Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) ,BAS
ASU Health - Clinical, 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.
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree program with a concentration in medical laboratory sciences enables you 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.
You 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. Receiving a BAS in medical laboratory science is possible through two distinct pathways: the online professional program or the Phoenix College partnership with ASU. Either way, you are eligible to sit for a national certification examination for MLS credentials.
Online professional program
The traditional medical laboratory science program coursework is offered 100% online if you're currently working as a medical laboratory technician in the field. The program has one start date per year in fall and may be completed in two years. You're required to have existing employment in a laboratory setting, with permission from your employer to perform practical assignments at work. You're responsible for identifying and obtaining laboratory placement as well as completing necessary affiliation agreement requirements.
Phoenix College partnership program
The Phoenix College partnership pathway is offered both in person at Phoenix College and via asynchronous coursework. You can gain admission to this program through a competitive application process. Once admitted, you complete your laboratory practicums through ASU contracted sites.
This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science: https://www.naacls.org; 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; (773) 714-8880.
Recent program outcomes include:
In 2023, the program had a graduation rate of 100%, a certification exam pass rate of 82%, and a job placement rate of 94%.
In 2024, the program had a graduation rate of 100%, a certification exam pass rate of 79%, and a job placement rate of 94%.
In 2025, the program had a graduation rate of 100%, a certification exam pass rate of 75%, and a job placement rate of 90%.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period 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 a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Health Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First
required math course:
MAT 114 - College Mathematics
Any math course that meets the MATH designation. - Math
intensity: General
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
Additional requirements:
Online professional program
Applicants must show evidence of the following criteria in order to be admitted to this pathway:
- Associate of Applied Science degree in medical laboratory technician
- prerequisite coursework with a grade of "C" or higher; ASU equivalents in parentheses
- College Algebra or higher (MAT 117 or higher)
- General Biology I with Lab (BIO 181)
- General Biology II with Lab (BIO 182)
- General Chemistry I with Lab (CHM 113)
- General Chemistry II with Lab (CHM 116)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 160 or 201)
- Medical Terminology* or comparable course (CHS 260)
- Microbiology with Lab (MIC 205/206)
- Organic Chemistry with Lab (CHM 231/235)
- two years of experience working in medical lab sciences or MLT certification
- verification statement or letter of intent from current lab facility employer to host practicum or clinical rotations
*The medical terminology prerequisite may be waived for those with a previous degree in a science concentration or experience in the medical field.
Applicants to the online program are encouraged to submit their application by July 15 to ensure adequate time for review prior to the start of the term.
Phoenix College partnership program
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:
- Gain admission to Phoenix College.
- Complete the program application, which should include:
- student information
- coursework
- immunizations
- proof of basic life support or CPR certification
- background check
- health declaration
- experience in medical laboratory sciences
- employment observation verification
- references
- Review and sign the checklist.
- Submit the materials to:
Jeff Wolz - PC/ASU MDL Program
HE Building #359
1202 W Thomas Rd
Phoenix AZ 85013 - Apply to Arizona State University.
Applications for the immersion program are accepted between July and September. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by September 1.
Current ASU students who wish to change their major must meet the admission requirements for the program. Interested students should consult with their academic advisor to review eligibility, prerequisite coursework and the application process for either the online professional program or the Phoenix College partnership program.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 09/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | Online | 07/15 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Analyze patient specimens in the area of immunohematology/antibody identification using various testing procedures
- Will adhere to laboratory protocols in the clinical chemistry area to identify proper quality control and patient values.
- Identify the clinical significance of various microbiology culture results with accurate patient workups and result reporting.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, applied science students are able to tailor their experience to their specific 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.
Graduates are prepared for advanced employment opportunities within the fields of medical technology, cytology, clinical laboratory science and related areas.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
1.7%
|
$62,930
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$87,990
|
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.
College of Health Solutions
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
