Medical Laboratory Science Program
Admissions Requirements: a minimum of 77 semester hours
The 77 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) must include the following:
Biological Sciences
16 semester hours including courses in:
Microbiology (with lab preferred)
Immunology
Genetics or Molecular Biology
Chemistry
14 semester hours including:
a minimum of two upper level (200 level or above) Chemistry courses. Upper level chemistry courses may include Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry. Biochemistry with a lab is recommended.
English Composition (3 semester hours).
Credits earned through the CLEP process will not be accepted for the English requirement.
Mathematics (3 semester hours) – Statistics is preferred
Upper level science courses taken at a 4-year institution are strongly recommended.
Additional notes: a maximum of 60 semester hours can be accepted from a community college. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an ASCP Board of Certification-approved agency.
The following requirements must be met before enrollment in the clinical year:
- All prerequisite courses must have been completed, each with a grade of C- or higher.
- Overall college grade point average must be 2.70 or higher.
- GPA in college math and science courses must be 2.50 or higher.
- Total college credit must be equal to 77 semester hours or higher.
- ACT score must be 20 or higher.
In addition:
All science courses must have been completed or updated within the past seven years.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine must have met all general education, degree, and residence requirements.
Students enrolling in the certificate-only option must present evidence that a degree granting institution has granted or will grant a baccalaureate degree upon completion of the clinical year.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency and success in U.S. college science courses before starting the CLS Program. For more information, see Admissions Requirements for International Students.
Admission Process
Application for admission to the clinical year usually occurs early in the fall session of the junior year. Application and reference forms can be obtained from the Department of Pathology, Judith Kittleson, MT(ASCP), Site Coordinator, C664 GH; Phone: (319)384-9617, email: judith-kittleson@uiowa.edu. All applicants must submit the completed application form, ACT score, high school transcript, official transcripts from all colleges attended, a short essay, and three reference forms.
Review of applications will begin on October 15. It is suggested that your full application be received by the program before or as soon as possible after this date. However, we will continue to accept applications as long as space is available in the incoming class. If you are applying in November or later, it is recommended that you contact the program regarding space availability.
The completed application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee, a committee composed of both clinical and academic faculty members. Criteria for final class selection include college attended, difficulty of courses taken, grade point average (science and cumulative), motivation and goals, references, extracurricular activities, and suitability for the profession. Students will be notified by December 15, or within six weeks of application, of their admissions status.
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment or in its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information on non discrimination policies, contact the Coordinator of Title IX and Section 504, and the ADA in the Office of Affirmative Action, (319) 335-0705 (voice), or (319) 335-0697 (text), 202 Jessup Hall, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316.