Clinical laboratory science

University of Missouri-Columbia
Master of health science in clinical and diagnostic sciences
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Overview

The online master’s in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in clinical laboratory science is designed for practicing clinicians. With a blend of interprofessional classes and discipline-specific classes, the program prepares graduates for effective leadership in interprofessional workplace environments.

Students who pursue the online master’s in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in clinical laboratory science will be prepared to:

  • Teach courses for educational programs in clinical laboratory science;
  • Lead interprofessional teams of clinicians in the hospital/clinic setting;
  • Take on a nonclinical role in sales, marketing, or product or customer support.

Completing all course work, in addition to two years of experience in the specialty, satisfies the requirements for pursuing Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments technical supervisor in the following specialties: bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, immunology, chemistry, hematology or radiobioassay.

Quick facts

Official name

Master of health science in clinical and diagnostic sciences with an emphasis in clinical laboratory science

Campus

University of Missouri-Columbia

Program type

Master's degree

Academic home

College of Health Sciences | Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Credit hours

30

Estimated cost

$18,114.00

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

Two lab professionals working on a tablet next to some test tubes.

Career prospects

Potential careers

  • Clinical educator
  • Team leader
  • Clinical or teaching professor
  • Clinical specialist
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
16.38%
employment growth
Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.
$70,000
median salary

Program structure

Delivery of this program is 100 percent online: no campus visits are required. Courses are semester-based. Students typically complete part-time study plans in two years.

The master’s in clinical laboratory science is a customizable interdisciplinary program that allows you to craft a degree that suits your specific educational needs and career goals.

Course work includes

  • Start with core clinical foundation courses designed to introduce students to graduate-level concepts;
  • Choose a leadership graduate certificate offered by the College of Health Sciences or by a partner MU school or college to achieve a high level of depth in an area of your interest;
  • Take clinical laboratory science-related electives to further your knowledge of your profession.

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

2 years

Typical course load

Part time

See all online programs offered through the College of Health Sciences.

Accreditation

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Faculty spotlight

Kathy Myers

Dr. Myers is the program director for the online MHS program, and a clinical professor in the College of Health Sciences. Her research interests include academic credentialing and oxygen therapy. Prior to becoming a professor, Dr. Myers was a registered respiratory therapist at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Kathy Myers, PhD, RCP, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC
Program Director, Clinical Professor
Alese Thompson

Alese Thompson is an assistant clinical professor for the clinical laboratory sciences program in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences. She earned her certificate in forensic science and BS in clinical laboratory sciences from Saint Louis University, and her MS in medical laboratory science from the University of North Dakota. Her areas of expertise include immunology, parasitology, and clinical education management and coordination. She actively serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science-Missouri (ASCLS-MO).

Alese Thompson, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Assistant Teaching Professor

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences