Dual Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) and Master of Science (MS) in Pathologists' Assistant

A dual acceptance program to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) and the Master of Science (MS) in Pathologists Assistant (PathA) program.

Application Deadlines

• Fall semester deadline: June 20th

Program Summary

The UTMB School of Health Professions, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, is pleased to offer a dual acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) and the Pathologists’ Assistant (PathA) programs. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Criteria for Eligibility for MLS-PathA Track

1. Completed UTMB AHCAS application to UTMB MLS-PathA program.
2. Transcripts from all colleges attended.
3. Completed interview with MLS and PathA program faculty.
4. Three references from instructors, advisors, employers, etc.
5. Supporting statement with written explanation of interest in both programs, extracurricular and/or work activities, life experiences etc.
6. Written essay (essay is written on interview day).
7. Completion of all science, math and english prerequisites for the MLS program (up to 6 hours of non-science prerequisites can be completed after entering MLS program)
8. Overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or above including science GPA.
9. Completion of all MLS and PathA program prerequisites with a grade of B or better.

MLS-PathA track applicants must meet the following requirements before matriculation into the PathA program:

1. Complete all requirements for a B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences with a GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or above.
2. Complete all MLS courses with a grade of B or better.
3. Complete PathA Shadowing experience (to be coordinated by PathA program faculty)
4. Pass the MLS ASCP Board of Certification exam.

Prerequisite Courses

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Total Prerequisite Credit Hours: 61

1. Biology and chemistry science courses must be for science majors and include laboratories.
2. The mathematics course must be college algebra or higher.
3. Students are strongly encouraged to take courses in genetics and statistics to satisfy their elective prerequisites.

Up to 6 credit hours of prerequisites can be withstanding upon entry with the exception of Mathematics, Sciences, or English/Speech prerequisite courses and all need to be completed by the fall prior to graduation

A grade of 'B' or higher is required to satisfy any prerequisite.

Visit the Texas General Education Core Web Center for more information about core curriculum requirements for Texas institutions of higher education.

Application Process

To be considered for acceptance into the UTMB Program, the applicant must:

1. Complete the application (submit online). You must also include the following items:
   1. the required application fee
   2. your signed and dated supporting statement
   3. if you are an ASCP certified MLT, please indicate this fact in your supporting statement
2. Send transcripts from all previously attended universities and colleges.
   1. Applicants are requested to have their transcripts sent to AHCAS.  Electronic submission greatly expedites processing and improves the accuracy of transcript evaluation.
   2. Provide foreign transcripts evaluation information, such as WES or ECE.
3. Include three (3) references* (name and email address) MUST be listed in the application prior to submission
4. Complete personal interviews with the faculty of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

* Reference letter forms should be completed by individuals who can evaluate your work and professional ethics, study habits, and classroom/laboratory outcomes. These individuals may include a faculty member, teaching assistant, or work supervisor. If you have volunteer experience in the field of health care, the volunteer coordinator who supervised your experience may be able to complete the form.

Additional Admission Information

• Admission to the professional phase of the program is determined by the CLS Admissions Committee. (Must meet the Technical Standards.)
• As a condition of admission, all matriculating students must complete a security background check, at cost to the student. Information will be sent to you about this background check after you are granted admission to the program.
• Classes begin in the Fall Term for on-campus students. Distance (MLT) students may begin the program in any semester, though not all courses are offered every semester.

International Students

Applicants whose tertiary-level education has been completed at international institutions in a non-English speaking country must meet the following requirements, in addition to providing the credentials for their prospective program:

• Take and score satisfactorily on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if the native language is not English. A minimum satisfactory score is a total of 550 for the TOEFL PBT (or a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT (internet based)) or 6.5 for IELTS; however, TOEFL or IELTS score requirements are one of the many criteria of a student's admission, and the requirement could vary based upon previous education, GPA, and related factors. Test of Spoken English is recommended for applicants to the MLS-PathA program
• Submit an acceptable English translation with the transcripts if the transcripts are not in English. If the degree is not indicated on transcript, a copy of the diploma and/or certificate issued by the school is required.

Please review a summary of the TOEFL Requirements for International Students.