Program Details
Learn more about the program details for KU's one-of-a-kind, dual-track Clinical Laboratory Science bachelor's degree.
Medical laboratory scientists are the specialized health care professionals that test patient specimens to help detect, diagnose and treat illness and monitor health. From wellness checks to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated instruments to analyze blood and other body tissue and fluids to investigate events that make headlines all over the world.
As a student of KU's Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS), you'll prepare for hands-on work in clinical laboratories and will have opportunities for interprofessional collaboration working with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Working closely alongside our talented faculty, you'll build essential communication skills to explain complex information to your peers and the health care team. Our program's graduates are more confident in their first professional job because of the varied and broad experiences they've had within the KU CLS program.
Learn about this exciting field!
Within KU’s one-of-a-kind accredited clinical laboratory science program, you'll learn in an innovative dual-track option featuring molecular biotechnology and the traditional clinical concentrations.
You can enter the program after two years of prerequisite course work, followed by two years of clinical laboratory science courses at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, before sitting for the Board of Certification exam. Our students have a 100% placement rate following graduation and are recruited while still in the program.
The extensive scientific knowledge and skills you'll learn in the program will also be advantageous if you decide to pursue further academic or professional studies.
Advising and Questions
We'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).
If 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.
Accreditation Information
The KU clinical laboratory science degree program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; 773-714-8880. The clinical concentration is an NAACLS-accredited medical laboratory science program. The molecular biotechnology concentration is an NAACLS-accredited diagnostic molecular science program.
Documents relating to accreditation status are available at the department office by request. Information for students.
Board of certification pass rates and job-placement information: see KU clinical laboratory science program outcomes (PDF)
Graduates of KU's bachelor's degree program in clinical laboratory science are eligible for the certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. The program meets the education requirements for licensure in all U.S. states requiring licensure except California and New York. The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification provides information on specific state licensure requirements.