B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fees: US$ 80

Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

English Language Proficiency

• IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 is often required.
• PTE :  A minimum overall score of 53 is required.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Scholarships for International Students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Global Excellence Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. It provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of study at VCU. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and their potential to contribute to the VCU community.

International Student Scholarships: VCU offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships vary in award amounts and eligibility criteria. They are typically based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments.

VCU Presidential International Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students pursuing graduate studies at VCU. The awards cover partial tuition costs and are granted based on academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and meet specific GPA requirements.

VCU Honors College Scholarships: The Honors College at VCU provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.

VCUarts Scholarships: For international students interested in pursuing degrees in the arts, VCUarts offers scholarships that are specific to their programs. These scholarships may include awards for outstanding portfolios or auditions.

VCU School of Engineering Scholarships: International students studying engineering at VCU may be eligible for scholarships offered by the School of Engineering. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and career aspirations in engineering fields.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at VCU may offer scholarships to international students within their specific fields of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by department.

External Scholarships: VCU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The university's scholarship office provides guidance on finding and applying for external scholarships.

It's important for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is typically a requirement to retain scholarship awards.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Medical Laboratory Sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in clinical laboratory science and healthcare. This program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to work as medical laboratory professionals in a variety of healthcare settings. 

Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, perform a wide range of laboratory tests on patient samples to assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. They analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other bodily fluids using sophisticated laboratory instruments and techniques to detect abnormalities, identify pathogens, and measure levels of various substances. Clinical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, medical laboratories, clinics, research institutions, or public health laboratories.

Clinical Laboratory Manager: Clinical laboratory managers oversee the operations of clinical laboratories, ensuring that laboratory tests are performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards and quality assurance guidelines. They manage laboratory staff, resources, budgets, and equipment, and collaborate with healthcare providers to meet the diagnostic needs of patients. Clinical laboratory managers may work in hospitals, healthcare systems, reference laboratories, or commercial laboratory companies.

Medical Laboratory Technician: Medical laboratory technicians perform routine laboratory tests and procedures under the supervision of clinical laboratory scientists or laboratory managers. They collect and process patient samples, prepare specimens for analysis, and perform automated and manual laboratory tests according to established protocols. Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, research laboratories, or public health laboratories.

Clinical Research Coordinator: Clinical research coordinators assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of clinical research studies and trials conducted in healthcare settings. They recruit and enroll study participants, collect research data, maintain study records, and ensure compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements. Clinical research coordinators may work in academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or clinical research facilities.

Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist: Laboratory quality assurance specialists are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality and accuracy of laboratory test results, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and implementing quality assurance and quality control measures. They develop and implement quality assurance programs, conduct proficiency testing, evaluate testing methodologies, and investigate and resolve quality issues. Laboratory quality assurance specialists work in clinical laboratories, reference laboratories, regulatory agencies, or accreditation organizations.

Infection Control Specialist: Infection control specialists, also known as infection preventionists or epidemiologists, are responsible for preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in healthcare facilities. They develop and implement infection control policies and protocols, conduct surveillance of HAIs, investigate outbreaks, and educate healthcare personnel and patients on infection prevention practices. Infection control specialists work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, or consulting firms.

Biomedical Laboratory Scientist: Biomedical laboratory scientists conduct research in biomedical sciences, focusing on areas such as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, or transfusion medicine. They design and conduct experiments, analyze research data, and contribute to the development of new diagnostic tests, treatments, or medical technologies. Biomedical laboratory scientists work in academic institutions, research laboratories, biotechnology companies, or pharmaceutical companies.