Priority Application Deadline: March 1

The link to apply online via the KU Medical Center application portal is available at the bottom of this page when the application window opens.

Applications may be accepted after the deadline, based on space available in the next class. Please contact the program to inquire if applications are still being accepted for the upcoming academic year.

As you prepare your application, please follow these steps.

Prerequisites

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in a life science (e.g., biochemistry, biology, cell biology, clinical laboratory science, microbiology, molecular biosciences, etc.) prior to enrollment in the program.
• Completion of a NAACLS-accredited MLS/MT program (or equivalent).
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• 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.
• At least two years of full-time work experience at a U.S. lab as a medical laboratory scientist at the time of application. Applicants with less than two years of full-time experience may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Entrance Examination - No GRE or other graduate admission test is required.

English Proficiency Requirement - All applicants whose native language is not English must provide scores from either the TOEFL or IELTS testing systems. The test must have been sent to KU by the testing service using ETS institutional code 6895. Photocopies of scores will not be accepted. Please review the information for international students before applying.

If an applicant earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution, TOEFL or IELTS scores may be waived.

Applicants may self-report scores; however, official score results sent directly from ETS must be received by the department before an admission decision can be made.

International Applicants - Applicants having earned a degree from a non-U.S. accredited institution must also submit:

• Official transcripts sent from the non-U.S. institution directly to the KU Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
• World Education Services (WES) evaluation of transcripts with course-by-course evaluation sent directly to the department using institution code 6895.
• TOEFL exam taken within the past two years. Not required if a bachelor's degree of higher was earned in the United States. Scores must be submitted directly to the department using institution code 6895.

References - Applicants will provide the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three (3) individuals on the online application.

A reference should be a laboratory manager, supervisor, college professor, pathologist or another person familiar with the applicant's professional performance, academic abilities and character. The recommendations may not be obtained from family members, friends, etc.

Please make sure each reference is willing to submit this electronically, and inform them that they will be receiving an email requesting a reference be submitted for you online.

Personal Statement - Provide a brief description of personal and educational experiences that led to pursuing a career in clinical laboratory sciences.

Explain the motivation for pursuing the doctorate degree. Describe expectations for contributing to improving patient care through research, practice and education.

Describe character attributes, leadership roles (both professional and personal) and life experiences (both professional and personal) that suggest success as a student and future practitioner.

Discuss the value and potential contributions of the professional possessing the clinical doctorate degree to the profession of clinical laboratory science and the impact this degree could have on health care.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Prepare a comprehensive and updated curriculum vitae. Include a history of employment and experience beginning with present position. Include any publications, research activity or honors or awards received.

• Upload into the application as a Word document or a PDF document.

Transcripts

• Arrange to have one official copy of each transcript from every college and university attended sent directly to KU Medical Center. If the institution provides electronic transcripts, please have them sent to CLStranscripts@kumc.edu.
• Hardcopy transcripts can be mailed to the following address:
  KU Dept. of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  Attn: DCLS Admissions
  MS4048 / 3901 Rainbow Blvd.
  Kansas City, KS 66160.

KU students do not need to send official transcripts for course work completed or in progress at KU, but KU students will need to send official transcripts from any other school(s) attended even if they appear on the KU transcript.

Next Steps

Students begin the program in the fall semester only. Applications to the program will be considered in accordance with the admission requirements of the KU School of Health Professions and the KU Office of Graduate Studies.

Priority Deadline: March 1

Complete your application by March 1 for priority consideration. Review of applications may continue beyond March 1 until all the available seats have been filled for the next incoming class.

Advising and Questions

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