Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences - Advanced Standing

Admissions Requirements 

Applications for the MLS program are accepted between January and mid-June for the incoming class. All application materials, the application fee, official transcripts, and all supporting documents must be received by Allied Health Centralized Application System (AHCAS) by the deadline. Applicants who are enrolled in college courses at the time of application should submit an official transcript showing courses in progress. An official, updated transcript must be submitted upon completion of the courses.

Bachelor of Science in MLS applicants must complete the Texas Core Curriculum (42 hours) and prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better. Certain prerequisite courses will apply towards meeting the Texas Core requirements:

Texas Core Curriculum Requirement                                                                               

  • English Composition I & II  (6 semester credit hours)
  • College Algebra or higher (3 semester credit hours)
  • Natural Sciences (BIOL, CHEM, PHYS or other natural science)  (12 semester credit hours)
  • Humanities
    • Any philosophy, language, humanities, or English literature course (3 semester credit hours)
  • Visual and Performing Arts
    • Any arts, drama, or music course (3 semester credit hours)
  • U.S. History I and U.S. History II (6 semester credit hours)
  • Texas State & Local Government & American Government (6 semester credit hours)
  • Any psychology or sociology course (3 semester credit hours)

All applicants must complete the program prerequisites listed below and no grade less than "C" will be accepted; ALL science courses must be designated for science majors.

Program Prerequisite Requirement                                                                                   

  • English Composition and Speech or Writing (3 semester credit hours)
  • General Chemistry I with lab (4 semester credit hours)
  • General Chemistry II with lab  (4 semester credit hours)
  • Biology I with lab (4 semester credit hours)
  • Biology II with lab (4 semester credit hours)
  • Microbiology with lab (for science majors) (4 semester credit hours)
  • General Physiology or Human Physiology (upper division) (3 semester credit hours)
  • Mathematics course must be college Algebra or higher (3 semester credit hours)

  • Students are strongly encouraged to have taken courses in Genetics and Statistics.

Additional MLS program requirements:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Minimum science GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Completion of the online Allied Health Centralized Application System (AHCAS)
  • Payment of non-refundable application fee for using the AHCAS application
  • Submission of the following documents to the AHCAS or Office of the University Registrar:
    • Official transcripts from each college and university currently or previously attended. Applicants who are enrolled in college courses at the time of application should submit an official transcript showing courses in progress. An updated transcript must be submitted upon completion of the courses. Note: transfer credits indicated on another school’s transcript are not accepted in lieu of submitting the original institution record for that coursework. Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be submitted in the original language and must be accompanied by a NACES Members evaluation agency English translation (course by course).
    • Completion of the two personal questions.
  • International Applicants only: Applicants from countries where English is not the official language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test. the minimum scores are: TOEFL 84, IELTS 7.0, and Duoligno 115.
  • Scores on TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo tests taken more than two years prior to the date of application are not acceptable.

Required Documents (if you are accepted) to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences program:

If you are made an official offer for the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BSMLS) program, all of the following items are required prior to matriculation:

  • Non-refundable SHP tuition deposit to secure each student's seat for the BSMLS class. Directions for this process will be sent to accepted students.
  • Completion of a criminal background check. Directions for this process will be sent to accepted students.
  • Completion of student drug testing. Directions for this process will be sent to accepted students.
  • Student Immunization Record:  all enrolled students at the health science center are required to be fully immunized with required immunizations prior to orientation and registration. Additional information is available on the Wellness 360 website.
  • Final updated transcripts must be submitted upon completion of courses from each college/university to the Office of University Registrar. All foreign transcripts must be also sent to include the original transcript and the NACES evaluated official transcript (course by course).

Office of University Registrar Mailing Address:

Office of University Registrar - MC 7702

7703 Floyd Curl Drive

San Antonio, TX  78229-3900

  • Evidence of current health insurance showing dates of coverage. Unless proof of proper insurance coverage is provided before the first day of class, students will be charged for a health insurance policy through the university. The fee for this policy is non-removable once the payment due date passes and is non-refundable once paid.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences degree program is a four-year program that consists of a minimum of 124 semester credit hours. The third and fourth year of the program is comprised of medical laboratory science courses and clinical practicums. The medical laboratory science courses that are completed at the Health Science Center and the clinical practicums are completed at clinical affiliates in the San Antonio area and sites throughout South Texas. The courses listed in the Sample Plan of Study constitute the professional curriculum for the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Individualized degree plans are created for each student admitted to the program in consultation with the program director.  It is expected that students will be full-time.  However, in special circumstances a student may petition to attend part time.  This request for part time status will be reviewed and approved by the Medical Laboratory Sciences Student Progress Committee.  Depending on the part time status percentage, selection of this option could delay graduation by at least one year.

First Year
FallCredit Hours
MLSC 3011Quality Assurance in the Clinical Laboratory1
MLSC 3051Hematology3
MLSC 3052Hematology Laboratory2
MLSC 3060Immunohematology3
MLSC 3064Immunohematology Laboratory2
MLSC 3065Clinical Immunology3
MLSC 3071Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory1
 Total Credit Hours: 15.0
First Year
SpringCredit Hours
MLSC 3033Medical Microbiology3
MLSC 3034Medical Microbiology Lab2
MLSC 3081Clinical Chemistry3
MLSC 3082Clinical Chemistry Laboratory2
MLSC 3083Evidence-based Literature Review in Medical Laboratory Sciences3
 Total Credit Hours: 13.0
First Year
SummerCredit Hours
MLSC 3010Body Fluids3
MLSC 3040Special Topics in Microbiology3
MLSC 4080Introduction to Scientific Writing2
 Total Credit Hours: 8.0
Second Year
FallCredit Hours
MLSC 4033Advanced Medical Microbiology2
MLSC 4037Clinical Practicum I4
MLSC 4057Clinical Practicum II4
MLSC 4083Advanced Clinical Chemistry2
MLSC 4095Management2
 Total Credit Hours: 14.0
Second Year
SpringCredit Hours
MLSC 4006Professional Issues1
MLSC 4053Advanced Hematology2
MLSC 4055Advanced Immunohematology2
MLSC 4067Clinical Practicum III4
MLSC 4087Clinical Practicum IV4
MLSC 4090Special Topics Practicum (Special Topics Practicum)1
 Total Credit Hours: 14.0

MLSC 3010. Body Fluids. 3 Credit Hours.

This is a study of selected body fluids including urine, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid. Renal physiology and the physical and chemical properties of urine and cellular elements of the urine in healthy and diseased states are studied. The formation and function of cerebrospinal fluid and amniotic fluid will be discussed. The anatomy and physiology of pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities will be presented. Attention is given to the cellular and formed elements found in these body fluids. In addition, this course includes the performance of various laboratory procedures utilized in the analysis of each of these fluids. Case studies will be used to emphasize the changes in laboratory results associated with various disease states. Principles and applications of quality control procedures are practiced.

MLSC 3011. Quality Assurance in the Clinical Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

This course presents the principles, statistics, and applications of quality assurance as it pertains to the clinical laboratory. The course will emphasize the statistics that are needed to evaluate a quality control system, the rules that are necessary for interpreting the quality control results, and the role of quality control in a quality assurance program. The impact of federal and state regulatory agencies on the clinical laboratory and its quality assurance program will be discussed. This course uses online learning format with most instructional components delivered online and some material may be delivered in person.

MLSC 3033. Medical Microbiology. 3 Credit Hours.

This is a comprehensive study of medically important microorganisms including their composition, morphology, and growth requirements. Methods for identification including biochemical reactions of significant pathogens and their role in infectious disease will be stressed.

MLSC 3034. Medical Microbiology Lab. 2 Credit Hours.

This is a laboratory course emphasizing diagnostic clinical microbiology. Examination of samples from different body sites provides students the opportunity to recognize and identify organisms that comprise the normal flora and those that are potential pathogens. This course includes conventional and rapid biochemical methods for detection and identification of significant organisms. Principles and application of quality control procedures are practiced. Corequisites: MLSC 3033.

MLSC 3040. Special Topics in Microbiology. 3 Credit Hours.

This lecture and laboratory course will focus on the transmission, pathophysiology, clinical sites of infection, clinical presentation, life cycles, and identification of infrequently isolated bacterial pathogens, anaerobes, mycobacteria, viruses, parasites and fungal agents. Specimen collection techniques and methods of processing specimens for each group of organisms will be included. Laboratory sessions will focus on microscopic identification as well as classic and rapid methods of detection and identification of these etiologic agents. Prerequisites: MLSC 3033 and MLSC 3034.

MLSC 3051. Hematology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is a study of the normal production, maturation, and function of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. Common disorders involving such cells will be discussed with emphasis on the pathogenic mechanisms. Hematologic laboratory tests and their correlations with disease states will also be examined. Normal hemostasis will be considered including pertinent laboratory tests used in diagnosis of coagulation problems.

MLSC 3052. Hematology Laboratory. 2 Credit Hours.

This is a clinical laboratory course emphasizing manual and semi-automated cell counting techniques and other basic hematologic tests. Time is devoted to the examination of normal and abnormal blood smears with emphasis on identification of cells and their relationships to various disease processes. An introduction to quality control methods in the hematology laboratory will also be included. Corequisites: MLSC 3051.

MLSC 3060. Immunohematology. 3 Credit Hours.

This is a study of the major blood groups of humans including the red cell antigen systems, alloantibodies, and non-immune stimulated antibodies. The relationship of blood group systems to compatibility testing, transfusion reactions, and hemolytic disease of the newborn will be discussed.

MLSC 3064. Immunohematology Laboratory. 2 Credit Hours.

This is a laboratory course emphasizing basic bloodbanking techniques including blood typing, identification of alloantibodies, and resolution of typing discrepancies. Techniques used in resolution of compatibility testing, investigation of transfusion reactions, and hemolytic disease of the newborn are practiced. Principles and applications of quality control are introduced. Corequisites: MLSC 3060.

MLSC 3065. Clinical Immunology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will discuss the principles of innate and acquired immunity. Emphasis will be placed on the cell-mediated immune response and humoral immune response to immunogens. The cells of either response, their development, and their role in the specific immune response will be discussed. Soluble mediators of the immune response will be covered including immunoglobulins, cytokines, and complement. Finally, disorders of impaired immune function and infectious diseases will be discussed including autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, transplantation and tumor immunology, immunodeficiency, syphilis, infectious mononucleosis, etc. Laboratory testing for these disorders will be described.

MLSC 3071. Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

This laboratory course introduces students to basic laboratory concepts and skills. Safety regulations and procedures will be covered. Specimen collection, handling and storage are discussed in relation to the reliability of a laboratory test result. Students will perform immunologic procedures commonly used in the diagnosis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. Principles and applications of quality control procedures are integrated throughout. Corequisites: MLSC 3065.

MLSC 3081. Clinical Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

The study of carbohydrates, enzymes, proteins and other chemicals routinely analyzed in clinical chemistry laboratories. Emphasis is placed upon principles of testing, methods of analysis, data interpretation, and clinical significance of results. Laboratory mathematics, quality control, safety, and instrumentation also are topics covered.

MLSC 3083. Evidence-based Literature Review in Medical Laboratory Sciences. 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces basic principles of evidence-based medicine in medical laboratory sciences and the practical skills in research-oriented literature inquiry, with emphasis on evidence-based review, critical appraisal of the medical literature, development of focused questions, and application to laboratory practice scenarios. Students will complete a written Critically Appraised Topic on a medical laboratory science problem or clinical question and give an oral presentation to faculty and students.

MLSC 3085. Principles of Biochemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is a discussion of the basic biomedical processes that occur in the human body. Topics that will be covered include the molecular basis of life, molecular structure, bioenergetics, enzymes, and metabolism.

MLSC 4006. Professional Issues. 1 Credit Hour.

This interdisciplinary course will provide an overview of professional and ethical issues facing allied health professionals. Topics to be discussed include responsibilities of the health care practitioner, life and death decisions, patient confidentiality, substance abuse, whistle blowing, and informed consent. Ethics in research and other critical issues related to health care problems will also be addressed. Collaborative activities and simulated cases will be used to enhance discussion among students.

MLSC 4033. Advanced Medical Microbiology. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will discuss etiology of infectious diseases in different body sites. Laboratory identification of suspected etiologic agents, using conventional methods, will be emphasized. Recent developments in microbiology and new rapid methods in the identification of bacterial agents of infectious disease will also be presented. Prerequisites: MLSC 3033, MLSC 3034.

MLSC 4037. Clinical Practicum I. 4 Credit Hours.

The clinical practicum courses are a series of clinical experiences in microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, and immunohematology. The student will be assigned to one of the four clinical areas. The student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate: 1) the ability to apply knowledge, attitudes, and skills to clinical laboratory practices and procedures; 2) the ability to integrate previous knowledge and skills with more sophisticated instrumentation and advanced methodology; 3) an attitude of cooperation and concern in interpersonal relationships with patients and health care workers; and 4) an appreciation of the ethical foundations of the medical laboratory sciences profession.

MLSC 4053. Advanced Hematology. 2 Credit Hours.

Using problem-based learning approach, this advanced course presents the pathogenic mechanisms of disorders involving erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and coagulation factors. The methodology for detection of diseases of the blood and blood forming organs is examined. The peripheral blood and bone marrow findings in relation to various hematopoietic disease processes will be emphasized. Abnormalities of hemostatic mechanisms and their correlation with laboratory tests will be presented.

MLSC 4055. Advanced Immunohematology. 2 Credit Hours.

This is a lecture course which uses case studies to emphasize theory and principles and develop problem solving skills. Major areas of focus include collection, processing and therapeutic use of blood components; investigation of autoantibodies and alloantibodies as detected in hemolytic disease of newborns, transfusion reactions, and autoimmune hemolytic anemias. The HLA system and applications in transplantation and paternity testing will also be discussed. Prerequisites: MLSC 3060, MLSC 3064.

MLSC 4057. Clinical Practicum II. 4 Credit Hours.

The clinical practicum courses are a series of clinical experiences in microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry and immunohematology. The student will be assigned to one of the four clinical areas. The student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate: 1) the ability to apply knowledge, attitudes, and skills to clinical laboratory practices and procedures; 2) the ability to integrate previous knowledge and skills with more sophisticated instrumentation and advanced methodology; 3) an attitude of cooperation and concern in interpersonal relationships with patients and health care workers; and 4) an appreciation of the ethical foundations of the medical laboratory sciences profession.

MLSC 4067. Clinical Practicum III. 4 Credit Hours.

The clinical practicum courses are a series of clinical experiences in microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, and immunohematology. The student will be assigned to one of the four clinical areas. The student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate: 1) the ability to apply knowledge, attitudes, and skills to clinical laboratory practices and procedures; 2) the ability to integrate previous knowledge and skills with more sophisticated instrumentation and advanced methodology; 3) an attitude of cooperation and concern in interpersonal relationships with patients and health care workers; and 4) an appreciation of the ethical foundations of the medical laboratory sciences profession.

MLSC 4083. Advanced Clinical Chemistry. 2 Credit Hours.

This is an advanced clinical lecture course emphasizing abnormalities in liver, cardiac, renal, and endocrine systems and their effect on chemical blood constituents. The theories and use of complex biochemical methodologies including immunochemical assays, chromatography, and electrophoresis will also be discussed. Prerequisites: MLSC 3081, MLSC 3082.

MLSC 4080. Introduction to Scientific Writing. 2 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills for effective communication in medical and scientific writing and presentations. It allows students to accomplish the following: 1) review basic writing skills, including grammar, word usage, punctuation, and sentence structure; 2) examine the scientific literature and peer-reviewed journals; 3) identify the steps involved in production of a scientific review paper; and 4) apply writing skills to the development of a scientific review paper that is suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The capstone project for the 2-course Research series - Evidence-based Literature Review in Medical Laboratory Sciences and Introduction to Scientific Writing will be a literature review paper.

MLSC 4087. Clinical Practicum IV. 4 Credit Hours.

The clinical practicum courses are a series of clinical experiences in microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, and immunohematology. The student will be assigned to one of the four clinical areas. The student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate: 1) the ability to apply knowledge, attitudes, and skills to clinical laboratory practices and procedures; 2) the ability to integrate previous knowledge and skills with more sophisticated instrumentation and advanced methodology; 3) an attitude of cooperation and concern in interpersonal relationships with patients and health care workers; and 4) an appreciation of the ethical foundations of the medical laboratory sciences profession.

MLSC 4090. Special Topics Practicum. 1 Credit Hour.

Under the supervision and direction of a clinical instructor in a clinical laboratory setting, the student will gain additional experience in a select area of clinical laboratory practice. Examples include immunophenotyping by flow cytometry for diagnosis of certain hematologic neoplasms, fungal identification and in vitro susceptibility testing of antifungal drugs, and molecular diagnostic testing for diagnosis of hematologic neoplasms.

MLSC 4091. Independent Study. 1-12 Credit Hours.

A plan of study is determined by the supervising faculty. The participating student and supervising faculty develop the course requirements and forms of evaluation. Credit hours are determined by the scope of the project.

MLSC 4095. Management. 2 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to present the principle of group dynamics, human resources management, and financial analysis to students in laboratory medicine. Topics include leadership style, staffing, and laboratory information systems (data management, analysis, selection). Writing resumes and laboratory procedures and developing job performance criteria are included. Interviewing techniques and performance evaluations are practiced. Current issues in managed care including outcomes assessment, evidence-based medicine, infection control, CLIA regulations, point of care testing, onsite surveys of the laboratory and medical necessity are discussed.

MLSC 4189. CLS Senior Seminar. 1 Credit Hour.

Integrated study of selected topics in clinical laboratory science.