The GW Online Medical & Clinical Lab Science Programs - MSHS & Certificates

• MSHS - Clinical Microbiology (ASCP M)
• MSHS - Laboratory Medicine (ASCP MLS)
• MSHS - Molecular Diagnostic Science (ASCP MB)
• MSHS in BLS - Immunohematology and Biotechnology
• MSHS in BLS - Medical Laboratory Science
• MSHS in BLS - Translational Microbiology
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Chemistry (ASCP C)
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Medical Laboratory Sciences (ASCP MLS)
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Microbiology (ASCP M)

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore Reviewed By School

Updated January 10, 2024

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The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers several master’s of science in health sciences (MSHS) degrees, including those in clinical microbiology; laboratory medicine; biomedical laboratory science; and molecular diagnostic science.

In addition, there are a number of post-baccalaureate certificates available, including medical laboratory sciences (ASCP MLS), microbiology (ASCP M); and chemistry (ASCP C). All of these programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

The MSHS in clinical microbiology is ideal for those who desire board certification in microbiology. Graduates have the skills needed to serve in management and leadership roles as clinical biologists. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology microbiology technologist exam for the M(ASCP) certification. Career paths may include positions as a clinical research manager, microbiology technologist, clinical laboratory supervisor, and clinical research manager.

The MSHS in laboratory medicine prepares graduates to sit for the medical laboratory scientist exam for the MLS(ASCP) certification. Students learn how to evaluate research in relation to laboratory science and how to design a study. This is a hands-on program in which students complete several practicums. Career paths may include positions as a medical laboratory scientist, clinical laboratory supervisor, clinical laboratory scientist, and government positions as a research associate.

The MSHS in molecular diagnostic science combines biology and biotechnology courses with a molecular diagnostics practicum to prepare students for employment in a molecular diagnostic lab. Graduates are prepared to sit for the ASCP molecular biology technologist exam to earn the MB(ASCP) certification. Career paths may include organizations such as public health laboratories, biotechnology companies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic molecular laboratories.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in medical laboratory sciences prepares graduates to sit for the MLS(ASCP) certification exam. This program also prepares students to work as MLS generalists, which means they can work in many lab areas with proficiency. Students learn to analyze body specimens such as urine, tissue, and blood in order to diagnose diseases. Several practicums are included in this program to gain hands-on experience in varied lab areas. Possible careers include positions in industrial research labs, forensic labs, and molecular biotechnology labs. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, or a related field.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in microbiology for medical laboratory science qualifies graduates to take the M(ASCP) exam. Students also gain hands-on experience through a clinical microbiology practicum. Equipped with the knowledge to use biomedical instruments and molecular technology, students are able to research and assess the causes of disease. Students learn to become part of a healthcare team and may go on to careers in hospital, government, and pharmaceutical laboratories.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in clinical chemistry for medical laboratory science prepares graduates to take the chemistry technologist exam for the C(ASCP) certification. Students in this program complete a clinical biochemistry practicum. Topics covered include DNA and tissue examination, the function of the immune system and how it interacts with microorganisms, and biochemistry. Clinical chemists learn to apply laboratory science principles to the diagnosis of disease, analyze data, assess patient test results, and follow safety regulations.

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSHS degrees must have a bachelor’s degree (ideally in biology, chemistry, or microbiology) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Completed coursework must meet requirements for these fields including credits in college algebra, English, and the sciences. In addition, applicants must submit a written personal statement, an application fee, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume or CV. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Applicants to the post-baccalaureate degrees must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. As with the MSHS degrees, specific requirements are in place for college coursework in English, math, and the sciences. In addition, applicants must submit an application fee, a written personal statement, one letter of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume or CV. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Study Plan: Students in the online MSHS and post-baccalaureate degrees may begin in the fall, spring, or summer. All coursework is 100 percent online. Courses require about 18 to 20 hours of work per three credits. The MSHS degrees can be completed in two years. The post-baccalaureate certificate in medical laboratory science takes 20 months to complete and the other two certificates require one year of study. The MSHS in clinical microbiology, MSHS in laboratory medicine, MSHS in molecular diagnostic science, and the three certificates require one or more practicums in the student’s geographical area.

Curriculum: The MSHS in clinical microbiology comprises 36 credits. Courses may include biostatistics for clinical and translational research; advanced clinical parasitology and mycology; advanced clinical microbiology I-II; microbial pathogenesis; research ethics and scientific integrity; advanced laboratory management and operations; and advanced molecular diagnostics. Students also complete a microbiology practicum and a three-credit elective.

The MSHS in laboratory medicine consists of 52 credits. Courses may include biostatistics for clinical and translational research; advanced clinical bacteriology I-II; advanced parasitology, mycology, and virology; advanced immunology and serology; advanced hematology I-II; advanced immunohematology; and advanced molecular diagnostics. Students also complete several practicums including advanced coagulation, advanced clinical biochemistry, advanced clinical microbiology, advanced urinalysis, advanced hematology, and advanced blood bank practicums.

The MSHS in molecular diagnostic science consists of 35 credits. Courses may include advanced laboratory management and operations; molecular biology; molecular pathology; microbial pathogenesis; research ethics and scientific integrity; and medical biotechnology. Students also complete a molecular diagnostics practicum, a capstone project, and a three-credit elective.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in medical laboratory sciences consists of 48 credits. Courses may include hematology I-II; parasitology, mycology, and virology; clinical bacteriology I-II; immunology and serology; and immunohematology. Students also complete several practicums in areas such as coagulation, clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology, urinalysis, hematology, and blood banking.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in microbiology comprises 20 credits. Courses include clinical bacteriology I-II; molecular diagnostics; laboratory management and operations; immunology and serology; and parasitology, mycology, and virology. In addition, students complete a clinical microbiology practicum.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in chemistry comprises 19 credits. Courses include immunology and serology; molecular diagnostics; clinical biochemistry I-II; and laboratory management and operations. In addition, students complete a clinical biochemistry practicum.

Online Experience: Courses in the MSHS degree and certificate programs are delivered asynchronously on a part-time schedule and are on a “lock-step program.” This means that courses are taken in a specific order which helps students to complete them in the shortest time possible. Because of this, modifications in the program schedules are not allowed, and students should complete the program sequentially without taking a leave of absence.

Practicums are completed in the student’s geographical location. GW offers a mobile app as well as a virtual boardroom, which allow students, faculty, and healthcare professionals to collaborate with one another. Online students have access to 24/7 technical support, library services, student and career services, and access to GW faculty, academic advisors, career service advisors, and alumni.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the lab science programs as the coursework is 100 percent online and practicums are completed where students live and work. No campus visits are required. Students are encouraged to participate in the on-campus graduation.

George Washington University online medical and clinical lab science master’s and graduate certificate program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective online students should contact the School of Medicine and Health Sciences admissions department for cost clarifications and updates.

As a final note, GW offers financial aid in the form of merit-based scholarships, federal grants, and student loans. Students are encouraged to seek community and other resources to help fund their degree. Additionally, employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking an advanced degree. Students should check with their employer about this option.

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.