To meet the competitive application process for KU Medical Center's doctorate of clinical laboratory science (DCLS) program, you'll need to fulfillthe following admission requirements.

Completed Prerequisite Course Work

• A bachelor's degree in a life science (e.g., biochemistry, biology, cell biology, clinical laboratory science, microbiology, molecular biosciences, etc.) must be completed prior to enrollment in the program.
• A NAACLS-accredited MLS/MT program (or equivalent) must be completed.

Grade Point Average

Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. For applicants holding advanced degrees, the Office of Graduate Studies takes all post-secondary degrees into consideration for the determination of cumulative GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Required Credentials

Professional certification as a generalist from the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification is required: MLS(ASCP)^CM , MLS(ASCP)ⁱ or MT(ASCP) with proof of continuing education equivalent to the BOC CMP.

Professional Work Experience

A minimum two years of post-certification, full-time experience in a U.S. clinical laboratory as a medical laboratory scientist (or comparable role) is required at the time of application. Preference will be given to those with experience as a generalist or who have worked in multiple areas of the clinical laboratory. Applicants with less than two years of full-time experience may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

The department will evaluate work experience and determine if the work experience criteria are met for each applicant.

Entrance Examination

No GRE or other graduate admission test is required.

Interview

As the department reviews applications and supporting materials, we invite qualified applicants for a personal interview either on campus or by a virtual video conferencing platform.

Essential Health and Physical Requirements

Because DCLS graduates are expected to function in a variety of clinical, research, and educational situations, students must be able to meet the program's technical standards.

Students that require accommodations can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at KU Medical Center.

All students are required to carry health insurance. KU Medical Center offers a health insurance policy for eligible students. Selected for the Kansas Board of Regents institutions by the State of Kansas, this plan is offered through Student Health Services at KU Medical Center and is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources. For additional health enrollment requirements, visit the KU Medical Center Student Health website.

Vaccine and Clinical Site Requirements

Matriculated students will need to provide an immunization profile prior to participating in curricular and/or clinical experiences required by the program. Please read the information found at the bottom of the program's curriculum page and be sure that you understand these requirements.

Background Check and Drug Screening

The Joint Commission requires all incoming students to submit a background check and provide the report to the university. This one-time fee must be paid directly to the company performing the background investigation. This requirement only applies to students officially admitted into the program. A drug screen may also be required by each clinical residency site the student utilizes during the program. More information: School of Health Professions background check and drug screening.

Computer

Students are required to have a computer that meets the minimum software and hardware requirements.

For International Students

An applicant is considered an international student if they require a visa, currently reside in the U.S. with non-immigrant status or currently reside in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.

Language Requirement

All applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.  

For more on English language requirements, including minimum test scores, please see the KU Medical Center Office of International Programs. Test scores must be original forms sent directly from the administering agency to KU Medical Center. Photocopies will not be accepted. Use ETS school code: 6895.

Impact and Belonging

The University of Kansas Medical Center is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that nurtures the growth and development of our students, faculty, staff and patients. For more information please visit the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.

Advising and Questions

Renee Hodgkins, Ph.D., MT(ASCP)
DCLS Program Director
clsed@kumc.edu