Is the program available entirely online?

Core curriculum may be completed as a distance learning program on a full or part-time basis. The final year of the program is an immersive, full-time, in-person clinical residency with research credits to complete a capstone project. See Curriculum and degree requirements.

How long does it take to complete the program? Is there a time limit?

Several programs of study are available ranging from three to seven year plans. Full-time students can complete the degree in three years, while part-time students can complete the degree in four to seven years. The Office of Graduate Studies requires that a student complete the degree within eight years.

When are the courses offered?

The majority of courses are offered in the fall and spring with limited course offerings in the summer semester.

Is there a clinical residency (clinical training) requirement for the program?

Yes. There is a one-year, full-time, in-person residency requirement during the final year of the program and includes clinical practice and research at an affiliated institution.

Can I complete the clinical residency at my place of employment?

Requests for residency sites will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The site must be able to provide the required curriculum activities so the resident is exposed to all areas of practice and be willing to enter into a formal affiliation agreement with the KU School of Health Professions.

Will I have to travel to KU Medical Center for classes?

Core curriculum may be completed as a distance learning program. Occasional attendance on the campus in Kansas City may be required.

The clinical residency will be located at one or more affiliated institutions to which the student must provide his or her own transportation.

What are the tuition and fees for the program?

Please see the costs and financial aid page. The Kansas Board of Regents approves tuition and fees on an annual basis.

Is financial aid available for students in the program?

Please see the costs and financial aid page. Additional information on available financial aid can be found at the Student Financial Aid Office. Students may also be eligible for tuition assistance from an employer or for scholarships through a professional association.

How much will I pay for other program costs?

Please see the costs and financial aid page. The cost for books, photocopying and supplies varies each semester but is approximately $200-$400. Students need reliable access to Internet services, including web browsing and email. If computer hardware, software or other equipment are needed, please contact Information Resources at KU Medical Center for assistance: hardware@kumc.edu or 913-945-9999.

Are students eligible for scholarships?

Yes. See the ASCLS and ASCP websites for scholarship opportunities. Other organizations may also offer scholarships for graduate studies.

Are stipends available through the department?

The department does not currently have stipends available for DCLS students. There are no teaching or research assistant positions currently available through the DCLS program.

Are international applicants eligible for the program?

The program does accept MLS(ASCP)ⁱ (international) certification with appropriate clinical experience in the US. Please see admission requirements. The core courses are online and may not be eligible for international students on a Visa. The program has applied to have the clinical residency approved for international students through Office of International Programs (OIP).

Is an interview required for admission to the program?

Yes, an interview is required for admission. All applicants meeting the admissions criteria will be invited for an interview. These may take place on campus or by a virtual conference platform (Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc.)

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications are accepted from September 1 for the following fall admission cycle. All required application materials must be received by March 1st for priority consideration. Applications may be accepted after March 1st if space remains available in the program, contact the DCLS program director.

May I submit a hardcopy application?

No, all applications must be submitted electronically.

Do I need work experience to apply?

A minimum two years of post-certification, full-time experience in a clinical laboratory in the U.S. as a medical laboratory scientist 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.

Can I receive transfer credit if I have taken graduate courses at other institutions?

No credit is actually transferred toward the doctoral degree, but programs may take relevant prior graduate work into consideration in setting up programs of study.

Only graduate courses with a grade of "B" or higher and taken no more than five years ago are considered when developing the program of study, and all prior courses must first meet the standards of currency, rigor and applicability as evaluated by program faculty, whose decision is final. Up to six hours of graduate credits will be considered.

Are there standardized test requirements for admission?

No.

Are other certifications as a clinical laboratory science professional acceptable for admissions?

No. Applicants must hold MLS(ASCP)^CM, MLS(ASCP)ⁱ or MT(ASCP) certification as a generalist medical laboratory scientist or medical technologist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. Proof of continuing certification maintenance or continuing education equivalent to the requirements of the CMP is required for admission.

Who will advise me during the program?

The program advisor is available to discuss any aspect of the program with potential applicants and with current students. A temporary advisor will be assigned to each student upon starting the DCLS program. A major advisor will be selected by the student at least one year prior to the clinical residency. The student will also select a four-member graduate advising committee (including the major advisor) who will oversee the capstone project.

Is orientation mandatory?

Yes. A department-level orientation is required prior to the start of the first semester of the program. A KU Medical Center orientation may also be required.

When do I register for courses?

Prior to the beginning of each semester, students are notified via email when enrollment is available. In addition, enrollment dates are posted on the KU Medical Center Academic Calendar.

Students register online each semester using the KU Enroll and Pay online system. The student should consult with his or her faculty advisor prior to enrollment. A student will not be able to register until all enrollment holds are cleared for each semester (student health, online KU Medical Center orientation, etc.).

Advising and Questions

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