Application process and deadlines
Applying early is highly recommended as the program will interview, rank, and enroll students as applications are received for each cohort. Application for admission to the School of Medical Laboratory Science at Pennsylvania Hospital should be submitted 1 year to 10 months prior to the cohort start date:
- Completed applications must be received by October 1st prior to the August start date for the Fall cohort of the following year.
- Completed applications must be received by March 1st prior to the January start date for the Spring cohort of the following year.
Applicants are selected without regard to age, sex, race, color, creed, or national origin.
Admissions guidelines
Guidelines for admission into the year-long program include:
- A minimum of 90 semester hours of study in an accredited college or university.
- Chemistry (organic and/or biochemistry must be included)
- Biological science including microbiology and immunology
- The content of chemistry and biological science courses must be acceptable toward a major in those fields or in medical technology or must be certified by the college or university as equivalent, including advanced placement and transfer courses. Courses in Statistics, Anatomy/Physiology and Genetics/Molecular Biology are recommended.
- A minimum grade point average of 2.8 overall and 2.5 in chemistry and biological sciences.
- Completion of all required pre-clinical medical technology courses and eligibility for a baccalaureate degree from the affiliated college or university.
- Transcript credit evaluation by the Program Director and by the coordinator at the students affiliated college or university.
Foreign degree applicants who did not receive a biological science or chemistry degree need to complete 24 semester hours of course work in both disciplines.
Applicants who met the programs minimum requirements seven or more years before actual application must update their course work in microbiology and biochemistry. Bachelor of Science degree biology graduates who meet the above criteria are also eligible for admission.
No credits are given for experiential learning unless approved by the college or university.
Ability to meet essential functions of program
The student must, with or without reasonable accommodation, have sufficient:
- Visual acuity to be able to identify microscopic structures, cells, organisms and color recognition; to operate analytical instruments appropriately and safely without substantially endangering students, coworkers and patients.
- Fine motor skills and manual dexterity to obtain and manipulate specimens, reagents, instruments and analytical equipment according to established guidelines with speed, accuracy, precision and in a manner that does not endanger others.
- Communication skills to effectively convey and/or explain results to other health care personnel, both within and outside the laboratory.
- Interactive skills to maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with patients and other health care personnel.
- Emotional stability to exercise appropriate judgment in responding to emergency situations that may present in the health care environment.
- Ability to effectively handle stressful situations.
- Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to safely perform all core tasks required of a medial laboratory scientist
The tuition fee for the program is reviewed annually. Other student expenses include textbooks and living expenses. Information regarding fees is made available at the time of formal application.
Application instructions
All applications must include a completed application form, three (3) letters of recommendation, and official transcripts:
- Application forms must be fully completed and signed by the applying student. A personal statement/essay must also be completed within the form.
- Letters of recommendation must be accompanied by a completed student waiver. Applying students should print, fill out the first page, and forward the form to the professional reference for completion.
- Official copies of all transcripts demonstrating completion of required courses outlined within the Admissions Guidelines must be submitted directly to the School of Medical Laboratory Science.
Application forms
Please use the forms linked below:
- School of Medical Laboratory Science Application Form
- Letter of Recommendation Form
Application submission
Mail or electronic versions of all documents are accepted. Please submit to the address or e-mail address below.
Mail:
Pennsylvania Hospital
School of Medical Laboratory Science
800 Spruce Street
Cathcart Building, Room CA-S19
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email: PAHSchoolofMLS@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
If there are any questions regarding the School of Medical Laboratory Science, please contact:
Derick Lim, MS, SC(ASCP)CM, MLS(ASCP)CM
Program Director, School of Medical Laboratory Science
Phone: 215-829-6996
Email: Derick.Lim@pennmedicine.upenn.edu