Is your Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program accredited?
Our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Our university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
How long does it take to complete the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Students can complete the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program in three to five semesters.
Do you require clinicals in your Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program uses a model in which students are required to work in a clinical laboratory environment or have significant professional work experience in a clinical laboratory. In addition, our students take case development and review coursework in lieu of a formal clinical experience.
When do classes start for the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Classes for the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program start each fall and spring. The deadlines to apply are May 15 for the fall semester and Nov. 1 for the spring semester.
Do you have classes in the summer?
Most students in our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program have the summer term off. We do teach make-up classes for students who qualify and need to retake a class. The program director must approve you to take summer classes.
Do all students in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program qualify for the in-state tuition rate?
All students in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program qualify for the in-state tuition rate regardless of Arkansas residency status.
Are there scholarship programs or federal financial aid available for students in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
The Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program and the UAMS College of Health Professions have specific scholarships that students can apply for each spring, and they are awarded in the fall. UAMS does have a Financial Aid Office that is available for students to contact.
Can you use veteran’s benefits with the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
UAMS has a veteran services coordinator who works in our Office of the University Registrar and can help with applying veteran’s benefits toward the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program.
What is the pass rate on the American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist exam for UAMS students?
Students in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program do well on the American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist exam. You can find up-to-date pass rates on our Program Statistics page.
How do I contact faculty if I have questions about a course in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Faculty in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program can be contacted by phone or email, or by using the form on our Contact Us page. We have a dedicated faculty to teach each course along with adjunct faculty that can help.
What help is available to students who are struggling with the coursework in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
In addition to getting help from the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program faculty teaching the course, UAMS has a Student Success Center that can be contacted to assist with extra help.
Since this is a virtual class, do I get to interact with other students?
After enrolling in our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program, we encourage students to connect through social media platforms coordinated by student leaders. Many students find this highly beneficial.
Do you support military personnel?
Our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program has a strong history of supporting military medical laboratory technicians transitioning to medical laboratory scientists. We can help with military tuition assistance, commissioning packages, etc. Additionally, our Veterans Services department provides robust support.
Do you offer professional guidance?
In addition to our topics and lab management courses, we do provide informal professional guidance when a student has specific questions.
What percentage of the coursework in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program is medical laboratory related?
100% of the coursework in our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program is related to the field of medical laboratory sciences. We do have specific general education prerequisite coursework required for admission and graduation. We do not teach general education courses at UAMS, but we can help students find affordable colleges to take them at.
I have attended another National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences-accredited medical laboratory sciences program. Can I transfer those credits into the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
The Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program can evaluate student transcripts on a case-by-case basis and let you know how many credits may transfer in.
I already have my American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist certification, but I need the degree. How do you evaluate my application to the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
In addition to transfer credits, in some cases students can test out of 11 semester hours of coursework if they have ASCP MLS certification. Please contact the director of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program for more information.
Is it difficult to complete this Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program and work full-time?
Each student’s personal situation is unique, but we have students complete the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program each semester on the three-, four- and five-semester tracks. If students have significant requirements outside of their work, we suggest the five-semester track.
If I start the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program on the three-semester track, am I able to drop down to four- or five-semester track if I find the three-semester track is not working for me?
A student may drop down to the four- or five-semester track of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program. Please note that students are still responsible for paying for the coursework they enroll in each semester.
Does UAMS have a payment plan?
UAMS does offer a payment plan option. Please contact Student Financial Services for more details.
Is there an online graduation for graduates of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Graduates of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program will have an online course completion ceremony that is held at the end of each semester. In addition, graduates can participate in the yearly UAMS Commencement ceremony that is held in Little Rock, Arkansas, each May.
Are there required textbooks for the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Some of the courses in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program will require textbooks and some will not. Students will get this information from the syllabus for each course.
Are there specific computer requirements for the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
There are specific computer requirements for the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program that most students already have. During the program interview, which occurs after a student applies and submits all transcripts, they will be told about the specific requirements.
How long do I have to take exams in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program? What about different time zones?
In each course of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program, students have a 24-hour window to start their exam. All course times are based on the time at the main UAMS campus in Little Rock, which is Central time.
How do I take exams for the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Students in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program take their exams on their own computers.
My medical laboratory technician training occurred many years ago. Can I still transfer in credits?
Students whose medical laboratory technician training occurred many years ago should be able to transfer credits to our Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program. We value both formal academic training and practical experience. Our admissions office will review applicants’ official transcripts to determine if any additional coursework is needed.
Can a new graduate from a medical laboratory technician program apply to the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
New graduates are eligible to apply to the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program. Students must be working in a lab to be eligible for the program.
Is it possible to enter the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program with a certification other than the Medical Laboratory Technician certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology?
Students can enter the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program with an alternative certification if they have completed a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences medical laboratory technician program. The program director must approve alternative certifications.
Does an online degree program work for the state of California?
Students should review and understand each state’s licensing requirements where applicable. Historically, online programs have not been acceptable to the state of California. We do have students from California who have a plan on how to use the degree to meet their goals. For example, they may work in a federal laboratory or have a plan to work outside of California and meet the licensing requirements via an alternative route. Students from California are required to complete an additional form, which will be provided to those students by the program at the appropriate time. Please consult with the program director if you have questions.
How do I know what track of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program to take? Can I choose my own classes?
In order to qualify for the three-semester track of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program, applicants do need to have all of the general education prerequisite classes completed before they start the program. During the interview, the appropriate track will be discussed. Unless a student gets approval from the program director or assistant program director, they will be required to adhere to a standard three-, four- or five-semester track and the associated coursework that goes with each track.
Do I have to log into classes at a particular time in the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
The Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program is asynchronous and for the most part, students will not have to log into any UAMS program at a particular time. Please note that students will have specific dates for tests and assignments. Exam reviews are usually done live but also recorded for those who can’t make the review.
Do I have to take a certification exam after graduation from the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program?
Unless a student already holds the American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist certification, graduates of the Online MLT-to-MLS Degree Completion Program are expected to take the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist exam and must register for it during their last semester. Students may also take ASCP technologist exams, known as “categorical” certification exams, or alternative certification exams.