Frequently Asked Questions

1.  When is the deadline for applying?

• Fall: March 1st
• Spring: October 1st

2.  What is the minimum GPA?

Admission into the "Upper Division" Phase of the MLS Program requires completion of pre-MLS curriculum with an overall and supporting GPA of at least 2.5 with a grade of "C" or better in all courses. 

3.  Who do I contact for advising?

Contact Melissa Wyatt (A - M) or Darlene VanHoeve (N - Z)

4.  Will I be required to travel to a clinical site?

Yes, each student is responsible for transportation to and from the clinical facility.

5.  How long will I spend at the clinical site?

MLS students will complete their Clinical Rotation (internship) in the last semester. During this time, students will be trained for 6 to 8 hours daily (Monday-Friday) at one of our clinical affiliate sites.

6.  Is financial assistance available?

Yes, the MLS program offers scholarships to students in the MLS Upper Division on the basis of need and academic achievement. Students may also apply for Federal Financial Aid and University Scholarships. 

7.  How much does it cost to go to EKU?

Please refer to Student Accounting for current tuition rates and university fees. 

8. Are their fees associated with courses? 

Please refer to Student Accounting for current course fees.  

9.  Is the program accredited?

Yes, the program is accredited by the NAACLS.

10.  What is the job market like?

Salary fluctuates based on job specialty and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical laboratory scientists (formerly known as clinical lab technologists) is projected to grow 11% from 2020 - 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased testing demands and retirements will result in the need for about 25,900 openings for lab professionals each year. Yet, there are only about 5,000 graduates nationally per year. 

Likewise, the Bureau of Health Workforce of the U.S. Health Department projects a substantial increase in demand/growth for medical or clinical laboratory scientists between 2016 and 2030 by 19%.