Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science

In this program, you’ll learn to perform tests on blood, tissue and body fluids to support the detection, diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The curriculum emphasizes connecting lab findings to clinical conditions. You’ll develop expertise across the entire testing process, including the preanalytical, analytical and post-analytical phases.

A combination of didactic and hands-on learning prepares you for advanced roles in clinical laboratories and potential eligibility for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination. Courses examine the major disciplines of clinical lab work, including chemistry, hematology, immunology and immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology and urinalysis.

During clinical practicum courses, you’ll gain experience in:

  • Engaging with laboratory information systems.
  • Interacting with laboratory liaisons and other health care professionals.
  • Performing clinical and diagnostic tests on multiple platforms.
  • Running daily quality control and maintenance protocols.

Who’s a good candidate for this bachelor’s program?

You’re an ideal candidate if you’re looking to advance in non-patient-facing health care roles and build on your existing lab experience. Earning this bachelor’s degree can give you a competitive edge when applying for leadership positions, increase your earning potential and support long-term career growth. 

To be eligible, applicants must hold an AAS in medical laboratory technician and have completed all prerequisite courses. An in-person lab placement is required to meet practicum course requirements. Current employment in a medical lab is strongly encouraged, along with employer approval to complete practical assignments on site.

If you hold an AAS in another field, ASU offers additional online Bachelor of Applied Science programs, including health sciences and applied nutrition and health. If you don’t yet have an AAS, explore ASU’s full bachelor’s degree options.

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Applied Science
Program Focus
Medical Laboratory Science
Program Name Abbreviation
Medical Laboratory Science (BAS)
Program Category
Degree Image
Four students in the applied science degree with a focus on medical laboratory science work in a lab wearing lab coats and safety goggles.
Program Description Intro

Turn your passion for lab science into health care impact without working directly with patients. Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in medical laboratory science prepares you to perform complex lab testing that supports informed medical decisions. Building on your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Technician, this program immerses you in advanced lab work and equips you to contribute to patient care.

Plan Code
NUMLSBAS
Program code
UGNH
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

Core courses provide a foundation in laboratory science and help you develop the skills to perform lab procedures and interpret results. You’ll study topics ranging from identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria to selecting compatible blood for complex surgical procedures. With your AAS already complete, the 60 credits you earn in this BAS are career-focused and designed to bring you closer to your goals.

Total Classes
25
Total Credit Hours
120
Program Fee Code
College of Health Solutions - Undergraduate Programs
Courses Section Title
Online medical laboratory sciences courses
CIP code
42.00
Title
Learn from experts at the leading edge of medical laboratory science
Description

The College of Health Solutions faculty displays a high level of research expertise, focused on creating a better future for all. Our faculty are lifelong learners dedicated to improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of their research focuses on:

  • Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health
  • Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
  • Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes
  • Incorporating advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles
  • Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication
Accolade title
Developing tomorrow’s health workforce
Accolade Description

In the College of Health Solutions, students learn and prepare to become the health workforce of the future. Faculty and students also collaborate to research solutions to pressing global health challenges. Partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
6,500+
Accolades Description

students.

Accolades Title
250+
Accolades Description

Barrett honors scholars.

Accolades Title
160+
Accolades Description

faculty members.

Accolades Title
$14.5 million
Accolades Description

in research expenditures.

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description

To be eligible for this program, you must:

  • Have attended one or more regionally accredited colleges or universities and earned your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in medical laboratory technician.
  • Have at least 2 years of clinical laboratory experience or a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification.
  • Provide proof of employment at a medical laboratory and permission to complete course activities outside your working hours. You will verify your employment after submitting your application.
Admission requirement item
Title
Step 1: Speak to an enrollment counselor
Description

Would you like to chat with someone about a degree program that is right for you? Request more information to speak to an ASU Online enrollment coach about degree programs of interest, how your credits may transfer and when you would like to begin classes.

Title
Step 2: Find out how your credits transfer to ASU
Description

Check out the Transfer Guide where you can see how your completed courses transfer to ASU. With hundreds of thousands of course evaluations complete, the Transfer Guide helps you take the guesswork out of transfer work.

Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are designed specifically for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science.

  • Students who have earned an AAS from a regionally accredited institution may transfer 60 credit hours toward their BAS.
  • Students who have earned an AAS degree from a regionally accredited Arizona community college may be eligible to transfer up to 75 credits toward their BAS

Students pursuing this degree may have more than 60 credit hours to complete in order to obtain their Bachelor of Applied Science following transfer to ASU. In completing the bachelor's degree program, students fulfill all ASU graduation requirements.

Title
Step 3: Complete the online application
Description

Take your first step toward transferring to ASU Online by completing the online application. The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will be required to submit a nonrefundable application fee of $70.

Title
Step 4: Send your transcripts
Description

Request to have your transcripts sent directly to ASU from each educational institution you attended.* Official transcripts must be mailed directly to Admission Services by the records office of the issuing institution. Official transcripts delivered by hand will be accepted only if they are sealed in the original envelope provided by the community college or university and bear the university seal and the signature of the registrar of the issuing institution. Please have your previous academic institutions mail your official transcripts here:

If sending electronically:

Transcripts sent via email may be accepted if sent directly from an authorized school official at the issuing institution, or from a third-party verified source, to ASU at [email protected].

You may also use services such as Parchment, eSCRIP or National Clearinghouse to send electronic transcripts. Choose Arizona State University on the request form to make a request for your institution to send us your official transcripts.

If sending by stamped mail:

Admission Services Applicant Processing
Arizona State University PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS:

Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing
1150 E. University Drive Building C, Room 226
Tempe, AZ 85281

*If you have completed an associate degree or higher, you will not need to send a high school transcript. If you have not completed an associate degree or higher, please ensure your official high school transcript provides proof of graduation, in addition to transcripts from all post-high school institutions you have previously attended or are currently attending.

Title
Step 5: File your FAFSA
Description

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you find federal student aid. Submit the FAFSA online. ASU’s Federal School Code is 001081.

Title
Considering honors?
Description

Are you interested in challenging yourself academically by adding honors to your studies? Join Barrett, The Honors College to elevate your undergraduate experience and enhance your degree.

Title
State authorization
Description

We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.

Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Title
Professional licensure and certification
Description

ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.

Image
This is a gold and black badge for professional licensure and certification.
Program fee code for resident
UPO401
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO401
Program Description Title
Elevate your career in medical laboratory sciences
override admission requirement
On
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2267&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
bachelor-applied-science-medical-laboratory-science
Program Generated Code
UGNH-NUMLSBAS
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program Features