Program Overview
While the coursework for both programs is the same, the prerequisite requirements for the clinical laboratory science post-baccalaureate certificate and the second degree bachelor’s programs are different. Please review carefully the prerequisites for each program prior to applying. You may apply to more than one program and you will be considered for the program for which you meet the requirements.
The Second Degree and Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
NAACLS
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 733-714-8880
Fax: 733-714-8886
For more information, please reach out to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at (806) 743-3220 or health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
- 12 months estimated time to completion
- 64 estimated class size
Curriculum & Coursework
The curriculum of both the TTUHSC MLS Second Degree and Certificate Program consists of 35 hours of academic education combining online class instruction and on site laboratory experience.
Classes include: Clinical Immunology, Foundations of Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Practice, Principles of Molecular Diagnostics, Advanced Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Hematology, Immunology, Immunohematology, Body Fluids.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.
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Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4147- Clinical Immunology 1 hour
HPML 4341- Foundations of Hemostasis 3 hours
HPML 4343- Foundations of Clinical Chemistry 3 hours
HPML 4345- Foundations of Clinical Microbiology 3 hours
HPML 4450- Clinical Laboratory Practice I 4 hours
Total Hours 14 hours
Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4242- Advanced Hematology 2 hours
HPML 4144- Analysis of Body Fluids 1 hour
HPML 4145- Principles of Molecular Diagnostics 1 hour
HPML 4146- Advanced Microbiology 1 hour
HPML 4348- Foundations of Immunohematology 3 hours
HPML 4451- Clinical Laboratory Practice II 4 hours
Total Hours 12 hours
Summer Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4752- Preceptorship 7 hours
HPML 4149- Principles of Laboratory Management 1 hour
HPML 4153- Seminar 1 hour
Total Hours 9 hours
Combined Total Hours Credit Hours
CURRICULUM TOTAL 35 HOURS
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Fall Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4147- Clinical Immunology 1 hour
HPML 4150- Laboratory Practice I for Clinical Immunology and Phlebotomy 1 hour
HPML 4341- Foundations of Hemostasis 3 hours
HPML 4151- Laboratory Practice I for Hemostasis 1 hour
HPML 4343- Foundations of Clinical Chemistry 3 hours
HPML 4152- Laboratory Practice I for Clinical Chemistry 1 hour
HPML 4345- Foundations of Clinical Microbiology 3 hours
HPML 4159- Laboratory Practice I for Clinical Microbiology 1 hour
Total Hours 14 hours
Spring Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4144- Analysis of Body Fluids 1 hour
HPML 4154- Laboratory Practice II for Body Fluids 1 hour
HPML 4145- Principles of Molecular Diagnostics 1 hour
HPML 4155- Laboratory Practice II for Molecular Diagnostics 1 hour
HPML 4146- Advanced Microbiology 1 hour
HPML 4156- Laboratory Practice II for Advanced Microbiology 1 hour
HPML 4242- Advanced Hematology 2 hours
HPML 4157- Laboratory Practice II for Advanced Hematology 1 hour
HPML 4248- Foundations of Immunohematology 2 hours
HPML 4158- Laboratory Practice II for Immunohematology 1 hour
Total Hours 12 hours
Summer Semester Course Designation Credit Hours
HPML 4752- Preceptorship 7 hours
HPML 4149- Principles of Laboratory Management 1 hour
HPML 4153- Seminar 1 hour
Total Hours 9 hours
Combined Total Hours Credit Hours
CURRICULUM TOTAL 35 HOURS
Program Term Application Deadlines
|
Term |
Applications Open |
Application Deadline |
First Day of Term |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SUMMER |
JAN 1 |
MAY 1 |
MAY TBD |
|
FALL |
MAR 1 |
JUL 20 |
AUG TBD |
|
SPRING |
AUG 1 |
DEC 5 |
JAN TBD |
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants for the MLS Second Degree and MLS Certificate programs must complete the TTUHSC SHP online application.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $75 application fee is required and may be paid by credit card through the online application system.
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, make it payable to TTUHSC and mail it to:
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th Street, MS 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
Your application will move forward in the admissions review process after your application fee has been received.
Transcripts
Paper Transcripts: Transcripts must be in an official sealed envelope by the institution and sent to our mailing address:
TTUHSC SHP Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
Email PDF Transcripts: Submit official electronic transcripts from every college or university attended directly from the institution or an approved third-party transcript service to shp.application@ttuhsc.edu.
Please note:
Do not send transcripts to Texas Tech University, as TTUHSC is a separate institution and doing so will delay application processing.
Official TTUHSC transcripts are not required; official Texas Tech University transcripts are required.
Transcripts from international institutions must include an official course-by-course evaluation from a recognized Foreign Transcript Evaluation Service.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required application materials, including updated transcripts, are received by the application deadline.
Admissions Requirements
The MLS 2nd Degree and MLS Certificate programs begin in August of each year. The online application and all supporting documentation must be received by the deadline.
Applicants are allowed to apply to more than one program; however, the prerequisite requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and Second Degree Bachelor of Science programs are different. Please review the prerequisites for each program prior to applying. Additionally, the coursework for both programs is exactly the same. If you apply to both programs, you will be considered for the program for which you meet the requirements.
Bachelor's Degree
A Bachelor's Degree is required for admission in addition to the specific prerequisite courses listed.
Minimum GPA
A minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 is required; this includes all courses taken at every institution attended. A minimum science prerequisite GPA of a 3.0 is also required.
Prerequisite Coursework
All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to matriculation. Applicants who have completed all or most of their prerequisite coursework at the time of application may be at an advantage during the admissions process. Courses must be completed with a "C" or above to be considered for prerequisite credit.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for an application to be complete. One letter must come from a professional and one from a person in academics, unless the applicant has been out of school for more than three years; then, we will accept two professional letters of recommedation from management or administration. Recommendation letters from friends or family members will not be accepted.
Essay
An essay is required as part of the application.
MLS Second Degree Prerequisites
| Course |
28 Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry I with lab |
4 hours |
| General Chemistry II with lab |
4 hours |
| Biology I or A&P I with lab |
4 hours |
| Biology II or A&P II with lab |
4 hours |
| Microbiology with lab |
4 hours |
| Genetics or science elective |
4 hours |
| Intro to Organic or Organic Chemistry I with Lab |
4 hours |
| Course |
3 Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Statistics |
3 hours |
Note: MLS 2nd Degree applicants must have a Bachelor's degree to include the Texas Common Core completion. Recommended Courses: Immunology, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, Cell Biology and upper division Microbiology.
MLS Second Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- Texas Common Core Requirements: 42 hours
- Science Prerequisite Courses: 31 hours Note: These hours may be included as part of your Texas Common Core. No more than 9 hours of prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of application.
- Beginning with the 2023-2024 application cycle, the MLS 2nd Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs require two letters of recommendation as a part of the application process. One letter must come from a professional and one from a person in academics unless the applicant has been out of school for more than three years; then, we will accept two professional letters of recommendation from management or administration. Recommendation letters from friends or family members will not be accepted.
MLS Certificate Prerequisites
| Course |
28 Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry I with lab |
4 hours |
| General Chemistry II with lab |
4 hours |
| Biology I or A&P I with lab |
4 hours |
| Biology II or A&P II with lab |
4 hours |
| Microbiology with lab |
4 hours |
| Genetics or science elective |
4 hours |
| Intro to Organic or Organic Chemistry I with Lab |
4 hours |
| Course |
3 Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Statistics |
3 hours |
Note: MLS certificate applicants must have a Bachelor's degree. Recommended Courses: Immunology, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, Cell Biology and upper division Microbiology.
MLS Certificate Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- Science Prerequisite Courses: 31 hours
- No more than 9 hours of prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of application.
- Beginning with the 2023-2024 application cycle, the MLS 2nd Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs require two letters of recommendation as a part of the application process. One letter must come from a professional and one from a person in academics, unless the applicant has been out of school for more than three years; then, we will accept two professional letters of recommendation from management or administration. Recommendation letters from friends or family members will not be accepted.
International Applicants
If you are not a citizen/permanent resident of the United States, please refer to our International Applicants webpage for the additional requirements needed for your application.
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Please contact our office by phone at 806-743-3220 or email at health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.
Cost & Aid
Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.
Tuition & Fees
The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarship programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.
Student Outcome Data
Medical Laboratory Science Certification
When you successfully complete the requirements of either the second degree or certificate in clinical laboratory science you are eligible to sit for the national Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.
Outcomes (2023-2025)
| Program Year |
Graduation Rate (%) |
Certification Pass Rate (%) |
Employment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - 2023 |
95 |
93 |
99 |
| 2023 - 2024 |
97 |
95 |
100 |
| 2024 - 2025 |
94 |
97 |
97 |
*Outcomes report is based on NAACLS standard II.B requirement
Additional Resources
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List of Affiliates
Hendrick Medical Center - Abilene, TX
Baptist St. Anthony - Amarillo, TX
Northwest Texas HCS - Amarillo, TX
Veterans Affairs Hospital - Amarillo, TX
Clinical Pathology Laboratories - Austin, TX
St. David's South Austin MC - Austin, TX
St. David's - Austin, TX
St. Joseph Health Regional - Bryan, TX
Cedar Park Regional MC - Cedar Park, TX
Childress RMC - Childress, TX
HCA Conroe Regional MC - Conroe, TX
Charlton Methodist - Dallas, TX
Children's Medical Center - Dallas, TX
Methodist Hospital - Dallas, TX
Parkland Health & Hospital System - Dallas, TX
UTSW/William P. Clements Hospital - Dallas, TX
Veterans Affairs Hospital - Dallas, TX
Wise Regional - Decatur, TX
Eastland Memorial - Eastland, TX
Providence East - El Paso, TX
Providence Memorial - El Paso, TX
Providence Sierra - El Paso, TX
Hill Country Memorial - Fredricksburg, TX
Hunt Regional - Greenville, TX
Ben Taub - Houston, TX
HCA Northwest - Houston, TX
Texas Children's Hospital - Houston, TX
Quest medfusion - Lewisville, TX
Covenant Health System - Lubbock, TX
University MC - Lubbock, TX
Mansfield Methodist - Mansfield, TX
South Texas Health System - McAllen, TX
Midland Memorial - Midland, TX
Medical Center - Odessa, TX
Paris Regional MC - Paris, TX
Richardson Methodist - Richland, TX
Shannon Medical Center - San Angelo, TX
Methodist Health System - San Antonio, TX
Cogdell Memorial - Snyder, TX
UTHSC - Tyler, TX
DeTar Navarro - Victoria, TX
HCA Clear Lake - Webster, TX
Huntsville RMC - Huntsville, AL
Fairbanks Memorial - Fairbanks, AK
UC Health - Aurora, CO
UCH Memorial North - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Memorial South - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Poudre Valley - Ft. Collins, CO
UCH Yampa Valley MC - Steamboat Springs, CO
MedStar Washington MC - Washington, D.C.
Phoebe Putney - Albany, GA
Moanalua MC - Honolulu, HI
HCA Research MC - Kansas City, MO
St. Louis Children's/Barnes-Jewish Hospital - St. Louis, MO
Benefits Health - Great Falls, MT
Penn Medicine Princeton MC - Plainsboro, NJ
Tricore - Albuquerque, NM
Tricore Plains Regional - Clovis, NM
Covenant Health Hobbs - Hobbs, NM
MountainView RMC - Las Cruces, NM
Tricore Lincoln County MC - Ruidoso, NM
Tricore Presbyterian Hospital - Santa Fe, NM
Valley Health System - Henderson, NV
Renown Health MC - Reno, NV
Samaritan Albany Health - Albany, OR
Samaritan Good Sam RMC - Corvallis, OR
Curry Health - Gold Beach, OR
Samaritan Mid-Valley/Lebanon Hospital - Lebanon, OR
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital - Lincoln, OR
Providence - Medford, OR
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital - Newport, OR
Interpath - Pendleton, OR
AnMed Health - Anderson, SC
VCH Prince William - Manassas, VA*Depending on affiliate availability, this list is subject to change.
Up to 2 Departmental Rotations Are Completed in a Different Facility
Clinical Pathology Laboratories - Austin, TX
St. David's - Austin, TX
HCA Conroe Regional MC - Conroe, TX
Charlton Methodist - Dallas, TX
Eastland Memorial - Eastland, TX
Providence East - El Paso, TX
Providence Sierra - El Paso, TX
Quest medfusion - Lewisville, TX
Mansfield Methodist - Mansfield, TX
Richardson Methodist - Richardson, TX
Methodist Health System - San Antonio, TX
UCH Memorial North - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Memorial South - Colorado Springs, CO
UCH Poudre Valley - Ft. Collins, CO
Tricore Plains Regional - Clovis, NM
Mountainview RMC - Las Cruces, NM
Tricore Lincoln County MC - Ruidoso, NM
Samaritan Albany Health - Albany, OR
Samaritan Good Sam RMC - Corvallis, OR
Curry Health - Gold Beach, OR
Samaritan Mid Valley/Lebanon Hospital - Lebanon, OR
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital - Lincoln, OR
Interpath - Pendleton, OR
Providence - Medford, OR
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital - Newport, OR*Depending on affiliate availability, this list is subject to change.
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The Medical Laboratory Science Programs (MLS), to include traditional as well as second degree & post baccalaureate certificate, at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, are vigorous and intense programs placing specific professional, intellectual, physical and social requirements, and demands on the students enrolled in the programs. An objective of these programs is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments. The technical standards set forth by the MLS programs establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to these programs to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies for entry-level practice. The ability to meet these technical standards is required for admission to the MLS programs and must be maintained throughout the terms a student is enrolled in the respective program. These standards are subject to amendment based on changes in health care /scope of practice.
Accepted applicants for MLS’ education programs will be required to verify they understand and meet these essential functions or they believe the standards can be met with reasonable accommodations.
In keeping with applicable federal and state law regarding disabilities, we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform successfully in our program. Any student with a disability who is accepted to the MLS program must contact the 504 coordinator in the TTUHSC Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible. The coordinator will evaluate the student, confirm the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws, and determine what accommodations are reasonable.
There are three separate and distinct components in the curriculum for the MLS programs. There is an academic didactic (classroom) component, a laboratory component, and a clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship/ component. Accommodations in place for the didactic component may not be available for the laboratory component and/or clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship/ components in the curriculum.
To successfully complete didactic, laboratory, and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship portions in the MLS programs an individual must meet the following technical standards with or without accommodations.- Mobility
- The student must have adequate gross mobility in order to maneuver in a timely and safe fashion throughout the department.
- The student must be able to lift his or her arms above shoulder height in order to place or remove items of ten pound or less from shelves.
- The student must be able to bend over at the waist or squat (waist and knees) in order to place and remove items of ten pounds or less from drawers and cabinets.
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Manual Dexterity
The student must have adequate fine motor skills to be able to manipulate small objects in a safe and precise manner. Examples would include (but are not limited to) being able to operate a computer keyboard; dial a telephone; handle cuvettes, sample cups, pipette tips, and reagent vials; pick up glass slides from table top, manipulate tools and instruments used in the clinical laboratory (including a microscope); collect specimens, and use a pen or pencil in order to communicate effectively in writing for coursework and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship to ensure patient/client safety.
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Auditory Acuity
The student must be able to hear well enough to respond to significant sounds in a clinical lab. Examples would include (but are not limited to) being able to hear signals generated from instrumentation that may indicate normal operating status, critical sample value, or equipment malfunction, and being able to hear and follow verbal instruction from a coworker or supervisor in order to ensure patient safety. (National Patient Safety Goals NPSG)
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Verbal Communication Skills
The student must be able to orally communicate professionally to persons on the telephone or other health care workers, listening specifically to the student in person to ensure patient safety. (National Patient Safety Goals NPSG)
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Visual Acuity to read, write, discern colors, and use a microscope.
The student must have adequate eyesight such that he/she can recognize and distinguish gradients of color (such as on a urine reagent strip and special stains), read numbers and words either on a video display screen, computer printout, or legible handwriting, and interpret lines and points on graphs and charts to ensure patient safety.
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Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quality Skills
The student must possess the ability to develop and exhibit organizational problem-solving skills. Specifically, the student must have the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, interpret, synthesize and evaluate data in a short period of time; have the ability to learn to perform duties and assignments in a timely manner while under stress in a variety of settings; exhibit the maturity to accept feedback and demonstrate professional conduct in the classroom, laboratory, and at the preceptorship site.
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Social Behavior Skills
Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, clients, and patients’/clients’ families during clinical/fieldwork/ preceptorship/ and academic interactions. Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in academic and clinical/fieldwork/preceptorship situations. Conduct oneself in an ethical and legal manner, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and situations.
I understand and acknowledge that I must meet the essential functions required for the MLS program.
- Mobility
Request Information
Contact Us
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
School of Health Professions - Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
-
Address
3601 4th Street Lubbock
Lubbock, TX 79430
United States
- Phone (806) 743-3220
- Email health.professions@ttuhsc.edu
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Hours
Mon. - Fri.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.