College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Admission Standards and Requirements
Admission to the University does not guarantee enrollment into the Medical Laboratory
Science Bridge professional program. Selection into the Medical Laboratory Science
Bridge professional program is based on meeting admission standards and instructional
resources available to the program.
Students must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for selection into
the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge (MLT to MLS) professional program.
1. Admission to the University and submission of all official transcripts to the Office of
Registrar by the published deadlines. http://www.ulm.edu/prospectivestudents/
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2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (uncorrected) on a 4.0 scale. Lower
grade point averages will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Medical Laboratory
Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Admissions Committee.
3. A minimum grade of “C” or better in all required mathematics, biology, chemistry, and
Medical Laboratory Technician courses. No grade below a “C” will be accepted for
fulfillment of the MLS Bridge Program.
4. Enroll in pre-requisite general academic courses each semester until all pre-requisite
courses are complete.
a. Student will be allowed to enroll in one online MLS Bridge course per 8 week
session while working on pre-requisite courses.
b. Once all pre-requisite courses are completed, the student will be allowed to enroll
in more than one online MLS Bridge course.
c. All pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to the final semester before the
student is scheduled to graduate.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Admission Standards & Requirements
Page 1 of 3
d. Credit for MLT ASCP certification will be awarded during the last semester prior
to graduation.
e. The student will not be allowed to enroll in MLS Bridge course(s) the student’s
final semester unless all pre-requisite courses are completed.
5. Certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) by the American Society for
Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
6. Currently practicing as a MLT with access to all major areas of the medical laboratory
(Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Immunohematology)
a. Must have proof of current license in states with licensure
b. MLSC 4022-4053 require laboratory time outside of work hours to complete
clinical competencies in Molecular Diagnostics, Hematology, Microbiology,
Chemistry, and Immunohematology
7. Payment of and receipt for $50 application fee. Payments are made at La Capital Federal
Credit Union on the ULM campus. You may pay online at
www.ulm.edu/controller/lacap or by telephone at 318.342.5130. Ensure payment is for
the Medical Laboratory Science application fee, Account #517490. No refunds are
granted for application withdrawal.
8. Completion of Application Packet which includes:
a. Application to the MLS Bridge professional program (must be typed) with
signature
b. Official copy of ALL transcripts from any post-secondary institution
c. Signed Academic Standards, Essential Functions, and Practice Requirements
signature form
d. Application fee payment receipt
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9. Submission of completed Application Packet to:
The University of Louisiana at Monroe
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science Program
MLS Bridge Program Coordinator
Office of the Dean, Sugar 151
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209-0440
Email: chapman@ulm.edu
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Admission Standards & Requirements
Page 2 of 3
If accepted to the MLS Bridge program, the student will be required to select a qualified Medical
Laboratory Scientist preceptor that must be approved by ULM to mentor and validate clinical
competencies for each practicum course.
The ULM Medical Laboratory Science program is not responsible for and will not consider any
Application Packets postmarked after the published deadline or those lost in the mail.
Please note the following:

An Application Packet is valid for one (1) semester only.

An incomplete Application Packet will NOT be considered for admission.

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NO Application Packet will be accepted after the published deadline.
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For any questions regarding materials included in the application packet or the application
process, please contact the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program Coordinator:
MLS Bridge Program
Medical Laboratory Science Program
Sugar Hall 156B
318.342.1699 MLS Bridge Program Coordinator Office
318.342.1637 MLS Program Director Office
318.342.1622 CHPS Associate Dean’s Office
chaman@ulm.edu
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Admission Standards & Requirements
Page 3 of 3
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Selection Criteria
1. There are several components considered in selecting students for the MLS Bridge
professional program:
a. Admission standards
b. Application packet
c. Cumulative grade point average
d. Pre-medical laboratory science (pre-requisite science, math, and core) grade point
average
e. MLT course grades
2. Admissions are determined based upon availability of instructional resources available to
the program. Students who meet the criteria for admission will be notified by email from
the bridge coordinator of their acceptance into the program.
3. The ULM Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program accepts students without regard
to age, race, religion, sex, national origin, or marital status.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Selection Criteria
Page 1 of 1
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Essential Functions
Essential functions are those non-academic requirements that an applicant must possess or
develop to participate successfully in the program. The Medical Laboratory Scientist must be
able to:
Observation
 characterize color, clarity, and viscosity of biological and reagent materials
 use bright-field, fluorescent and phase binocular microscopes to discriminate fine
differences in size (1 um range) and color (hue, shading and intensity) in microscopic
specimens
 recognize and distinguish text, numbers and graphs in print and on monitor screens
Movement
 move freely and safely about in a clinical laboratory
 perform moderately taxing, continuous, physical and mental work in an eight hour
period, often requiring prolonged sitting
 lift and move objects weighing up to 15 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds on
an occasional basis
 reach laboratory bench tops, shelves, and patients seated in specimen collection chairs
 manipulate phlebotomy and culture acquisition equipment to safely collect valid
laboratory specimens from patients
 manipulate laboratory equipment such as pipettes, inoculating loops, test tubes,
centrifuges, dials and other instrument components to perform laboratory procedures
 use a computer keyboard to operate laboratory instruments and to record laboratory
information
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Essential Functions
Page 1 of 2
Communication
 follow oral and written instructions to correctly perform laboratory procedures
 effectively converse with patients about specimen collection and laboratory tests in a
confidential and professional manner
 communicate with faculty, other students, staff and other health care professionals in a
professional manner, both verbally and in writing
Behavior
 perform all duties with honesty, integrity, confidentiality and responsibility. The student
must be forthright about errors or uncertainty and take responsibility for his/her own
actions.
 manage the use of time, systematizing actions to complete professional and technical
tasks within realistic constraints. The student should use “down-time” wisely by
preparing ahead of time for future learning assignments or reviewing material previously
learned.
 provide professional and technical services, using one’s intellect and exercising
appropriate judgment, while experiencing the stress of task-related uncertainty (i.e.
ambiguous test ordering, ambivalent test interpretation), emergent demands (i.e. “STAT”
test orders), and a distracting environment (i.e. moderate noise, complex visual stimuli)
 be flexible and creative in adapting to professional and technical change
 recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations, proceeding safely to
minimize risk of injury to self and nearby personnel
 adapt to working with unpleasant biological materials or reagents
 support and promote the activities of colleagues, adopting a team approach to learning,
task completion, problem solving and patient care
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) requires schools to
define and publish specific essential functions required for admission to the program and to
determine that a student’s health will permit him/her to meet the essential functions.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Essential Functions
Page 2 of 2
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Program Retention/Progression Policy
 Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and earn a “C”
or higher in all required pre-requisite courses and professional MLS courses.
 Failure of a student to earn a minimum grade of “C” in a medical laboratory science
course may preclude progression in the MLS Bridge program.
 In the event that a student earns a non-progressive grade of “D” in one medical laboratory
science course, the student may petition the Program Director to remediate the course.
The Medical Laboratory Science Academics Standards Committee will determine if
remediation will be granted according to the program’s remediation policy.
o Remediation must be completed by the deadline imposed by the course instructor.
o The highest grade that may be received for a remediated course is “C”.
 A student who earns less than a grade of “C” in a MLS course following remediation will
be suspended from the MLS Bridge program.
 A student who fails to earn a progressive grade in more than one MLS course will be
suspended from the MLS Bridge program.
 A student who earns a failing grade of “F” in one MLS course will be suspended from the
MLS Bridge program.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Retention/Progression Policy Page 1 of 2
 A student who is not in compliance with ethical, professional behavior or patient welfare
guidelines of the program may have sanctions imposed by the Medical Laboratory
Science Academic Standards Committee. Sanctions may include dismissal from the
program with a course grade of “F”.
 A student who is suspended from the professional MLS Bridge program must reapply for
admission to the program during the next admission cycle of the program. If a student is
accepted for readmission, the student must retake all professional MLS courses.
 Students who wish to appeal their suspension from the professional program may appeal
to the Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standards Committee to determine if
repeated or additional coursework could justify readmission.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Retention/Progression Policy Page 2 of 2
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Examination Proctor Policy
Mid-term and final examinations are to be administered to the student via Kryterion Online
Proctoring at no expense to the student.
The student must set up an account with Kryterion through the website
http://www.onlineproctoring.com/ulm/index.htm.
The date ranges for exams are posted in each course in the course management system, Moodle.
An appointment must be made with Kryterion no later than one week in advance of the date the
student would like to schedule the exam.
eULM ( http://www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/) makes a Kryterion Student Handbook available
through Moodle. This handbook is available in each medical laboratory science course.
ULM MLS Bridge Program: Exam Proctor Policy (August 2015)
Page 1
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Competency Preceptor Policy
The student selects a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist preceptor that must be approved by
ULM to mentor and validate clinical competencies for each Medical Laboratory Science course.
The Medical Laboratory Science Program Bridge Coordinator will verify certification, state
license (if applicable), and employment of the preceptor(s) each semester.
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
Certification and Licensure
Additional requirements necessary to practice
Medical Laboratory Science in the State of Louisiana
The following information addresses some of the important questions that are frequently asked
by medical laboratory science students as they approach the completion of their formal education
program.
1. Do I have to pass a certification exam in Medical Laboratory Science before I can
graduate?
Answer: No. Your degree in MLS is based solely on the satisfactory completion of the
course requirements in the MLS curriculum.
2. What is a “certification test” and when do I take it?
Answer: A certification test is an examination given by a medical laboratory science
organization that verifies mastery of a certain body of knowledge in the field of medical
laboratory science.
The organization that sponsors the certification examination for the Medical Laboratory
Scientist is the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology
(ASCP) www.ascp.org. Following graduation, you must apply to take the examination.
An application form must be completed and an application fee submitted. Check the
ASCP BOC website for the correct fee schedule and testing dates/locations. Following
successful completion of the examination, the certificant will be credentialed as a
Medical Laboratory Scientist and can use the credentials, MLS (ASCP), behind his/her
name.
MLS Application Packet: Certification and Licensure
Page 1 of 2
3. Is “certification” the same as “licensure”?
Answer: No. Certification means that the individual has completed an examination that
certifies that he/she has mastered a certain amount of information in the field of medical
laboratory science. Licensure is a state law that mandates that only licensed individuals
can practice the profession in the state.
4. How do I become licensed in the state of Louisiana?
Answer: The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) has a website,
www.lsbme.la.gov, which includes the checklist of items that the applicant must provide
or complete to receive a license in medical (clinical) laboratory science. The applicant
should refer to the above website for updates.
Important: As part of the licensing process, the State of Louisiana is required by the
Medical Practice Act, R. S. 37:1277(C) to do a criminal background investigation
through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Federal
Bureau of Investigations on all applicants. The LSBME Office of Investigations and
Enforcement, as a matter of routine, reviews and investigates (1) reports of a criminal
history from the Department of Corrections and/or FBI and (2) incidents where the
applicant has not truthfully answered related questions on the application either of which
may lead to delays and/or denial of licensure.
The application for the certification examination and for the license is strictly the
responsibility of the student. Failure to supply the necessary information to the above
agencies will result in delay and/or rejection.
MLS Application Packet: Certification and Licensure
Page 2 of 2
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Application for Admission
Personal Information
Full Name:
Last
First
Middle/Maiden
Permanent
Address:
Street Address
City
Primary
Phone:
Apt/Unit #
State
Zip Code
Alternate
Phone:
No dashes
E-Mail
Address:
No dashes
CWID or SS#:
Emergency Contact Information
Full Name:
Last
First
Relationship
Address:
Street Address
City
Primary
Phone:
Apt/Unit #
State
Zip Code
Alternate
Phone:
No dashes
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application
No dashes
Page 1 of 4
Previous College Credit
Please list all college and universities that you have attended since leaving high school.
Hours
College
Location
Earned
Degree
MLT Program, Certification, and License
Please list the name of the NAACLS accredited (if applicable) MLT program that you completed.
(NAACLS- The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences)
MLT Program
Location
Program Director
Are you certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology as a Medical Laboratory
Technician?
YES ASCP Certification Number
NO
Certifying Agency
Do you have a current license to practice as a Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Technician? (only
applicable in states that require a license)
YES License State and Number
NO
Are you currently working as a Medical Laboratory Technician?
YES
NO
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application
Page 2 of 4
Please list the following information regarding your employment: Employer, Laboratory
Director’s name and phone number, Departments of the laboratory where you perform patient
testing.
Please list the medical laboratory(s) with location where you plan to complete the required
clinical competencies in Hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Chemistry, and
Microbiology. This may be your place of employment if it is a full service laboratory.
Interests and Experience
Please list any activities in which you have participated or any awards you have received while
in college.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application
Page 3 of 4
Please list your personal interests.
Please list all of your professional experiences as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Why are you interested in the A.S. MLT to B.S. Medical Laboratory Science program?
My signature below attests the information provided in this application is accurate and
true to the best of my knowledge. Any misrepresentation in these materials will be
considered grounds for dismissal from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the
Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program should I be accepted.
(Signature)
(Date)
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application
Page 4 of 4
Please return completed form to:
Medical Laboratory Science Dept.
MLT to MLS Program
University of Louisiana at Monroe
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209-0440
EMPLOYER VERIFICATION FORM
Applicant: Please print or type your name and address and select the degree for which you are applying. A direct supervisor who knows
your work in a professional setting should complete the form. You must be admitted to ULM before applying to an online program.
Applicant Information
Print Name
Last
First
Middle
Maiden
Address (Street Name and Number)
Apt #
City
State
Zip Code
Email Address
Degree seeking:
I certify that all information given is complete and accurate. I authorize ULM to verify the information I have provided. I realize that
falsification or the intentional omission of any information on this form may lead to rejection of my application, withdrawal of any offer of
acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, or appropriate disciplinary action. Admission to the University does not constitute admission to a
degree program. I do hereby authorize Louisiana public postsecondary education access to my academic records. I give my permission for
this employer verification to be sent to ULM.
APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE ______________________________________________________________DATE______________________
For the Person Completing This Recommendation
Supervisor: The individual noted above is applying for admission to the MLT to MLS Bridge program at the University of Louisiana at
Monroe. The requested commendation will be used for verifying employment as a MLT and clinical site. This form will be kept as part of
the student's permanent student record. This form should be completed by the direct supervisor of the applicant. All sections must be
completed. All sections must be completed. If additional space is needed, please attach on a separate page.
Print Name
Last
First
Middle
Organization/Business Name
Position/Title
Address (Street Name and Number)
City
Email Address
Apt #
State
Zip Code
How long have you known the applicant?
What characteristics of the applicant lead you to believe that he/she can work in a fast-paced, online environment?
Please rate the applicant on the following attributes.
Attributes
Very Weak
Weak
Maturity
⃝
⃝
Motivation
⃝
Problem Solving
Average
Strong
Very Strong
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Openness to New Ideas
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Organization
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Time Management
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Self-Discipline
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Technology Skills
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Verbal Communication
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Written Communication
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Reads and Follows Directions
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Meets Deadlines
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
⃝
Of the attributes and abilities evaluated above, please comment on the following:
Applicant’s area of greatest strength.
Area(s) where applicant could use greatest development.
Please indicate your overall recommendation of this applicant for an online degree program by checking box below.
 Strongly Recommend
 Recommend
 Recommend with Reservations
 Do Not Recommend
Signature:____________________________________________________________ Date:___________________________
Thank you for your help in this evaluation. We will keep your comments confidential.
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Competency Preceptor Qualifications Form
I.
Student
a. Name
First
Middle or Maiden
Last
b. Courses using this preceptor: __________________________________________
II.
Preceptor
a. Name
First
Middle or Maiden
Last
b. MLS Certification
Agency
Category
Number
State
Discipline
Number
c. MLS License
d. Credentialing Entity (example LSBME)
e. Attach proof of certification and license (if applicable) to this form. Valid proof
includes current certificate or wallet card.
1
III.
Current Employing Institution of Preceptor
a. Name of Clinical Agency
b. Position or Job Title
c. Date of Employment
d. Major Area of Clinical Practice
e. Length of Time in Current Clinical Practice
IV.
Medical Laboratory Science Education
College/University
V.
Degree Earned
Date Graduated
Certification
Employment History
Employment Agency
Date of Employment
Full Time
(Y or N)
Part Time
(Y or N)
Area(s) of
Responsibility
My signature below attests that the information provided in this preceptor application is
accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that my certification, license to
practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (if applicable), and employment information will be
verified by the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Printed Name
Signature
Date
2
Please return the completed form to the following address:
Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program Coordinator
Medical Laboratory Science Program
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Office of the Dean, Sugar 151
The University of Louisiana at Monroe
700 University Avenue
Monroe, Louisiana 71209-0440
This form will be retained in the official records of the Medical Laboratory Science program.
3
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
Academic Standards, Essential Functions, &
Practice Requirements Signature Page






Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the program’s
academic standards, including admission requirements and retention policy.
Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the program’s
competency preceptor and examination proctor policies.
Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the program’s
essential functions and that you believe you can meet them. If you are not sure that you
will be able to meet these standards, or know of anything that currently or in the future
might affect your ability to fulfill these functions, please consult with the program
director to discuss your individual situation and/or to request a specific accommodation.
Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the additional
requirements to practice Medical Laboratory Science in the State of Louisiana.
Please sign this form to indicate that you understand that admission to ULM does not
guarantee admission to the MLS Bridge program.
Please sign this form to indicate that you understand that availability of the MLS
Bridge courses varies and may be dependent upon enrollment in each course.
Include this signature page in your completed application packet.
_______________________________________
Printed Name
CWID
_______________________________________
Applicant’s Signature
___________________
Date
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Signature Page
Page 1 of 1
College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Professions
Medical Laboratory Science
MLT to MLS Bridge Program
MLS Bridge Program Application Checklist
Please print and complete this form to ensure that your application packet is complete. Include
the checklist with your completed MLS Bridge application packet. Keep a copy for your
records.
Applicant Name: _______________________________________________________________
(Print name)
□ Admission to The University of Louisiana at Monroe
o On the ULM homepage (www.ulm.edu), click on “eULM”, click on “Apply to
eULM today!” and complete the 4 Steps to ULM admissions for the New Online
Student.
 Carefully read all information on the “Apply for Admission” page.
 Select the “Online Application” link.
 You will choose application “7 Online (eULM)” and complete the application
as directed.
□ Uncorrected Cumulative GPA  2.5
□ A grade of “C” or higher in all required pre-requisite courses and Medical
Laboratory Technician courses
□ Official transcripts
o You must include official transcripts from all institutions of higher education in
the MLS Bridge application packet. This is in addition to the official transcripts
required for admission the University)
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Checklist
Page 1 of 2
□ Verification of MLT(ASCP) certification
o Contact ASCP through the following website and have verification of certification
sent directly to the ULM MLS Bridge Program
o http://www.ascp.org/Board-of-Certification/Verification-of-Certification
o Cost: $15.00
o Request Verification of Certification to third party by email
□ Proof of current MLT/CLT license (if applicable)
o Submit a copy of license with application packet; license will be verified
□ Proof of current employment in medical laboratory
o Complete your portion of the Online Program Employer Verification form
o Request your supervisor to complete form and mail to address on form
□ Name, address, and phone number of medical laboratory where you have
access to complete clinical competencies
o Verification required each semester according to courses
□ Application to MLS Bridge Program (must be typed) with signature
□ Signed Academic Standards, Essential Functions, and Practice Requirements
signature form
□ MLS Bridge Program Application Fee receipt (staple to completed application)
□ Application deadline:
will be posted on website
□ Submit the completed application packet in a 9” X 12” envelope. Application
packets must be submitted to the MLS Bridge Program Coordinator only when
complete. Notification of acceptance or denial to the MLS Bridge program will be
made following verification of admission to the University and review of the MLS
Bridge program Application Packet. Advising for course registration will take place
following acceptance.
Important Information:
 Admission to the University of Louisiana at Monroe does not guarantee
admission into the MLS Bridge program.
 The completion and submission of the application packet does not guarantee
admission into the ULM MLS Bridge professional program.
 Acceptance into the MLS Bridge program is based on admission criteria.
 A MLS class for the MLS Bridge program may not be offered if fewer than 10
students are enrolled in the course. Each MLS Bridge course’s enrollment will
be reviewed each semester the course is scheduled to be offered.
 Availability of the MLS courses varies; courses will be offered in a sequence and
may vary depending on program resources.
MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Checklist
Page 2 of 2