MLT-MLS Distant Learning Track

The MLT-to-MLS Distant Learning program allows medical laboratory technicians with an associate degree who are registered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or certified by the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, Inc. (NCA) to complete the B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences in approximately three years through a combination of distance education and concentrated laboratory and advanced clinical laboratory experiences. To be eligible for the program, students must submit proof of certification or registration from one of the above agencies.

The MLT-to-MLS program is divided into the pre-professional curriculum and the professional curriculum and takes 124 SC to complete. The pre-professional program includes a minimum of 82 SC. MLTs are eligible for the professional program after completing 76 SC including all of the following courses: 8 SC of college and/or clinical chemistry; 8 SC biology electives or suitable MLT courses; 4 SC anatomy & physiology, or suitable MLT course; 4 SC microbiology or clinical microbiology; and 3 SC college algebra. An additional 6 SC of general education courses may be completed after enrolling in the program and prior to graduation. The general education courses must include: 6 SC English composition, 6 SC history of civilization or world history, 3 SC American history, 6 SC social science, 2 SC speech communication, 3 SC fine arts and 3 SC humanities. Students may complete the preprofessional curriculum at any regionally accredited college or university. 

The professional MLT-to-MLS curriculum at UAMS requires 42 SC of upper level MLS courses to complete. In addition, all students are required to attend concentrated advanced-skills laboratory courses on the UAMS campus in Little Rock. The laboratory sessions are conducted in one to three day sessions each spring and/or summer.

All MLT-to-MLS students will need a computer with CD-ROM drive and Internet access in order to view and submit course material. Students will also be required to have an e-mail address where the Department can routinely contact them.

After completing the courses listed above, students will progress to advanced clinical laboratory internships. MLTs will demonstrate MLS level clinical skill competencies in approved clinical laboratories. Additional selected experiences in clinical laboratories located in Little Rock may be required to provide advanced procedures and techniques.

For further information on the MLT-to-MLS distance learning program, call Cherry Childs at (501) 686-5776 or (800) 981-4427.

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