Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Program Overview

Whether diagnosing the flu, developing new disease detection technology, or treating cancer, medical laboratory scientists are critical to patient care. With a Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree from UVM, you'll be prepared to go further, leading teams and collaborating on advances in this growing field.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Preparation for advanced clinical laboratory practice
• 96% placement rate within one year of graduating (3-year average)
• 89% American Society of Clinical Pathologists Certification exam pass rate (3-year average), well above the national average and 75% NAACLS benchmark.
• Experience in top clinical settings (rotations at UVM, Dartmouth, Yale, as well as other clinics)
• A capstone research project supervised by UVM faculty and clinical collaborators that advances in the field of medical laboratory science.

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ACCREDITATION

The Medical Laboratory Science Program, Clinical Laboratory Science Concentration at the University of Vermont has been re-accredited for the period April 30, 2022 - April 30, 2032 by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; (773) 714-8880.

Curriculum

Customized curriculum tracks merge practical clinical experience with advanced coursework in evidence-based practice, healthcare management, and research. Although students have access to bench research opportunities, the program does not include research assistantships. The main goal of this degree is to prepare students for advanced clinical practice. The coursework encompasses advanced evidence-based practice, healthcare management, and research. The program offers two distinct tracks, each with a unique curriculum. A comprehensive exam, covering the key topics of the medical laboratory science field, is a requirement for all students.

Track One consists of 67 credits, including 43 credits from NAACLS-accredited courses and 24 credits from Advanced Practice courses. View the Track One curriculum (PDF).

Students who successfully complete Track One will be eligible to sit for the ASCP Certification Exam. However, graduation does not depend on passing this certification exam. It should be noted that some states may have their own licensure requirements, which can be reviewed on a state-by-state basis.

Track Two offers 30 credits in Advanced Practice courses. At present, this track is not open for applications.
View the Track Two curriculum (PDF).

View the graduate student handbook (PDF)

Deadlines

The deadline for applications is April 1.

Admissions

Our program provides various tracks tailored to your academic background and previous experience:

Track One
(For applicants who are not certified in medical laboratory science.)

- B.S. or B.A. in a life science or related field from an accredited college or university
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Eight credits in general biology or anatomy and physiology, eight credits in general chemistry, four credits in organic chemistry or biochemistry, four credits in general microbiology with lab, and three credits in college-level math
- TOEFL scores for international students
- UVM Graduate College Application form
- GRE scores are not required

Track Two
(For applicants who are already certified in medical laboratory science.)

- This track is currently not accepting applications.

Outcomes

Costs and Funding

To find information on tuition, please refer to the UVM Student Financial Services website.

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Clinical Internship
Students in the program, who are not yet certified in medical laboratory science, acquire practical experience through a mandatory semester-long clinical internship at one of the University of Vermont Health Network hospitals. This is a fundamental component of the core NAACLS-accredited program. Previous practicum sites have included:

• Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
• Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Plattsburgh, NY
• Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, VT
• Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
• Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH
• Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY
• Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
• NorDx, Portland and Scarborough, ME
• Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT
• St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY
• University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT
• Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT

Please be aware that clinical affiliations may be subject to change.

Research Capstone

Every student in the program undertakes a series of three courses focused on research methods and design, culminating in a capstone project. This project involves conducting relevant, evidence-based research that contributes to the advancement of medical laboratory science. Throughout the process, students receive guidance from supervising faculty and work in collaboration with clinical affiliate partners.

Hannah "Annie" Bovee, G’22, conducted a clinical study to validate the performance of a molecular-based assay for Vaginitis/Vaginosis under the supervision of UVM clinical affiliates. Her research contributed to the adoption of the Molecular Vaginitis/Vaginosis test at UVMMC, and her capstone project was presented at the UVM CNHS Ziegler Forum.

Lorrie Blais G’21 has conducted research with commensal gut bacteria to identify bacterial molecules that can impact the host immune response in autoimmune diseases. She authored a detailed review article summarizing the existing scientific literature on gut bacterial therapy for the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis, which was published in a high-impact journal: Blais, L. L., Montgomery, T. L., Amiel, E., Deming, P. B., & Krementsov, D. N. (2021). Probiotic and commensal gut microbial therapies in multiple sclerosis and its animal models: a comprehensive review. Gut microbes, 13(1), 1943289.

Virtual Information Sessions

Prospective applicants are encouraged to join an information session to learn about the program and its admissions process. Please register by emailing cnhsgrad@med.uvm.edu.

To find tuition details, please refer to the UVM Student Financial Services website.

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Download Program Brochure (PDF)