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Curriculum and Degree Options

Learn about the curriculum and degree requirements of KU's bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science.

A bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science from KU can offer a wealth of opportunities and unique flexibility in your future career decisions.


2+2 Bachelor's Degree Program

In our 2+2 program, you'll take at least two years (a minimum of 56 credit hours) of specified preparatory courses (biological sciences, chemistry, math and general education) followed by entry into the professional component of the program at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The clinical and molecular biotechnology concentration study plans detail the preparatory course requirements and may be helpful in planning coursework. Classes with similar content from an accredited institution may be acceptable alternatives.

During their time in the program, students are expected to enroll full-time with course loads of 13-15 credit hours in science classes during fall and spring semesters. Enrollment during the summer between the first and second years in the program is also required. Students take the same coursework until they reach their final semester in the program.

During the final year, students have 14-16 weeks of practicum experience at one or several of the school’s many collaborating affiliates.


The clinical laboratory science degree offers two concentration options.

Clinical Concentration
  • This is our NAACLS accredited medical laboratory scientist program.
  • Successful completion and the awarding of the bachelor's degree allows you to sit for the national certification examination (American Society for Clinical Pathology) and upon passing the exam, be credentialed as an MLS(ASCP).
Molecular Biotechnology Concentration
  • This is our NAACLS accredited diagnostic molecular scientist program.
  • Successful completion and the awarding of the bachelor's degree allows you to sit for the national certification examination (American Society for Clinical Pathology) and upon passing the exam be credentialed as an MB(ASCP).

Categorical Concentration in Hematology, Chemistry or Microbiology

The categorical concentration serves science majors who already hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and are currently working in a clinical laboratory in hematology, chemistry or microbiology in a position comparable to a medical laboratory scientist.       

The categorical concentration course of study allows qualified individuals to complete the educational requirements for one specific area of clinical laboratory science. A second bachelor's degree is NOT awarded to the student, but coursework will appear on the official KU transcript.

Successful completion of one of the categorical concentrations allows the student to sit for the categorical certification examination in microbiology, hematology or chemistry offered by the ASCP Board of Certification, and upon passing, be designated as either an H(ASCP), M(ASCP), C(ASCP), depending on which exam is taken.

Prerequisite courses

Students interested in completing the categorical concentration should have completed the science prerequisite courses listed below. Courses must be current within the past seven years with grade of C or better.

  • BIOL 150 Molecular & Cellular Biology (3)
  • BIOL 246/546 Human or Mammalian Physiology (3)
  • BIOL 350 Principles of Genetics (4)
  • BIOL 400 Microbiology and BIOL 402 lab (5)
  • CHEM 130 General Chemistry I with Lab (5)
  • CHEM 135 General Chemistry with Lab II (5)
  • CHEM 330 Organic Chemistry I & CHEM 331 lab (5)

Equivalent courses are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Study Plan

The suggested categorical study plan is tailored to each individual at the time of acceptance.

Year 1 Fall (3-14 credit hours)

  • BIOL 503 or CLS 538 Immunology (3)**
  • BIOL 600 or CLS 600 Biochemistry (3)**
  • CLS 539 Fundamental Techniques and Clinical Immunology (3)
  • For Hematology categorical: CLS536 & 537 (5)

    **BIOL 503 & BIOL 600 allowed as prerequisites if current within the past seven years with grade of C or better.

    Year 1 Spring (5-7 credit hours)

    • CLS 531 Clinical Chemistry, Urinalysis, and Body Fluids (2)
    • For Chemistry categorical: CLS 530 (3)
    • For Hematology categorical: CLS 546 & 547 (5)
    • For Microbiology categorical: CLS 532 & 533 (5)

      Year 1 Summer (4 credit hours)

      • CLS 605 Intro to Molecular Diagnostics (1)
      • CLS 607 Intro to Molecular Diagnostics Lab (1)
      • CLS 661 Management Principles in Health Care (2)

      Year 2 Fall (4-7 credit hours)

      • CLS 541 Professional development (2)
      • For Chemistry categorical: CLS 540 (2)
      • For Hematology categorical: CLS 646 & 647 (5)
      • For Microbiology categorical: CLS 542 & 543 (5)

      Hematology categorical eligible for BOC at this time.

      Year 2 Spring (5-6 credit hours)

      • For Chemistry categorical: CLS 639, 640 & 641 (6)
      • For Microbiology categorical: CLS 642 & 643 (5)

      Microbiology and chemistry categorical eligible for BOC at this time.

      Degree Concentration Options

      Vaccines and Clinical Site Requirements

      The University of Kansas Medical Center requires various immunizations for its students. For a detailed list please visit the student health forms webpage or speak with Student Health Services. These immunization requirements help promote health and safety and facilitate clinical placement.

      Many, if not all, clinical sites who partner with the University of Kansas Medical Center require proof of these vaccines for students engaged in training or other programmatic experiences at clinical sites. Not being vaccinated may preclude students from participating in activities, potentially impeding their ability to complete all program requirements for degree completion. Applicants with questions should speak with a representative from the academic program to which they intend to apply.

      Advising and Questions

      photo of Alex LopezWe're here to answer questions and provide assistance as you explore the field of clinical laboratory science! It is very important to contact us for advising as early as possible in your college career.

      High school students, counselors and those in their early years of college study may contact Alex Lopez, our school's outreach and recruitment specialist, with questions at alopez12@kumc.edu or 913-588-1743 (711 TTY).

      photo of Leah AdeIf you're interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science at KU, please contact Leah Ade, MPH, MLS(ASCP)cm, a clinical assistant professor in our program, to schedule an advising session.

      Students from institutions other than the University of Kansas: please provide your information online to schedule an advising session.

      KU School of Health Professions

      University of Kansas Medical Center
      Department of Clinical Laboratory Science
      3901 Rainbow Boulevard
      Mailstop 4048
      Kansas City, KS 66160
      913-588-5220 • 711 TTY