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

Microbiology for Clinical Laboratory Science Certificate Program

Entrance Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours of biology and chemistry including 16 hours of microbiology and a minimum overall and science GPA of 2.5 or higher are required for admission. 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.

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.

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.

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!

It is anticipated that the certificate would be completed within a twelve-month period. The certificate requires completion of 15 credits. Twelve credit hours must be completed at the George Washington University.

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

The Admissions Process

We require that you use the Apply Online service to submit your application. Simply click Apply Online and follow the instructions provided.

Be aware of deadlines and program admission requirements.

• A non-refundable application fee of $60.
  Please make a check or money order payable to The George Washington University and include your social security number on the front. Cash will not be accepted. This fee is waived for applicants who are GW graduates or who are currently registered as degree candidates at GW.
• A completed and signed application form.
  Be sure to indicate the degree, major, and track (where applicable) for which you are applying. 
• 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.
  One official or certified 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 with your application packet. Unofficial transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable. If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be provided. Translations alone will not be accepted.
• Recommendations.
  Two recommendations must be returned with your application packet in sealed envelopes, with the signature of the person completing the recommendation written across the seal. Recommendation forms are provided with the application. You must allow enough time for your recommendations to be returned to you so they may be submitted with your application packet before the deadline. Generic recommendations provided by career or placement offices will be accepted only if they provide all essential information requested on the GW recommendation form.
• GRE is required for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Immunohematology Programs

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 tuition deposit and the orientation fee. This will be required of all students, including those readmitted. The deposit will be applied to your tuition and is not refundable.