
Medical Lab Science Prerequisites and Requirements
Are you interested in pursuing a Medical Laboratory Science degree and becoming a laboratory professional? A Medical Lab Science (MLS) degree at Bellarmine University is comprised of three sections (prerequisite coursework, pre-clinical MLS courses, and a clinical internship) that prepare you for a fulfilling career with hands-on experience. Our faculty is here to ensure your success in clinical laboratory practice. Admission to Bellarmine University does not automatically admit you into the MLS program. First-year students are not eligible to apply for the MLS program – work on science and math prerequisites first! Below are the requirements specific to the program.

Prerequisite Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Duration (weeks) | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL 108 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 7 | 4 |
BIOL 109 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 7 | 4 |
CHEM 103* | General Chemistry I | 7 | 4 |
CHEM 104* | General Chemistry II | 7 | 4 |
CHEM 205* | Organic Chemistry I | 15 | 4 |
MATH 205* | Elementary Statistics | 7 | 4 |
MDLS 250* | Cell / Molec Biology | 15 | 4 |
Total Prerequisite Credits: | 28 |
*Summer course length may vary

Admission Requirements for a Bachelor's of Health Science in MLS
Additional admission requirements for Bellarmine's MLS degree program are described below:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum science-math grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and grades of C or better in science/math prerequisite courses
- Official transcripts for all college coursework
- An application for admission to the Medical Laboratory Science degree program and a personal statement
- A personal interview may be requested by the MLS Admission Committee (optional)
Transfer Credits Policies
Completion of Bellarmine’s MLS degree requires fulfillment of the university’s General Education requirements.
Applicants with more than 51 transferable credits
If you have more than 51 college credits that are transfer-eligible, it is assumed that you have met general education requirements. The only specific courses required, in addition to science and math prerequisites, are:
- one theology course
- one ethics course
Applicants with fewer than 51 credits
You may apply to transfer your credits. Before you may begin the MLS program, you will need to transfer or complete these courses in addition to the science and math prerequisites:
- two writing or literature courses
- one history course
- two theology courses
- two philosophy courses
- one social science course
- one fine arts course
- MLS-specific math and science prerequisites
For more details on transferring credits, or a transcript evaluation, please contact Admissions.

Complete Prerequisites Through Bellarmine
Consider completing your prerequisites through Bellarmine University and transition into our Medical Laboratory Science program, stress-free. Prerequisite courses are entirely online, including lab requirements, and can be completed from anywhere. Courses are seven weeks long and vary between $500 and $525 per credit. By completing your prerequisites at Bellarmine, you will benefit from:
- A smooth transfer of credits into the MLS program
- Experience with BEU’s online format
- Insight into what to expect in the MLS program
International Students
Any college transcripts or undergraduate degree(s) from an international institution must include a third party course-by-course credential evaluation. More information and fees can be found online:
Applicants: a) who were born outside the U.S. in a non-English-speaking country, b) for whom English is a second language, or c) who have a degree or transcripts from a non-U.S. institution must verify proficiency in the English language. An official TOEFL iBT®, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score report that meets the minimum score standards below must be sent to Bellarmine University’s Office of Admission.
- TOEFL iBT® minimum scores: a total score of 83 and a speaking score of 26
- IELTS minimum scores: a total band score of 7.0 and a speaking band score of eight
- Duolingo English Test minimum scores: 105

Bellarmine University reserves the right to require an in-person or “live” (through distance technology) writing sample from applicants.

If you’ve met these requirements, it’s time to begin the admission process.