Program Description

The medical laboratory science program is a university-based program in New Jersey offered by Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP). The curriculum consists of 45 credits of professional coursework and is 15 months (four semesters) in duration. A minimum of 88 to 90 credits of preprofessional basic science and general education course requirements are completed before entering the program. The program is primarily designed for students seeking their first baccalaureate degree. However, other options are available to individuals who already possess a baccalaureate degree or equivalent.

There are three options for students interested in applying to the program:

Option 1: Joint bachelor of science in clinical laboratory sciences offered by Rutgers SHP and 13 collaborating colleges and universities for students seeking a first baccalaureate degree (see list of Academic Affiliates).

Option 2: Bachelor of science in clinical laboratory sciences offered solely by Rutgers SHP for students who already have a baccalaureate degree in biology or a related science from an accredited U.S. or international college or university.

Option 3: Solo degree in clinical laboratory sciences offered solely by Rutgers SHP for students who already have an associate degree (minimum of 60 credits) in biology or related science from an accredited U.S. or international college or university.

Option 4: Certificate in medical laboratory science for students with an international degree from a non-accredited college or university equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in the United States.

Classes begin annually in the summer semester. Class size varies with approximately 50 students enrolled per year. The curriculum consists of classroom and online lectures/ seminars and on-campus student laboratory experiences. These sessions provide the foundation for subsequent supervised hands-on clinical practice in off-campus clinical laboratories of affiliated hospitals. Additional experiences are provided in molecular diagnostics, data analysis and statistics, research, laboratory management, and educational theory. Program graduates are eligible for the national certifying examination in the Medical Laboratory Scientist category given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology MLS (ASCP).

Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus events and affiliated clinical sites. Regular attendance and participation in scheduled activities is expected.