93.93% GW grads’ overall pass rate for the ASCP MLS exam

The George Washington University’s (GW) online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science is perfect if you’re looking to advance your career and become board certified as a laboratory technologist. This certificate program is designed to teach you how to analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other body specimens to detect, diagnose, and treat disease. You’ll learn the latest molecular techniques to investigate and determine the causes of disease.

Program Highlights

• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Online didactic coursework, no visits to campus are required
• Finish your degree in about 20 months
• Cost per credit hour: $615
• 48 total credits to finish your degree
• Financial aid eligible
• Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students

GW grads have a 91.42% first-time pass rate for the ASCP MLS board of certification exam vs. a national pass rate of 75.14%. Students can complete this program part-time while they work, access financial aid opportunities, and can become eligible to work in multiple areas of a lab as an MLS generalist. Additionally, in 2019, 98.6% of students who entered Phase II of the MLS program graduated, and 100% of graduating students from 2015 to 2019 found employment in the field or a closely related field and/or continued their education within one year of graduation.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions through laboratory procedures, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes. Overall employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is expected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.¹

Interested in learning more? Please complete the form and a GW admissions adviser will send you additional information.

¹ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019 September 4). Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

• 100% online coursework, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Blood Banking (BB) exam*
• The certificate consists of 16 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year
• Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students

This program containing 100% online coursework will teach students how to test blood for viruses, identify blood types and antibodies, and separate blood into its component parts, such as red and white blood cells and plasma. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the ASCP Technologist exam in Blood Banking (BB) and be eligible to enter the job market as blood bank specialists.

• 100% online coursework, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam*
• The certificate consists of 19 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year
• Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students

This program containing 100% online coursework is designed to provide the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to become a certified technologist in clinical chemistry. You'll learn how to use chemistry to evaluate patient health, study DNA and examine tissue, along with developing laboratory procedures that help physicians make earlier, more precise patient diagnoses, and determine treatment.

• 100% online, no visits to campus required
• The program requires 18 total credits and can be finished in 12 months
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Hematology (H) exam*
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students

This program containing 100% online coursework is designed for those looking to be at the forefront of blood-related disease detection and treatment. You will learn how to collect and test blood and its elements and establish procedures vital to the processing of these blood samples. You will also use the latest biomedical instruments and molecular techniques to investigate and determine the causes of disease.

• 100% online, no visits to campus required
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Qualify to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Microbiology (M) exam in as few as 12 months*
• Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students

• Qualify to take the ASCP Molecular Biology (MB) Board of Certification examination*
• An online program that includes a clinical practicum rotation completed in your geographic location
• Finish in about 18 months
• Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students

Launch your laboratory career with seven courses dedicated to the exciting, up-and-coming field of molecular diagnostic testing. The George Washington University's (GW) online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Molecular Diagnostic Science gives you the knowledge and hands-on experience to work with DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids to detect, diagnose, and monitor disease and select optimal therapies.

You'll learn the specific clinical laboratory techniques to detect and identify biomarkers at the nucleic acid levels in major areas of medicine including genetic disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, pharmacogenetics, and identity testing.

Through a series of online coursework and a clinical practicum, you'll complete the certificate ready for a career in helping people get well through effective testing and diagnostics.

Total credit hours: 48

Total number of courses: 26

Program completion: 2.5 years

Residency requirements: There are two residencies required over separate weekends, and the program culminates with a finalized manuscript ready for submission to a peer-review journal.

Gain a mastery of the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care programs, lead interprofessional teams and evaluate evidence to advance health care. The program prepares those in clinical health positions from a range of backgrounds who seek to build competencies in advanced professional practice, whether that be in the clinical or academic environments.

Design programs to advance the practice of health professionals in academic and clinical settings:

• Clinical Practice Leadership Track
• Educational Practice Leadership Track

Who is the Ideal Student for this Program?

Professionals with clinical backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career as a clinical manager or as an educator in higher education. Professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in a leadership position, either in a clinical or educational role, to improve outcomes in health care. The program delivers the advanced skills and credentialing needed to meet expectations associated with higher-level positions.

Total credit hours: 36

Total number of courses: 13

Program completion: 2 years (part-time)

Clinical residency requirement: Students are required to complete a 4-week clinical rotation in their geographic location. Students who live more than 25 miles outside of the Washington DC Metro Area are required to identify a clinical site at the time of application.

The MSHS in Clinical Microbiology program is ideal for individuals who are interested in becoming board certified in Microbiology and is one of a few graduate degrees in the country that provides clinical microbiology and laboratory science coursework with a hands-on microbiology practicum. The program curriculum provides eligibility for national certification examinations such as the ASCP Board of Certification Exam — a gold standard in global certification for medical laboratory professionals.

Upon completion of this degree, students can build their career in a variety of settings, including diagnostic microbiology laboratories, research institutions, public health laboratories, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies or governmental agencies. Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students.

Common Careers

• Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
• Clinical Research Manager
• Microbiology Technologist
• MLT/MLS Instructor
• Public Health Microbiologist

Sample Course Offerings

MLS 6216 Microbial Pathogenesis
Gain a comprehensive overview of the molecular basis of diseases caused by microbial pathogens, focused on model microbial systems to illustrate mechanisms of the infectious disease process.

MLS 6217 Medical Biotechnology
Gain a comprehensive overview of current molecular technologies and how they are used in modern medicine.

MLS 6123 Advanced Clinical Microbiology I
Understand the pathogenic characteristics, isolation techniques, specimen collection and handling, laboratory identification, and treatment of medically significant bacteria and viruses.

MLS 6158 Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations
Learn problem-based approaches to laboratory management and apply theoretical management models to real-life situations in the ever-changing clinical laboratory environment.

Total credit hours: 52

Total number of courses: 21

Program completion: 2 years (part-time)

Clinical residency requirement: Students are required to complete 6 practicum courses in their geographic location. Students who live more than 25 miles outside of the Washington DC Metro Area are required to identify a clinical site at the time of application.

The MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a medical laboratory scientist and to sit for the national Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) certification exam.

Upon completion, students will have learned the skills to evaluate research and new technologies to understand their relevance in the field, investigate research questions critical to clinical lab practice, and develop problem-solving skills necessary to lead and respond to future changes in laboratory science. Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students.

Common Careers

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
• MLT/MLS Education position
• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate

Sample Course Offerings

MLS 6141 Advanced Immunology and Serology
Understand the principles of the immune system and the clinical applications of immunology related to the diagnosis of human diseases, with specific focus on the components of the immune system functions, the various immune-related diseases, and how immunologic assays are used in the clinical setting to diagnose and monitor various disease states.

MLS 6145 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry I
Learn about the methodologies employed in the chemical analysis of human blood and body fluids and the associated pathophysiology of each analyte measured.

MLS 6119 Advanced Parasitology, Mycology and Virology
Study the symptomology, pathology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of the various parasites, fungi and viruses that infect humans, along with the disease causation and specimen collection and handling of these viruses.

MLS 6158 Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations
Learn problem-based approaches to laboratory management and apply theoretical management models to real-life situations in the ever-changing clinical laboratory.

Total credit hours: 35

Total number of courses: 12

Program completion: 2 years (part-time)

Clinical residency requirement: Students are required to complete a clinical laboratory rotation in their geographic location. Students who live more than 25 miles outside of the Washington DC Metro Area are required to identify a clinical site at the time of application. Clinical practicum waivers are available for qualified students.

The MSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences program is designed for individuals who hold national certification or wish to become certified in Molecular Biology.

GW’s online MSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences is one of the few programs that provide students with both traditional coursework in molecular biology and biotechnology, as well as the hands-on clinical rotation experience required to prepare for ASCP Board Certification in Molecular Biology.

Upon completion, graduates will be ready to pursue board certification in Molecular Biology and begin an exciting career in a diagnostic molecular laboratory, research institution, public health laboratory, biotechnology firm, a pharmaceutical company, or government agency.

Common Careers

• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate
• Molecular Laboratory Scientist
• MLT/MLS Teaching positions
• Public Health Laboratory Scientist

Sample Course Offerings

MLS 6216 Microbial Pathogenesis
Gain a comprehensive overview of the molecular basis of diseases caused by microbial pathogens, focusing on model microbial systems to illustrate mechanisms of the infectious disease process.

MLS 6242 Molecular Pathology
Investigate human disease processes, with an emphasis on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease, to gain a deeper understanding of how molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches are used to investigate human diseases.

MLS 6217 Medical Biotechnology
Understand current molecular technologies and how they are used in modern medicine.

MLS 6158 Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations
Learn problem-based approaches to laboratory management and apply theoretical management models to real-life situations in the ever-changing, clinical laboratory.

Total credit hours: 35

Total number of courses: 13

Program completion: 2 years (part-time)

Residency requirement: No on-campus residency

The MSHS in Immunohematology and Biotechnology program is for individuals who are looking to advance to management or leadership positions within the blood banking or transfusion medicine fields. Applicants to the non-clinical online program should hold national certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Blood Banking Technologist/ Specialist.

In GW’s cutting-edge program, students will learn to integrate methods of molecular biology and biotechnologies into transfusion medicine, along with acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Graduates of the MSHS in Immunohematology and Biotechnology program will be prepared to advance to senior or leadership positions in blood banking laboratories, blood centers, donor centers, and transfusion medicine research.

Common Careers

• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate
• Blood Banking Laboratory Supervisor/Manager
• Blood Bank Laboratory Manager
• Transfusion Medicine or Molecular Biology Scientist

Sample Course Offerings

MLS 6219 Molecular Biology
Understand the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, transcription, translation, and gene regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

MLS 6213 Seminar in Immunohematology
Learn the federal, state, and international regulations that govern the blood bank industry; laboratory research related to blood products; new product and practice guidelines; and legal, social, and ethical issues related to transfusion medicine.

HSCI 6263 Biostatistics for Clinical and Translational Research
Build a foundation in the basic concepts and methods of biostatistics applied to translational research. Topics include distributions, populations and sample selection, variables, interaction and confounding, hypothesis formulation, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and chi-square analysis.

MLS 6140 Advanced Laboratory Management
Respond to diverging trends in health care with a problem-based approach to the principles of laboratory management and learn how to apply theoretical management models to real-life situations in the clinical laboratory.

Total credit hours: 36

Total number of courses: 12

Program completion: 2 years (part-time)

Residency requirement: No on-campus residency

The MSHS in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) is a non-clinical online program ideal for students who hold national certification as an MLT or MLS/MT/CLS, specialist or subject technologist.

Guided by faculty who are actively practicing in the field, students will develop strategic leadership skills and build an understanding of the intricacies of managing and leading a business unit. Students will learn how to analyze, evaluate, and effectively communicate research data and will be able to apply empirical knowledge to resolve laboratory and health sciences issues.

Common Careers

• Medical Laboratory Supervisor
• MLT/MLS Teaching positions
• Public Health Laboratory Scientist/Supervisor
• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate

Sample Course Offerings

MLS 6243 Education and Assessment in MLS
Design, develop and evaluate a set of MLS instructional materials and assessment tools to train and educate future and current MLS professionals.

HSCI 6241 The Health Care Enterprise
Gain exposure to the essential components of business administration by identifying an enterprise and developing a mission and vision, finding strategic initiatives, planning a marketing strategy, and preparing an economic model for sustainability.

MLS 6242 Molecular Pathologyh
Investigate the human disease processes, with an emphasis on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease, to gain a deeper understanding of how molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches are used to investigate human diseases.

MLS 6245 Current Topics in MLS
Explore findings within the medical laboratory science field to develop a project proposal for the capstone research project for the following semester.

Total credit hours: 36

Total number of courses: 13

Program completion: 2 years (part-time)

Residency requirement: No on-campus residency or coursework

The online MSHS in Translational Microbiology is a non-clinical program ideal for individuals who hold national certification (CLS/MLS/MT, Microbiology) or do not wish to become certified.

In this comprehensive program, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of infectious agents, research methodologies, and health care leadership.

Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to lead research in hospital labs or biotechnology companies or rise to management or supervisory positions in diverse laboratory settings.

Common Careers

• Biotechnology or Government Research Associate
• Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor/Manager
• MLT/MLS teaching position
• Microbiology Laboratory Scientist

Sample Course Offerings

MLS 6115 Advanced Parasitology and Mycology
Learn the symptomology, pathology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of the various parasites and fungi that infect humans, including disease causation and specimen collection and handling.

MLS 6217 Medical Biotechnology
Gain a comprehensive overview of current molecular technologies and how they are used in modern medicine.

HSCI 6263 Biostatistics for Clinical and Translational Research
Build a foundation in the basic concepts and methods of biostatistics applied to translational research. Topics include distributions, populations and sample selection, variables, interaction and confounding, hypothesis formulation, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and chi-square analysis.

HSCI 6223 Topics in Health Care Leadership
Think critically about leadership concepts by analyzing and evaluating academic articles associated with leadership, change management, and systems development through the lens of other disciplines and worldviews.

Study on your schedule

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Personalized learning

Many of our online programs have a student-instructor ratio that’s lower than on-campus classes, making it easier to interact with fellow students and get personalized attention from your instructors. Plus, you have access to one-on-one tutoring to help ensure your success.

The prestige of a GW degree

Now you can earn a GW degree without relocating your life, giving you access to the distinguished connections and opportunities we provide. When you earn a degree from an online program at GW, you earn a degree from the George Washington University. Entrusted with its rights, privileges, and honors, you’ll join the ever-expanding GW alumni community that makes the world a better place.

Connect to campus from anywhere

GW is your link to leading authorities in policy and health care in Washington, D.C. You’ll be able to research, collaborate, and discuss with classmates and instructors using online learning management systems. Engage with all the resources GW offers, including tutors, the writing center, career services, and libraries—all online.

A dedicated advisor from day one

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