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Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) ,BAS

Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science), BAS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science)

Diagnostics, Disease, Health Care, Lab, Microbiology, Scientist, approved for STEM-OPT extension, clinical, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Finish your bachelor's degree, further your expertise and improve your employment options with a program that grows in-demand skills for the diagnostics and wellness industries.

Program description

The BAS degree program with a concentration in medical laboratory sciences enables students to perform analytical tests on blood, tissue and body fluids in order to provide laboratory information for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.

Students learn to work independently using skills and knowledge that are greater in depth and breadth compared with those of medical laboratory technicians, who are typically graduates of a two-year or community college program.

This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018. https://www.naacls.org.

Program outcomes
Measures for the past 3 active years are as follows and will be updated accordingly:

Year: 2021, graduation rate: 100%, certification examination pass rate: 86%, job placement rate: 88%
Year: 2022, graduation rate: 94%, certification examination pass rate: 70%, job placement rate: 88%
Year: 2023, graduation rate: 100%, certification examination pass rate: 82%, job placement rate: 94%

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

Only students who have been admitted through Phoenix College and who have completed the prerequisite coursework, verified by the program director or program advisor, are eligible to apply to this program. The following requirements are a part of the application process and are included in the separate program application, which is released to those who are considered eligible during a specified application cycle:

  1. Gain admission to Phoenix College.
  2. Complete the program application, which should include:
    1. student information
    2. coursework
    3. immunizations
    4. proof of basic life support or CPR certification
    5. background check
    6. health declaration
    7. experience in medical laboratory sciences
    8. employment observation verification
    9. references
  3. Review and sign the checklist.
  4. Submit the materials to:

    CHS Student Services
    Mail Code 9020 ATTN: MDL Program
    Arizona State University
    500 N 3rd St
    Phoenix AZ 85004

  5. Apply to Arizona State University.
Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

Only students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science degree and who have completed the prerequisite coursework, verified by the program director or program advisor, are eligible to change their major to this program. Interested ASU students should contact a program advisor for more information.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, applied science students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities

Graduates are able to advance employment opportunities within the fields of medical technology, cytology, clinical laboratory science and related areas.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that overall employment of medical laboratory scientists is projected to grow 11% between 2018 and 2028. This is much faster than the average for most occupations.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
4.9%
$57,380
9.8%
$99,930
5.2%
$81,990
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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