School of Medical Laboratory Science Application

The highly competitive School of Medical Laboratory Science Program accepts up to nine students among college undergraduates and recent college graduates every six months. Our program promotes a broad view of diversity in both our workforce and student population.

The School of Medical Laboratory Science Program accepts applications for two classes:

  • January – December
  • June – May

Admissions Requirements

To apply, you must meet one of the following two criteria:

1. Completion of three years at one of our affiliated universities

Students are on track to complete a degree in Medical Laboratory Science and will earn their final 30 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in our program.

Affiliated universities include:

2. A bachelor’s degree in:

  • Biology 
  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • A related science

The degree must have included all of the following coursework:

Chemistry: 16 credit hours
Includes general and upper division lecture and laboratory courses

  • General Chemistry I and II (lecture and lab)
  • Biochemistry (lab not required)

Biology: 16 credit hours
Includes general and upper division lecture and laboratory courses
Note: Microbiology and immunology must be separate courses.

  • General biology
  • Physiology (Human preferred)
  • Microbiology (Pathogenic preferred)
  • Genetics
  • Immunology 

Math: Three or more credit hours
College level or equivalent

Other preferred prerequisites:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology

Additional Program Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 2.5 on 4.0 scale
  • Applicants with coursework completed more than seven years ago may be required to take additional courses before program admission.
  • Completion of the following prior to admission:
    • Health assessment, including immunization status
    • Drug screen
    • Criminal background check

International Student Requirements

Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States and will not be awarded a U. S. baccalaureate degree must submit the following with their application:

  • Photocopy of transcript and degree
  • Transcript evaluation from an acceptable United States evaluation agency (comprehensive list on ASCP website)
  • Applicants may be required to complete additional prerequisite coursework if deemed necessary based on the transcript evaluation. 

All international students must provide documentation of legal and permanent eligibility for employment in the United States. 

English Proficiency
Because the ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for health care professionals, students applying to Saint Luke’s School of Medical Laboratory Science Program must demonstrate oral and written communication proficiency in the English language. Students for whom English is a second language must meet these requirements by achieving minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate minimum TOEFL scores
  • Achieve an overall score of 600 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based)
  • Have individual scores of Good or High (ranges on TOEFL website) for Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
  • Include TOEFL scores on application
  • Submit official TOEFL score report to SLH MLS Program with application

Application Process

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Students are encouraged to submit an application by August 1 for the June start date, and February 1 for the January start date. We recommend applying as soon as possible – classes fill up to a year in advance and may fill before the application dates listed.

To apply:

  • Complete the online application
  • Send reference link to three professional and/or academic references (preferred: chemistry/biology professor and work reference)
  • Send official college/university transcript/s electronically to bildza@saint-lukes.org
  • Pay $35 application fee electronically by calling 816-932-3395. It does not have to be the same day as the application. 

Next Steps

Complete applications, including all application materials and received by the application due date, will be considered for interview. The most qualified applicants will be scheduled for interviews.

Applicant selection

The following factors are considered in assessing an applicant’s admission to the program:

  • Academic record and course load
  • College advisor and academic/professional references
  • Attention to detail and instructions
  • Personal statement
  • College affiliation
  • Communication skills, written and oral
  • Professional demeanor
  • Career aspirations