The medical laboratory sciences certificate program consists of 2-3 semesters of professional program courses and 1 semester of clinical practicum. Students from academic affiliate schools or those who already have a baccalaureate degree can apply for admission directly into the final professional year after completion of the prerequisites and the upper division science requirements. Admission is once a year for the upcoming fall semester. The program has a full-time hybrid delivery (more than 50% online delivery) through online modules, interactive television, and other technology-enhanced delivery methods. The MLS program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The program prepares students to be professional laboratory practitioners who are not only able to perform medical laboratory testing but analyze and critique the accuracy and validity of testing results for the improvement of patient care or research design. Graduates are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification examination and be certified as medical laboratory scientists. In addition to the medical laboratory setting, graduates of this program are qualified to work in a variety of other laboratory facilities such as research, environmental, biomedical, public health, or forensic laboratories. With the curriculum emphasis on developing quality understanding of laboratory methods and their diagnostic interpretation, our graduates are also excellent candidates for graduate research degree programs or graduate medical professional schools. Graduates of the MLS Program are also prepared to be leaders in healthcare delivery, medical laboratory professional societies, or as members of a research and development team. Since it began in 1922 as the first educational program for medical laboratory personnel, the MLS Program at the University of Minnesota has been a leader in the profession. Faculty in the program published the first article on quality control in the clinical laboratory, developed the first medical laboratory technician program, and established the first master's degree in clinical laboratory sciences. The program is proud to provide students with the opportunity to learn from faculty who focus on clinical excellence, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, scientific inquiry, leadership, and professional and community service. Current faculty perform laboratory-based research as well as scholarship in the field of teaching and learning. Many faculty also hold national and state offices in professional organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). As a part of one of the nation's most extensive interdisciplinary academic health centers, the University of Minnesota's MLS program provides opportunities for interaction with students from other health professions as you prepare for a progressive career in laboratory medicine.

Minimum prerequisite science GPA of 2.75 and comply with the Technical Standards (Essential Functions) requirements of the program. Pre-admission interview and skills test. Admitted students are required to pass a criminal background check and submit proof of immunizations required for U of MN Academic Health Center students.

In accordance with Minnesota law, a criminal background check is required of each student before clinical courses. The program arranges this background check.