Hero Image

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Department of Environmental & Public Health, Administration & Medical Sciences

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Department of Environmental & Public Health, Administration & Medical Sciences

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Solve Healthcare Puzzles Through Hands-On Work

Aid in the diagnosis of disease and management of health

Make your mark in healthcare by combining science and problem-solving in a hands-on career that will greatly impact patient well-being. With EKU’s NAACLS-accredited bachelor’s in medical laboratory science, you’ll prepare for a career of independent clinical laboratory work with minimal patient contact. You’ll learn the essential techniques to collect and process specimens, perform a range of analytical procedures and quality control, and report test results. Gain a unique scientific background that can provide a variety of career opportunities.

Learn More


Loading…

Career Outlook


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical laboratory scientists (formerly known as clinical lab technologists) is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from now until 2032. Likewise, the Bureau of Health Workforce of the U.S. Health Department projects a substantial increase in demand/growth for medical or clinical laboratory scientists between now and 2030.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The unique scientific education that medical and clinical laboratory scientists receive provides near endless career opportunities. Graduates have an excellent background for career advancement and often find jobs in a variety of areas.

Job Titles Include:

  • Hospitals, clinics, and reference laboratories
  • Specialty areas of the laboratory such as microbiology, hematology, chemistry, blood bank, toxicology, and more
  • Sales representative in lab industries
  • Academic medical centers/research
  • Laboratory information systems
  • Colleges and universities
  • Veterinary laboratories
  • Public Health and forensic laboratories

In addition to working in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices, some of our graduates have worked with the armed forces, served as travel clinical scientists, and worked in biomedical companies and public health.

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • 100% placement/employment rate
  • Nationally accredited program
  • Complete a 16-week practicum rotation in a hospital laboratory to gain professional experience
  • MLS graduates have an excellent background for career advancement in medicine, physician associates or pathology assistants, public health, marketing, and research

Curriculum & Admission


EKU’s medical laboratory science curriculum prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options as well as graduate and professional school programs. Bachelor of medical laboratory science courses include clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, serology, and analysis of body fluids.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Admission as a major in the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program is open to all students who meet the general requirements for admission to EKU. Students during the first two years at EKU (or transfer students) should declare their major as “Pre-MLS”. Upon completion of university and department requirements, students must make a formal application to the Department of Medical Laboratory Science for admission into the Upper Division of MLS program.

Admission Guidelines

  • Admission into the “Upper-Division” phase of the MLS program requires completion of pre-MLS curriculum with an overall and supporting grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.
  • After completing the pre-MLS curriculum requirements, students may formally apply for entry/admission into the Medical Laboratory Science program.
  • Although an interview is not part of the selection/admission process, students are encouraged to seek admission only after speaking with their MLS advisor.
  • Students must complete the online application for Admission into the Upper Division MLS Program according to the following deadlines
  • Fall admission/Entry: January 15 – March 1 (deadline)
  • Spring admission/Entry: August 15 – October 1 (deadline)
  • Students who meet the minimum requirements are placed into an applicant pool and the department reserves the right to accept only the best qualified applicants.
  • Final selection of applicants is made each semester by the MLS Admission Committee. All applicants will be notified of the admission decision either by E-mail or mail at the end of each admission cycle.
  • Students who are NOT permitted to enroll in the MLS program because of prior academic performance may appeal the decision of the committee in writing and meet with the committee to explain their academic records or submit pertinent mitigating facts.

Progression Policy
To remain in the Upper Division MLS program, a student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 and have a grade of not less than “C” in each of the supporting and major courses of the curriculum.

EKU MLS Program Outcome Data

2023202420253 Years Average
Graduation Rates100%100%100%100%
Graduate Placement Rates*100%100%100%100%
Graduate Certification Pass Rates**100%100%100%100%

*Defined by NAACLS as those who found employment or continued education within one year of graduation.

**Defined by NAACLS as those who passed the BOC exam within one year of graduation. Data is updated on regular basis

EKU MLS program is accredited by National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)

NAACLS
5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
phone: 773.714.8880

info@naacls.org

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

Photo of Gabby Thurman

Gabriella Thurman

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2798
Text: 859-376-4652

chs.recruitment@eku.edu

photo of misty bailey

Misty Bailey

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2628
misty.bailey@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features


  • Ronnie “Travis” Cook

    EKU Health Care Administration Student
    If you are someone who is thinking of furthering your education, and need the flexibility of working online, EKU Online is a great way to continue your education. Everyone has been very helpful and the courses are challenging, but in good way.
  • Matthew Quansah

    EKU Environmental Health Science & Sustainability Student
    Attending EKU has truly been a game-changer for me. The supportive faculty and staff have helped me discover my passions and strengths, leading me to pursue a major that I am truly passionate about. The opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and internships have allowed me to gain real-world skills and make valuable connections in my field.
  • Elizabeth Carter

    EKU Environmental Health Science & Sustainability Student
    The alumni in the EHS program are amazing! I was able to connect with an alumni who works for Seagate Technology in Longmont, CO. Through her, I was able to get an internship with the company which has lasted for a year now. I’m so lucky to be able to continue working with Seagate post graduation as well. My EHS staff are also the BEST people ever! Every single one of them is so passionate about the field and strive everyday to help us succeed.

Upcoming Events

Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Thu
04

Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
Thu
12

Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
Mon
02

EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

at calendar-day
Tue
03

EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

at calendar-day
Fri
20

News & Updates

EKU Public Health Leads Evaluation of Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Program

More Kentuckians screened. Lung cancer detected earlier. Longer, healthier lives. Put simply, that’s the goal of a research project in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Health Sciences.  November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which puts the spotlight on the prevention and education measures being implemented across the country. Kentucky has the highest incidence and […]

Public Health and Kindness

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and World Mental Health Day on October 10th, EKU Public Health continued its outreach with a Kindness Tabling Event focused on promoting mental health awareness and fostering compassion across campus. The event featured “kindness gumballs” each containing an encouraging action to brighten someone’s day—such as “call […]

Enrich Needs Fair

In the spring 2025 semester, Dr. Molly McKinney’s HEA 485 Community Organization & Advocacy class collaborated with Enrich, a local non-profit, to plan and implement a needs fair for Richmond community members in recovery or seeking recovery. EKU Public Health students planned and implemented the entire event with guidance from Enrich staff and Dr. McKinney. […]

Related Programs

B.S. in Public Health

Common Job Titles: health advocate, policy analyst, safety and wellness coordinator

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

B.S. in Environmental Health Science & Sustainability

Common Job Titles: environmental scientist, industrial hygienist, environmental & occupational health & safety manager, permitting engineer

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120


Contact Information

Department of Environmental & Public Health, Administration, and Medical Sciences

Dizney Building
Room 220
4377 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-3078
Fax: 859-622-1939
ephams@eku.edu