Online Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science
The Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences prepares working professionals to take the next step in clinical laboratory practice. With a fully online format and industry-aligned curriculum, the program supports career advancement in a high-demand healthcare field.
MLS Certificate Program Overview
The Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to expand or formalize their expertise in clinical laboratory science. Delivered 100% online, the program prepares students for advanced laboratory roles by building strong competencies in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory operations.
This certificate leverages the University of Cincinnati’s long-standing, NAACLS-accredited MLS curriculum and faculty expertise, offering a flexible pathway for working professionals to advance their careers while maintaining employment. Graduates gain the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and professional judgment required to perform complex laboratory testing and support patient care across diverse healthcare settings.
MLS Certificate Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Faculty comprised of leading experts and practitioners in blood banking and transfusion medicine
- Full online laboratory pathway through UC
- The University of Cincinnati is staying ahead of the growing demand for laboratory science professionals by offering a full lab science education pathway starting with this program. Graduates from this program can qualify for the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Both are completely online and offer unrivaled lab science graduate degree experience. If you’re interested in furthering your education after graduation, we encourage you to visit these programs.
Flexibility
- 100% online coursework with flexible scheduling
- Can be completed in just one academic year (two semesters)
- Start in fall, spring, or summer semester
- Transfer credits accepted from accredited programs or relevant prior coursework
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
- Admission is open to students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry.
- Pre-requisite coursework should include a strong foundation in the following areas: biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biochemistry (or organic chemistry), microbiology, and immunology. Demonstration of math proficiency is required; a semester length course in statistics is preferred. Students may be required to take prerequisite coursework as a condition of their admission.
- A 2.5 cumulative GPA is recommended for admission into the certificate program; however, students with lower averages may apply and will be considered for admission on a competitive basis.
Our Admissions Office is happy to work with you to answer any questions you may have and help determine your eligibility. To confirm you qualify for this program, please contact our enrollment team at onlineenrollment@uc.edu or (833) 556-8611 for assistance.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Learn more about requesting your transcripts.
Two professional references required; one must be from a current lab supervisor. Reference forms are submitted via the application system.
This is an online program and does not meet federal requirements for international students planning to attend on a visa. International students with questions should contact UC's International Services at 513-556-4278.
It is recommended to have the following:
- Intel i5 processor
- 8 GB RAM, 16 GB recommended
- Video Card
- Broadband Access (DSL/Cable/Fioptics)
- Sound card with internal or external speakers
- Web Camera with integrated microphone
- Printer or access to a printer
For additional technology requirements please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences Computer Requirements.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
- The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- The University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
- 5600 N. River RD, Suite 720 Rosemont, Il 60018-5119 | Phone: 773.714.8880 | Email: info@naacls.org
Outcomes
Program outcomes are calculated following NAACLS guidelines and are based on students who began the second half of the program and graduated from the Bachelor of Science and certificate programs (online and campus-based).
| 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Rate* | 99% | 100% | 99% |
*Pass rates represent the percentage of students who graduated during the specified reporting period and who both attempted and passed the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Exam within one year of their graduation date.
| 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate* | 79% | 83% | 90% |
*Graduation rates reflect the percentage of students who began the second half of the accredited program and have successfully graduated
| 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement Rate* | 99% | 100% | 99% |
*Placement rates reflect the percentage of graduates who either find employment in the field of medical laboratory science or a closely related field (for those who seek employment) or continue their education within one year of graduation.
Note: Data collection is ongoing for graduates in the July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 reporting period. Results will be updated as new information is available and finalized after the 1-year post-graduation period ends in 2026.
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