Requirements
The MLS program is a postbaccalaureate (4+1) program. Students with a baccalaureate degree who meet the eligibility requirements and have completed the pre-requisite coursework are eligible to apply.
1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with either:
- Bachelor of Science degree in biological science or chemistry, including the required prerequisite course work
- Other major with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, including the required prerequisite coursework
- Important: Degrees granted by foreign universities must have transcripts evaluated by an ASCP-approved agency prior to application – ASCP Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts (PDF)
2. GPA of 2.750 or higher on 4.000 scale
3. Completion of the prerequisite coursework
Students are expected to have a strong academic record in biological and chemical sciences. All applicants must meet the chemistry and biology credit requirements, including the required pre-requisite courses, to be eligible to apply. To assist you in assessing your academic eligibility, use the MGB MLS Academic Eligibility Evaluation Guide (PDF).
Biological Sciences: A minimum of 16 credit hours (24 quarter hours) including:
- One semester of Human Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology (laboratory strongly recommended)
- Microbiology with laboratory or Molecular/Cell Biology with laboratory
Chemistry: A minimum of 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) including:
Organic Chemistry with Laboratory
Math: At least one of the following college-level mathematics courses
- Algebra
- Pre-calculus
- Calculus
- Statistics
The following courses are strongly recommended:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
4. Meet MLS program technical standards
In addition to academic standards, students are required to be made aware of non-academic or technical standards that are necessary for students to successfully complete the MLS or Categorical program. Technical standards refer to a candidate’s physical, cognitive and behavioral attributes. Technical standards for the Mass General Brigham MLS program have been developed in compliance with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). Mass General Brigham will provide equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran or active military status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.
View technical standards (PDF)
5. Additional requirements for accepted students
Accepted students will be required to submit several requirements to be eligible to attend the 4-month clinical training block. Required documentation is due at the start of the program and includes:
- Health Clearance - Immunization and Health records
- Background and Criminal History Check
- MLS Program Policy Acknowledgements
Additional requirements and policies can be found in the MLS Student Handbook (PDF).
Non-U.S. citizen applicants
The program is open to U.S. workers in the categories below. Visa sponsorship is not available at this time.
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. nationals
- Lawful and permanent residents
- Refugees and asylees