Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences of the University of Colorado Colorado
Springs offers an academic option in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) also known as Clinical
Laboratory Science (CLS). This program is done in collaboration with the University of Nebraska
Medical Center (UNMC) supplying the academic curriculum as well as local hospitals providing the laboratory internships. The MLS/CLS year generates 43 credit hours and is divided into three parts:
1. Student lab—13 weeks on site at UNMC in Kearney, NE beginning in May of each year.
2. 1st clinical rotation—13 weeks—Hospital laboratory internship
3. 2 nd clinical rotation—25 weeks—Hospital laboratory internship
During clinical rotations 1 and 2 the student will receive academic material online via Blackboard educational platform coincident with performance of clinical laboratory work under the supervision of a hospital laboratory technologist. Upon completion of this year’s work the student will either qualify for a BS in Health Sciences with a MLS/CLS major (3+1) or if they already have a baccalaureate degree (4+1), a certificate of completion of an accredited MLS/CLS program with qualifications to sit for national ASCP certification.
What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist? This specialty also known as a Clinical Laboratory
Scientist is responsible for the development, performance, and evaluation of laboratory testing that is needed in patient medical care and clinical research. Medical Laboratory Scientists analyze samples of blood, tissue, and body fluids using technology and a variety of analytical techniques.
70-80% of all medical decisions are based on laboratory results.
Career Outlook
A Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science will provide the ability to work in many different environments such as:
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Hospital
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Physician’s office
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Reference lab
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Forensic lab
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Research
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Veterinary Clinic
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Industry
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Public Health
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Pharmaceutical lab
Areas of Expertise:
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Chemistry
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Hematology
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Immunology
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Microbiology
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Blood banking and transfusion services

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Toxicology
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Urinalysis and body fluids
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Molecular Diagnostics
Strong employment opportunities and capability for advancement are readily available.
Admission Requirements
UCCS 3+1 Students
Preference for admission will be given to students enrolled at UCCS in the MLS 3+1 Program provided all requirements for admittance have been met and students have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above and a minimum Math/Science GPA of 2.8 or above. No course grade of below a C- is applicable to the degree program and all coursework must be completed by May of the year the student is applying to clinicals. A maximum of 60 semester hours can be accepted from a community college. UCCS 3+1 students must go through the application process for clinical placement. UCCS 3+1 students are not guaranteed admission to clinicals.
The priority deadline for the application process for the clinical year is November 30 of the third year.
Students with Bachelor’s Degrees (4+1 students)
Students with bachelor’s degrees must complete all prerequisite coursework by May of the year that they are applying. The priority deadline for the application process for the clinical year is
November 30 . The final deadline is January 14 th . Applicants submitting an application after the priority deadline will only be considered on a space available basis . Prerequisite requirements are successful completion of the following 77 semester hours:
1. Biological Sciences (16 semester hours) including: a. Microbiology (with lab preferred) b. Genetics or Molecular Biology c. Immunology
2. Chemistry - 14 semester hours including: a. A minimum of two upper level (200 level or above) Chemistry courses. b. Upper level chemistry courses may include i. Organic Chemistry I ii. Organic Chemistry II iii. Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry ( Biochemistry with a lab is recommended.
)
3. English Composition (3 semester hours)
4. Mathematics (3 semester hours) – statistics is preferred
Upper level science courses taken at a 4-year institution are strongly recommended.
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Grade of C or better in all required courses
• Minimum
Cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum
Math/Science GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
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Minimum of 20 on ACT exam, Minimum 1440 SAT Cumulative

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TOEFL exam for foreign students where English is a second language
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A maximum of 60 semester hours can be accepted from a community college.
Proficiency in English
All applicants seeking admission to the UCCS MLS Program must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language*. Applicants for whom English is not their native language must demonstrate proficiency by:
1.
Minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213-250 computer based, or 100 Internet-based on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) earned within the last two years. (Send scores to UCCS Code: 4874.)**
2.
Minimum score of 6 on the IELTS, earned within the last two years.
3.
The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived for applicants under any of the following conditions:

Participation in an approved English Language program and meeting the approved score for proficiency. Currently the following standards are used for 3 approved programs: o UCCS Intensive English Program students scored 270 in the ACT/COMPASS exam o LCI student scored in the level V range (80% or higher) o ELS Language Center student passed ELS level 112
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Studied at an accredited institution of higher education in full-time status for at least two academic years within the last five years in the United States, the United Kingdom,
Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or with English language instruction in Canada or
South Africa. You must submit a transcript that shows you have attended college in one of these approved locations.

Citizen of a country whose first/official language and the language of instruction are
English and have completed all secondary (9-12): Australia, New Zealand, United
Kingdom, and Canada (except Quebec): (You must submit an official transcript that shows you have attended college in one of these approved locations)

Full-time study, for at least two academic years within the last five years, in the United
States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or with English language instruction in Canada or South Africa (Students must submit an official transcript that shows you have attended college in one of these approved locations)
*International students are students who will be studying at UCCS and who currently resides in the
U.S. under a visa (except permanent residents).
**The Dean of Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to ask any foreign student to take the TOEFL exam.
***Applicants receiving degrees at universities in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, are required to submit TOEFL unless the primary language of instruction at the institution is
English.

Foreign Transcript Review and Foreign Certificate of Degree
All students who took courses required for admission to the UCCS MLS Program, or who obtained a Certificate of Degree from a foreign institution must have the transcript evaluated by an
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) approved evaluation organization. The
Admissions Committee may require additional education at a United States accredited institution following an interview regarding the transcript evaluation. Expenses incurred in obtaining the foreign transcript evaluation shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
Applications are accepted until November 30th of each year. The final deadline is January
14 th . Applicants submitting an application after the priority deadline will only be considered on a space available basis.
The online Beth-El/UCCS application form may be used. The completed application will include the following:
1. Submission of online application form
2. Receipt of 2 official college transcripts for each college attended.
3. References/Letters of Recommendation-Request 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can address your ability to complete this program successfully. Two letters should be from professors or research directors and the third letter should be from an employer. References must be received in a sealed envelope with a signature across the seal.
4. Submit a 1-2 page essay, Times New Roman 12 point font with 1 inch margins which will contain personal background information, interest and attraction to the MLS profession, personal strengths for success in this intensive program, and how your desire to be a Medical Laboratory Scientist can benefit society. Explain why pursuing a career as a medical laboratory scientist is important to you and to society.
5. SAT, ACT, or GRE scores – Request one copy of an official SAT, ACT, or GRE results to be sent by the scoring agency to UCCS at www.collegeboard.com or scores may also be sent by an official high school transcript. If scores are on file with UCCS please notify the
MLS academic coordinator who can then retrieve the official scores from UCCS admissions and records.
For further information contact:
Sharon Clark, Extended Studies Administrative Assistant
719.255.4486 or sclark4@uccs.edu
Diane Weimar, Medical Lab Science Program Director
719.255.4488 or dweimar@uccs.edu