Custom curriculum tracks combine hands-on clinical experience with courses in advanced evidence-based practice, health care management and research. While bench research opportunities are available to students, research assistantships are not offered as part of this program. The primary focus of this degree is preparation for advanced clinical practice.
Whether diagnosing the flu, developing new technology for disease detection or treating cancer, medical laboratory scientists provide critical information to patients and providers in health care settings.
UVM’s Master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science prepares individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field (Track 1) or certified medical laboratory scientists (Track 2) for leadership roles in medical laboratory science and research related to clinical laboratory practice. The program is designed to prepare students to become outstanding Medical Laboratory Scientists as demonstrated by the ability to:
- apply theoretical and research training to evidence-based clinical practice
- engage in clinical problem solving that leads to better patient outcomes
- develop professional relationships that promote interdisciplinary collaboration
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Alumni Spotlight: Myles McGowan G‘18
For Myles McGowan, a master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science offers a path to a career on the cutting edge of technological innovation with the potential to directly impact patients’ lives. Read more >>
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Admission Requirements
Track One: For individuals who are not certified in medical laboratory science
- B.S. or B.A. in one of the life sciences (or related field) from accredited college or university
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- General biology or anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (4 credits), general microbiology with lab (4 credits), college level math (3 credits)
- TOEFL scores (international students)
- UVM Graduate College Application form
- GRE's not required
Track Two: For individuals already certified in medical laboratory science
- B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science or related field and ASCP certification in Medical Laboratory Science or ASCP certification-eligible.
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- General biology or anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (4 credits), general microbiology with lab (4 credits), college level math (3 credits)
- TOEFL scores (international students)
- UVM Graduate College Application form
- GRE's not required
Accelerated Master's Option: For current undergraduates in the Medical Laboratory Science program
- Good standing as a current third-year medical laboratory science student
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Completion of the Graduate College Application
- Written personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE's not required
Minimum Degree Requirements
Track One: 43 credits NAACLS-accredited courses and 24 credits Advanced Practice courses (67 credits total). View Track One curriculum (PDF) >>
Track Two: 30 credits Advanced Practice courses. View Track Two curriculum (PDF) >>
Accelerated Master's Option: The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) offers select undergraduate students an opportunity to earn both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Medical Laboratory Science in five years.
View graduate student handbook (PDF) >>
All students must complete a comprehensive exam that covers major topic areas of the medical laboratory science profession.
Certification
Upon successful completion of Track One, students will be eligible to take the ASCP Certification Exam. Graduation is NOT contingent on passing the certification exam. Some states require licensure. View state-by-state licensure requirements.
Clinical and Research Opportunities
Students in Track One will complete a semester-long clinical internship at one of the hospitals within the University of Vermont Health Network as part of the core NAACLS-accredited program.
All students will complete a three-course series in research method and design that culminates with a capstone research project. Under the supervision of the program faculty in collaboration with clinical affiliate partners, students will conduct relevant evidence-based research to advance the field of medical laboratory science.
Application Instructions
Application Process
Applications for graduate admission must be submitted online through the AHCAS website.
- UVM Supplemental application: You do not need to submit any transcripts, letters of recommendations, or essays/resumes to the supplemental application. Under Statement of Purpose, upload a document stating, "see AHCAS application."
- Three letters of recommendation,
- Official transcript of all colleges attended
- Statement of purpose: What draws you to the Medical Laboratory Science profession and what goals do you have with this degree? Please use 12-point font, 2 pages in Times New Roman.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-US residents.
Please note the minimum TOEFL score for this program is 100. Applicants must have the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree, which consists of 16 years of formal education.
Review of Graduate Applications
The UVM Medical Laboratory Science program considers several factors when reviewing an application to the graduate program. Specifically, and not in any order of importance, the Department is interested in:
- Undergraduate/Pre-professional Grades (GPA 3.0 or higher)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (Essay)
Decisions will go out 6 weeks after applications are verified and completed. Applications submitted by January 15 will receive priority review.
Undergraduate/Pre-professional Grades
There is a distinction between "undergraduate" and "pre-professional" grades, since some people have completed an undergraduate degree in another field and have had to complete a series of prerequisite courses in addition to the undergraduate degree.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation to support their application for graduate study. These letters are important because they often provide admissions committees with information that is not found elsewhere in your application. Letters should come from academic faculty who know you well and can speak to your academic performance OR professional contacts and employers who can speak to your work skills and practice.
Statement of Purpose (Essay)
The Statement of Purpose is a very important part of your application. In fact, at UVM it is given the same weight as your academic transcript, graduate record exam (GRE) scores, and letters of recommendation. Furthermore, the Statement of Purpose demonstrates how well you express yourself using the written word. An effective Statement of Purpose is a 1 – 2 page essay that typically:
- describes your motivations for advancing your career as a medical laboratory scientist at the University of Vermont.
- tells us why you think you will be a successful candidate. We are interested in knowing how you have prepared for graduate study, what this preparation demonstrates about your fitness for study in the field, and what you consider to be your strengths and challenges. When identifying challenges, also please describe how you have dealt with these in your academic career to date.
Accreditation: The Medical Laboratory Science Program, Clinical Laboratory Science Concentration at the University of Vermont has been re-accredited for the period April 30, 2022 - April 30, 2032 by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; (773) 714-8880.