered. Students are introduced to clinical laboratory operations in areas of financial and human resource management, marketing of laboratory services, communications with other health care professionals, laboratory information systems and regulatory compliance with applicable regulatory agencies. Other special clinical topics related to education and training, lab safety, HIV / AIDS, prevention of medical errors, professional ethics and career planning are presented.
Internship Courses (6 credit hours)
- MLS 4821L - Diagnostic Microbiology II
4 Credit Hours
Diagnostic Microbiology II
Application of clinical microbiology principles and techniques presented in MLS 4460. Supervised practice in an affiliated hospital laboratory. Includes manual and automated identification and susceptibility testing, specimen collection and processing, quality assurance, and laboratory organization. Permission is required.
- MLS 4824L - Special Clinical Methods
2 Credit Hours
Special Clinical Methods
Supervised practice in a hospital laboratory. Special methods in clinical laboratory sciences, including non-routine (special) chemistry procedures and methods in immunodiagnostics, mycobacteriology and clinical mycology. Permission is required.
- MLS 4506C - Clinical Immunology for the MLT to MLS track
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online Medical Laboratory Sciences Certificate programs, you must be admitted to the University as an undergraduate non-degree seeking student. Other requirements include:
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in biology, chemistry or biomedical sciences
- Completed prerequisite coursework in physiology, genetics and biochemistry
- Be employed by a clinical training affiliate of the UWF Medical Laboratory Sciences Department
- Complete the program eligibility form
- Meet background and drug screen requirements
How to Apply
Interested students need to fill out a Non-degree Seeking Application through Undergraduate Admissions at uwf.edu/apply. Once accepted, contact the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences to speak with an advisor about course availability and scheduling.
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu. If you are a current UWF student, please reach out to the department academic advisor.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $2,627.76 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $648.37 per credit hour | $7,780.44 |
| 75% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $341.67 per credit hour | $4,100.04 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 75 percent of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to three semesters to complete, depending on course availability.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
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Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
With a Medical Laboratory Sciences Certificate, you can work as a technologist in different medical laboratory settings.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Burning Glass Technologies.
Medical Laboratory Scientists
Medical laboratory scientists conduct routine and complex laboratory practices, typically at a hospital or independent medical lab. They may have to collect specimens directly from patients. Clinical laboratory scientists also ensure that quality control and safety policies are met. They earn an average wage of $54,468 a year.
Laboratory Managers
Laboratory managers are responsible for the daily operations of a medical lab. They ensure quality standards are met and write laboratory procedures. Additionally, they may help with routine and specialized work, manage laboratory staff and audit supplies and chemicals. Laboratory managers earn an average salary of $66,682 per year.