Clinical Lab Sciences - MLT to MLS Online
Become an expert in laboratory sciences.
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Clinical Lab Sciences, B.S. – MLT to MLS Overview
With the MLT to MLS online program from the University of West Florida, you will prepare for a high-demand career in medical lab sciences. Through a program designed specifically for current medical laboratory technicians who are seeking to become a medical laboratory scientist, you will become competent in the full range of clinical laboratory tests — including blood bank, hematology, molecular diagnostics, clinical chemistry, diagnostic microbiology and clinical immunology. The program also teaches you vital subjects such as physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, biology, management and education. Through the program’s online format, you can study at your own pace while learning from notable faculty who are highly experienced in the field.
Focusing on key topics in clinical lab sciences, the curriculum covers:
- Fundamentals of clinical diagnosis and disease management using molecular biology laboratory methods
- The immune system, its various components and related diseases and illnesses
- Testing and interpreting body fluids, blood cell counts and other hematology parameters and platelets
- Bacteria that are associated with infectious diseases
- Identification of parasites and fungi
- The principles and procedures of blood bank and transfusion services
- The fundamentals and procedures of clinical chemistry and clinical laboratory management
- Genetic analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes
- Physiological processes and the fundamental concepts of how the body responds to pathology
Accreditation
Our online MLT to MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and is licensed by the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel in the state of Florida. In addition, the program prepares you for the national board exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Medical laboratory technicians with an associate degree and are credentialed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) or American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Students seeking to advance their career and become a medical laboratory scientist
- Those wanting to pursue a career in a supervisory or management position in the field
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate competency in the full range of clinical laboratory tests and procedures
- Assume responsibility in areas such as quality control, clinical decision making, supervision, analysis and education
- Prepare for and pass the national board exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Courses and Requirements
University of West Florida’s MLT to MLS online program includes a total of 120 credit hours in specific topics. In the major’s 48 credit hours, you will study key topics in clinical lab sciences.
Students must satisfy 36 credit hours of general education requirements. The general education requirements are the basic studies that provide students with a broad educational foundation and are essential requirements for all baccalaureate degree programs. Included in the general education requirements are subjects in communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, multicultural studies and lower-level electives. The science and math general education requirements are satisfied by the common prerequisites, shown below. Associate degrees generally provide 15 more credits of general studies that will transfer to the program.
Choose one of the following:
- BSC 1086+L - Anatomy and Physiology II (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
Anatomy and Physiology II (plus lab)
Continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Reviews basic anatomical/physiological attributes of endocrine, cardiopulmonary, digestive, reproductive and immune systems. Meets general education requirement in natural sciences. Lab focuses on anatomical dissections and experimental physiology exercises that enhance understanding of human form and function. Exercises parallel topics presented in the lecture series. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- BSC 2010+L - Biology I (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
Biology I (plus lab)
Introduction to the cellular processes of living organisms, including subcellular structures, biochemical and genetic regulation of function and growth, reproduction, heredity and evolution. Meets general education requirement in natural sciences. Lab is an introduction to the science method, reading, writing, microscopy and science measurement. Cellular processes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, including subcellular structures, biochemical and genetic regulation of function and growth, reproduction, heredity and evidence of evolution. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
* STA 2023 can be used to satisfy general education science or math requirements.
- BSC 1086+L - Anatomy and Physiology II (plus lab)
- 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 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 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 4306C - Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Hematology for the MLT to MLS track
This course studies the production, maturation and morphology of normal and abnormal human blood cells. It describes 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 are stressed. The purpose, principle, and clinical value of routine and special procedures is stressed. Quality control and quality assurance processes in a clinical hematology laboratory are of importance. 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 or BSC 2010, MLS 3194 and MLS 3621.
- 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 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 4552C - Immunohematology for the MLT to MLS track
4 Credit Hours
Immunohematology for the MLT to MLS track
Review of the basic principles and procedures of blood bank and transfusion services. Fundamentals of blood group immunology. Pre-transfusion testing of patient blood and donor blood for compatibility. Antigens, antibodies and their properties in clinically significant blood group systems. ABO & Rh typing, compatibility testing and special tests. Antibody screen and identification. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Transfusion therapy, hazards of transfusion and investigation of transfusion reactions. Donor selection, collection of donor blood and testing for infectious agents. Preparation, storage and utilization of blood components. Regulations, medico-legal and ethical aspects of transfusion services. Students will perform virtual laboratory activities and interpret case studies. Prerequisite: BCH 3033 AND PCB 3063.
- 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 4704 - Clinical Management Portfolio for the MLT to MLS track
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Management Portfolio for the MLT to MLS track
Fundamentals of clinical laboratory management, research and educational methodologies are covered. Students are introduced to clinical laboratory operations including financial and human resource management, marketing of laboratory services, communication with other healthcare professionals, laboratory information systems, research design and compliance with regulatory agencies. The student will provide evidence of adequate training or work experience in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology and blood bank equivalent to an MLS clinical internship and produce this in a professionally developed portfolio. The student will produce a professionally written case study that is suitable for publication. Meets Gordon Rule writing requirement.
- 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 4193C - Molecular Diagnostics for the MLT to MLS track
- MLS 3194 - Clinical Genetics
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Genetics
This course introduces the student to prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes and their genetic analysis. The course will look at human disease and principles of inheritance as well as mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The course introduces methodologies used in clinical laboratories to evaluate disease. Prerequisite: BSC 1085 AND BSC 1086 AND BSC 2010 AND CHM 2046.
- MLS 3621 - Clinical Biochemistry
3 Credit Hours
Clinical Biochemistry
The course is a first in a series of clinical chemistry courses for the medical laboratory sciences student. The course is divided into five major sections. Nucleic acids, their composition and production; carbohydrates, their composition and production; lipids, their composition and function; proteins, their composition and function. Each macromolecule section will include discussions about diseases associated with deficiencies or derangements. The methods section deals with principles of instrumentation used in the clinical laboratory, such as spectrophotometry, fluorescence, nephelometry, HPLC, electrophoresis, immunoassay, PCR and mass spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHM 2210.
Choose one of the following:
- HSC 3555 - Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Pathophysiology
Disease as an abnormal biological process. Selected physiological processes and basic concepts of body response to pathology will be explored. Approach appropriate to students of nursing, allied health, medicine and biology. Recommended prerequisite: one course in anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: (BSC 1085 AND BSC 1086) OR PCB 4703 OR PCB 3097/L OR PCB 4098/L.
- HSC 3535 - Medical Terminology
3 Credit Hours
Medical Terminology
This course is designed to familiarize students with the vocabulary used in the medical and health professions. Students will employ a systematic, word-building approach to master the complex terminology of the medical field. An emphasis is placed on word dissection of compound medical terms and inferring word meanings from their prefixes, suffixes, and stem words. Credit may not be received in both HSC 3535 and HSC 3534.
- MLS 3194 - Clinical Genetics
Students must complete sufficient electives to satisfy the degree requirement of 120 hours. Up to 12 semester hours of Associate in Science MLT courses will be validated for credit based upon MLT certification and successful completion of the major courses in the program.
Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.
Admission Requirements
Acceptance to the University does not constitute admission to the upper-division Clinical Laboratory Sciences program. Students entering UWF who declare a major in Clinical Laboratory Sciences will automatically be placed in a pending status until they meet the requirements for admission. At the time of admission to the university, potential students must already have completed an MLT program that includes clinical training courses and are a certified generalist MLT (ASCP, AMT, AAB).
To be considered for admission into UWF’s MLT to MLS online program, you must:
- Have either an Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from a NAACLS or ABHES accredited program or military training as a Medical Laboratory Technician and have an Associate of Arts degree
- Completion of all the prerequisite course work with a grade of “C-” or better.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Two years of full-time work as an MLT in the last 5 years (If graduated in the last year from an accredited program, must be working at the time of acceptance into the MLT to MLS program.)
- Have current certification as an MLT by ASCP, AMT or AAB (cannot be provisional)
This program will not meet immigration requirements for students holding an F1 or J1 Visa to maintain status. Contact International Affairs for further information.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for undergraduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Provide primary proof of your current MLT certification
- Complete the MLT to MLS application form
- Submit letters of recommendation, as requested
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $26,277.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 81) | $218.98 per credit hour | $8,540.22 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $648.37 per credit hour | $77,804.40 |
| 75% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $341.67 per credit hour | $41,000.40 |
Total program tuition may vary depending on the number of credits accepted for transfer. On average, students with their MLT transfer in approximately 40 credits. Please review the Courses and Requirements tab for more details on the general education requirements and pre-requisites needed to complete this bachelor’s degree.
Tuition waivers cover up to 75% 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. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to approximately six semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of 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
Upon completion of our MLT to MLS online program, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.
Biotechnologist
There are three areas of biotechnology that include environmental, industrial and medical. Biotech scientists use biological organisms to create and improve products and processes for agriculture, medicine and conservation. Biotechnology Scientists earned an average salary of $72,695 in 2024. The biotechnology industry in the US saw a 6% increase in employment between 2018 and 2023.
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 $72,568 per year.
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 $60,780 per year.