To be considered for admission, the following are required.

Completed Prerequisite Courses

Students must have at least two years of undergraduate college coursework including a total of 56 semester credit hours. Prerequisite courses can be completed at KU or other academic institutions. Please see the complete list of prerequisite courses for details.

Science and math prerequisite courses must have been completed no more than the seven years prior to semester of admission.

For an application to be competitive, students should demonstrate the ability to handle full academic course loads (more than 12 credit hours per semester) during their enrollment in prerequisite courses.

At least one laboratory component of required chemistry and biology prerequisite courses must be completed in-person in a physical laboratory setting.

Exemptions to the above eligibility requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a KU advisor in clinical laboratory science to review prerequisite courses and help build a plan for successful completion of all requirements.

Grade Point Average

An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale is required. The GPA of all science courses taken must also be 2.70 on a 4.00 scale. In addition, all course grades should be no less than "C" on each prerequisite course. Repeated courses may replace prior failing grades if taken at the same or equivalent institution.

Shadowing Experience

Applicants are required to participate in a shadowing activity to ensure they are fully aware of the type of work performed by medical laboratory scientists.

Applicants may fulfill this requirement in one of several ways:

• Successfully complete courses CLS 210 or BIOL 210 on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus, or
• Have documented, recent experience working in a clinical laboratory as a laboratory assistant or similar position, or
• Visit a hospital laboratory and spend time observing specimen processing, workflow, phlebotomy and other laboratory procedures. Two hours minimum is suggested to cover as many aspects of the laboratory as possible. For additional information please contact an advisor in clinical laboratory science.

Essential Health and Physical Requirements

Because CLS graduates are expected to function in a variety of clinical, research and industrial laboratory situations, students must be able to meet the program's technical standards.

Students that require accommodations can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at KU Medical Center.

All students are required to carry health insurance. KU Medical Center offers a health insurance policy for eligible students. Selected for the Kansas Board of Regents institutions by the State of Kansas, this plan is offered through Student Health Services at KU Medical Center and is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources. For additional health enrollment requirements, visit the KU Medical Center Student Health page.

Vaccine and Clinical Site Requirements

Matriculated students will need to provide an immunization profile prior to participating in curricular and/or clinical experiences required by the program. Please read the information found at the bottom of the program's curriculum page and be sure that you understand these requirements.

Background Check

Incoming students must provide KU with a background check report. Once accepted into the program, students should start this process. The one-time fee must be paid directly to the company performing the background investigation.

Computer

Students are required to have a computer that meets the minimum software and hardware requirements.

For International Students

An applicant is considered an international student if the individual requires a visa, currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.  

For more on English language requirements, including minimum test scores, please see the KU Medical Center Office of International Programs. Test scores must be original forms sent directly from the administering agency to KU Medical Center. Photocopies will not be accepted. Use ETS school code: 6895.