Overview

The Medical Laboratory Science - Upward Mobility Program at South Dakota State University offers a dedicated pathway for medical laboratory technicians to elevate their professional standing by earning a comprehensive bachelor's degree. This curriculum is specifically designed to integrate advanced scientific theory with practical application within the student's own clinical workplace. By combining online instruction with structured laboratory learning, the university ensures that students can balance their professional commitments while gaining essential expertise in modern diagnostic techniques.

Why Medical Laboratory Science - Upward Mobility Program at South Dakota State University?

This programme stands out by providing a seamless transition for those already working in the field, allowing them to utilise their current clinical employment setting for practical requirements. South Dakota State University delivers a curriculum that bridges the gap between technical skills and advanced clinical analysis. Students benefit from a robust support system, including the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center, and have access to professional networks through the Medical Laboratory Science Club and the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 365 per credit
National fee: USD 365 per credit
Local fee: USD 365 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum provides a deep scientific background across multiple disciplines essential for laboratory leadership. Modules may include:

Hematology
Immunohematology
Urinalysis
Phlebotomy
Microbiology
Immunology
Molecular Biology
Clinical Chemistry
Management

Careers with Medical Laboratory Science - Upward Mobility Program

Graduates are prepared for elevated roles within the healthcare sector, moving beyond technician levels to take on greater responsibilities in diagnostic and research environments. The programme equips students for diverse career paths, including roles as clinical medical laboratory scientists and specialised clinical researchers. Many alumni find success in high-level positions within major healthcare networks and clinical laboratories.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

Clinical Specialist in Hematology or Microbiology
Clinical Researcher
Laboratory Manager
Clinical Chemistry Specialist
Immunohematology Specialist

Graduates from this programme have secured employment with prominent organisations such as Avera Health, Monument Health, Sanford Health, and the VA Health System. The advanced training provided ensures that professionals are ready to contribute to vital healthcare decisions through accurate disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Human Anatomy and Lab

Physiology and Lab

Understanding Medical Laboratory Science

Hematology I and Lab

Clinical Chemistry

MLT to MLS Transitional Experience

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Chemistry Medicine View 84 other Bachelors in Medicine in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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IELTS

5.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

All pre-MLS Upward Mobility students must submit an online application and all required documents for the professional program. (Applications by fax or email will not be accepted.) Selection is competitive. In order to be considered for admission a student must submit and complete the following:

Documentation of a minimum of 2 years of work experience in a clinical laboratory.
Completion of an associate degree and certification as a CLT/MLT or equivalent.
Provision of a signed letter of support from employer, clinical facility fact sheet, and faculty fact sheet for clinical preceptor/liaison.
Confirmation of ability to meet the non-academic Essential Functions of the program
Completion of an interview with the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee.
Completion of a writing assessment exercise.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

10950 USD / year

≈ 10950 USD / year
Out-of-State

10950 USD / year

≈ 10950 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10950 USD / year

≈ 10950 USD / year

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Medical Laboratory Science - Upward Mobility Program.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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