Overview
The prerequisites listed on this page are for the On-Campus Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program only. For the Online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Degree Advancement Program’s prerequisite requirements, please see the admissions requirements for that program.
The On-Campus Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program has the following requirements for consideration for admission to the program:
- Meets all admission requirements general to the UAMS College of Health Professions
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A cumulative undergraduate science and mathematics GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Successful completion of specific coursework
- Meets specific technical standards
Admission Factors
Criteria
Admission to the On-Campus Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program is competitive and based on the following criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Academic aptitude
- Leadership and professionalism
- Written and oral communication
Competitive Attributes
A competitive applicant will possess the following attributes:
- Strong desire to succeed as a medical laboratory scientist
- A commitment to professionalism
- Integrity in all situations
- A belief in service before self
- A strong desire for excellence in everything they do
Special Considerations
During admission reviews, first consideration may be given to Arkansas residents. Highly qualified applicants from out-of-state are strongly encouraged to apply and may successfully compete for admission. The program is committed to admitting and graduating qualified candidates from diverse groups.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability status as a criterion in deciding against any individual in matters of admission, placement, transfer, hiring, dismissal, compensation, fringe benefits, training, tuition assistance and other personnel or educationally-related actions.
Required Coursework
The following 69 credits are required for admission to the On-Campus Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program.
All listed courses are required from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution and must fulfill all college requirements regarding acceptance of transfer credit.
Fulfillment of the prerequisite courses for the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program does not guarantee admission.
A final grade of C or better is required in each of the prerequisite courses.
Students are eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program after completing 63 prerequisite credits, including Biology with lab, Anatomy and Physiology with lab, Microbiology with lab, both chemistry with lab courses, and both science electives. However, upon acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, an additional six credits of general education prerequisites must be listed on the student’s degree plan. The outstanding credits must be completed prior to graduation
Actual course titles may vary among institutions. If in doubt about the suitability of the following prerequisite courses, please contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Office.
General Education Coursework Requirements
| Typical Course Title | Area | Required Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two-semester Sequence of English Composition | English and Communication | 6 |
| Fundamentals of Speech or Speech Communication1 | English and Communication | 3 |
| College Algebra (or Higher-level Mathematics) | Mathematics | 3 |
| Fine Arts (Art, Music or Theatre) | Fine Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Humanities (History, Humanities, Literature, Philosophy or Political Science) | Fine Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| History of the United States or National Government | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Social Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology or Sociology) | Social Sciences | 6 |
| Total General Education Hours | 27 |
Program-Specific Coursework Requirements
| Typical Course Title | Area | Required Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Trigonometry, Statistics or Calculus (or Higher-level Mathematics) | Science | 3 |
| Biology with Lab2 | Science | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology with Lab2 | Science | 4 |
| Microbiology with Lab2 | Science | 4 |
| Two-semester Sequence of General Chemistry with Labs | Science | 8 |
| Science Electives with Labs3 | Science | 8 |
| Electives3 | General | 11 |
| Total Program-Specific Hours | 42 |
Summary of Coursework Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education Prerequisites | 27 |
| Program-Specific Prerequisites | 42 |
| Total Prerequisite Hours | 69 |
Credit By Examination
The On-Campus Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program will not accept Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program credits to fulfill the required science coursework.
The program will accept AP, IB or CLEP credits awarded by other institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institutions to fulfill the math and general education coursework. To be considered for credit transfer, the official transcript from the awarding institution must reflect the AP, IB or CLEP credits.
Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about credit by examination.
Notes
1 An additional humanities or fine arts course may be substituted for Speech Communication.
2 Chemistry, biology and health science courses must be suitable for majors in those disciplines and must include laboratory credit in required courses. The following courses (including labs) are considered equivalent to biology with lab, anatomy and physiology with lab, or microbiology with lab: animal or human anatomy, animal or human physiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell biology, cell physiology, genetics, genomics, immunology, molecular biology, mycology, neuroscience, organic chemistry, parasitology, pathology, pathophysiology, pathogenesis, quantitative analysis, toxicology, virology or zoology. Other courses may fulfill the program’s requirements. Contact the department for course approval.
3 Recommended electives include introductory courses in computer science, management, genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry and quantitative analysis.
Technical Standards
In order to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, applicants must possess certain physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities necessary to complete the curriculum. These requirements exist to ensure that students are able to effectively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and successful laboratory scientists. Please visit the Technical Standards page for details.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Series
Students starting this program are strongly encouraged to complete the hepatitis B vaccine series. Contact the department for further information.