For more information contact:
Email: clsinfo@gwu.edu
Phone: (202) 994-3186

Clinical Laboratory Science
Bachelors Program

Entrance Requirements

Applicants for the bachelors program must complete a minimum of 65 semester hours of course work with a minimum overall and science GPA of 2.5 or higher prior to entering the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Clinical Laboratory Science Program. The courses outlined below are prerequisites to the program:

• 6 credit hours of English composition
• 8 credit hours of general biology
• 4 credit hours of general microbiology
• 8 credit hours of general chemistry
• 8 credit hours of organic chemistry, with labs
• 3 credit hours of mathematics
• 12 credit hours of humanities and/or social sciences
• 16 credit hours of electives

In addition to the above course work, applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a signed Essential Functions Acknowledgment Form. A telephone interview is also required.

Applicants who have completed course work outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. A list of acceptable agencies may be obtained by contacting the program.

Additional Requirements

Candidates for both the degree and certificates will also be required to submit the following at matriculation:

• Physical examination/immunization requirements documentation
• Criminal background check and drug screening documentation
• Copy of proof of health insurance coverage

Advanced Standing

Credit for prerequisite coursework will be awarded toward the bachelor's degree for coursework completed at accredited institutions with a grade of C or better.  A maximum of 66 credit hours may be accepted from a two year college.

Clinical Practicums

Applicants residing outside the DC Metropolitan area would need to complete clinical practicums in their area of residence. The applicant is required to identify potential clinical sites in their area. If an acceptable site cannot be identified, the applicant would not be admitted to the program or would need to come to Washington, DC for clinical practicums. Applicants wishing to complete practicums outside Washington, DC should send an email to casmith@gwu.edu to request a clinical site packet that must be completed as part of the admissions process.

Special Note: Persons residing in California cannot be accepted in the program due to licensure restrictions. For more information, please call Carol Smith at (202) 994-3186 or the admissions office at (202) 994-8528.

MLT (CLT) to MT (CLS) Track

The CLS program also offers the opportunity for MLTs/CLTs to pursue the bachelor’s degree in health sciences on a part-time basis while working. Admission to the program requires the above prerequisite courses, graduation from an accredited MLT/CLT program, and current employment within a full-service clinical laboratory.

Applicants should contact the program for an assessment of their prerequisite courses. Prospective students may obtain advanced standing for the following courses by passing waiver examinations:

A student’s clinical experience would be evaluated by a designated supervisor at the student’s site of employment. A student who cannot successfully document core laboratory competencies in all disciplines would be required to complete a clinical practicum in the deficient discipline. The agreement of the employer to participate in this process is required prior to admission to the program.

Since most course work is completed through distance learning , students enrolled in this program must have specific computer hardware and software. See the details on technology requirements here.  Please note that technical competency is a prerequisite!

The Admissions Process

• All applications to the Health Sciences Programs should be submitted using our online application system. The online application is provided in order to make the process as easy and convenient for you as possible. You will be required to create an account. Once you have created an account, you will receive a PIN and password so that you can return to work on your application over several sessions. Your information is transmitted through a secured server and is kept confidential until you submit your application. Click here to begin the application.

• Be aware of deadlines and program admission requirements. The application and all supporting documentations(e.g., fees, statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendation, professional licenses, transcripts, test scores etc) must be received by the deadline in order for the application to be reviewed. Any incomplete applications by the deadline will be withdrawn by the institution.

• A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required ($100 for applicants to the Joint PA-MPH Program)
  The fee can be paid online through a secured online payment system or if you prefer, please make a check or money order payable to The George Washington University, include your social security number on the front and mail the check to the Health Sciences Admissions Office. Cash will not be accepted. Applications will not be reviewed without the appropriate fee. This fee is waived only for the following applicants:
  • GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
  • Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GW
  • Current McNair Program Scholars (a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be attached to your application)
  • U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within three years of submitting their application for admission

• A typed statement of purpose
  In an essay of 250 to 500 words, describe your reasons for undertaking study in the Health Sciences at The George Washington University. You should state your academic objectives, career plans, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.

• Official or certified copies of transcripts
  Official transcript is required from each college or university attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Each transcript must be sent to you in a sealed envelope and forwarded unopened to the Admissions Office. Unofficial transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.

• If academic records are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by certified English translation. In addition, an evaluated copy completed by an accredited foreign credential agency must be submitted regardless of whether or not the official record is in English. Translations alone will not be accepted. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services, please click here.

• Recommendations
  Two recommendations must be submitted with your application. The recommendation forms are available in the online application system. Generic recommendations provided by career or placement offices will be accepted only if they provide all essential information requested on the GW recommendation form. Recommendations will not be accepted from friends or family members.

• GRE
  The GRE is required for certain programs, consult the specific program requirement section for more information. Please consult the specific program requirements for important deadlines. The GRE institutional code for all GW programs is 5246. GRE scores are only valid for five years.

• Language Tests requirement
  Applicants whose native language is not English or who are not citizens of countries where English is an official language must submit official test scores for either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived for applicants who hold a degree from an accredited college or university located in a country in which English is the official language and also the language of instruction at the institution.

If you are accepted, an offer of admission will be sent to you. The offer of admission is valid for the semester stated in the admissions letter. Upon notification of acceptance, you must return your declaration of intent with a check or money order covering the orientation fee. This will be required of all students, including those readmitted. Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Sonography and Pharmacogenomics students will also be required to pay a tuition deposit. The deposit will be applied to your tuition and is not refundable.