Most Affordable Online Clinical Research Degrees

The BS in Medical Laboratory Science program at Louisiana State University prides itself on creating the ideal equilibrium between coursework flexibility and quality learning. Students are able to speak with full-time, professional faculty members through video chat and other online technologies. Utilizing the maximum number of transfer credits, you can expect to pay as little as $3,492 to complete your degree. 

Marshall University prepares its students to pursue advanced education tracks or to jump directly into the field after graduation. This university accepts applications throughout the year, although they generally admit students directly before the fall and spring enrollment periods. This Bachelor of Science is specifically accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

This BS in Health Sciences from West Virginia State University provides students with more of a general education than some of the other degrees on this list. However, we’ve included it on this list because it excellently provides the skills needed for many entry-level jobs in the sector. WV State’s health sciences degree gives students a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social factors and their health. 

A $30 application fee, optional SAT/ACT scores, and high school transcripts are the only things required to apply to this program, and that’s only if you have less than 30 credits. It’s clear that Weber State University seeks to maximize accessibility for all students with its BS in Medical Laboratory Science. General education requirements for the BS degree can be taken either prior to or concurrently with the MLS program. 

The MLT to CLS Distance Learning degree at Winston-Salem State University is earned by completing two phases: the Pre-Professional Phase of non-clinical coursework and the Professional Phase of clinical coursework. The program is extremely job-focused, with the goal of preparing students to develop entry-level competencies in all routine areas of the clinical laboratory.  WSSY prides itself as a champion of diversity in the medical field, striving to bring equity to all patients within health care systems. 

Auburn University at Montgomery seeks to provide, “first rate, laboratory education through instruction, research and service.” Its medical and clinical laboratory sciences degree touts an innovative and advanced curriculum in its online instruction, which is proven by its 100% job success rate after graduation. Applications are accepted March through June, with program start dates in the fall.

The BS in Clinical Laboratory Science from Augusta University blends theory with practical application, training students in high-end technologies such as automated chemistry and hematology analyzers, as well as molecular testing probes. As a student studying at Augusta University, you can continue your education directly through its master’s in health science program. Applications for the online program must be submitted by June 1st.

Ferris State University’s medical laboratory science degree is ideal for both beginners in the field and those with some prior experience. FSU seeks to create well-rounded and ethical scientists, requiring the completion of competencies in its Diversity, Collaboration and Culture courses. Students looking to participate in the complete program must apply separately for the professional sequence.

This online bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science was created specifically for technicians who are currently employed but still want to earn their Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum focuses on in-depth procedural and analysis techniques while also providing communication and oral skills. The University of Southern Mississippi also offers multiple scholarships specifically for online MLS students. 

The online coursework for the medical laboratory science degree at Northern Michigan University can be completed in just two years. Designed for working students, the degree is completed simultaneously while working full-time in your current laboratory. In order to apply for this MLS degree, NMU requires an attestation form demonstrating two years of full-time medical laboratory technician experience.

The University of North Dakota takes a national approach to its MLS degree. The program includes a cohort program with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and affiliation agreements with higher education institutions in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Montana. There are five different routes of study towards completing this Bachelor of Science degree.

At Old Dominion University, MLS courses can be taken at your own pace, with exams being held within a date-range rather than at specific times. ODU participates in a guaranteed admission program, meaning the right prerequisites will ensure you a place in the next enrollment class. High achievers are greatly rewarded at ODU: a cumulative GPA of 3.5 earns automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships. 

The UNCW clinical research program prepares students to be forerunners in the field, training them in drug development and biomedical supplies with an emphasis on pre-approval human clinical trials and post-marketing safety studies. The degree stands out in the fact that, although there are two field internships required for graduation, they are not a laboratory-based program.

Don’t let it surprise you that South Dakota State University offers an innovative accelerated MLS degree. The competitive program is condensed into two years, taught virtually and in direct collaboration with your current employer. Coursework materials are provided through the online Desire2Learn course management system.

If you’re looking for a program that aligns with the spirit of Christian caring and service, then the BS in Health Sciences at Kettering College is the right choice for you. KS’s health sciences degree provides a high-quality, values-based baccalaureate education covering a wide array of health topics. Students can choose to specialize their degree and can pursue an emphasis in the sector of their choosing. 

The Bachelor in Applied Sciences at Siena Heights University is distinctive on our list in that it provides an “inverted,” or reverse, plan of study for degree attainment. This program is designed for students who have already completed technical training programs, qualifying applied associate degrees, and/or have worked in the field for over two years. 

University of Cincinnati’s BS in Medical Laboratory Science is rigorous in preparing students to become practical employees after graduation. Students must complete a combination of training in OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, OSHA Hazardous Communications, and HIPAA Privacy Introductions in order to progress through the curriculum. International students are accepted after submitting qualifying TOEFL scores, and UC accepts applicants every semester. 

As a graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University’s bachelor’s in clinical laboratory sciences, you will be prepared with both a theoretical and a practical foundation of knowledge. VCU’s educational goals are two-fold: proficiency in laboratory testing techniques and practices, and appropriate professional conduct and leadership characteristics. Students can complete the degree program on either a full-time or part-time basis. 

Grand Canyon University offers a BS in General Health Science, which can be tailored to your unique learning objectives. Its study program is divided into four primary domains: Patient Care, Leadership and Management, Risk Management and Ethics, and Trends and Issues. Completion of coursework is asynchronous and the senior capstone project is chosen as a direct application of theory from your work experience.

We’ve included Thomas Jefferson University’s BS in Health Services Management since it provides all of the training needed to hold a leadership position within a clinical research facility. Courses include Finding and Evaluating Statistical Data, Leadership Theory and Ethical Practices, and Survey of Health Services Delivery Systems. Each course generally lasts eight weeks.

The Bachelor of Science program at Pennsylvania College seeks to add a general, collaborative education to existing specialized skills. The degree is open to health care professionals already possessing an associate degree in any specified health care field. Students in the region can reserve a space at the Sim Lab, a state-of-the-art Clinic Simulator Lab, for direct application practice of coursework topics. 

Don’t knock this BSHS in Clinical Research Administration for its higher price tag; George Washington University certainly delivers for this degree. In addition to receiving a degree identical to on-campus graduates, BSHS students are able to dive into cutting-edge coursework in topics such as clinical trial framework, drug and device development, and protocol data management. Many online clinical research admin classes have a student-instructor ratio that’s lower than their on-campus equivalent. 

The clinical laboratory science program at the University of Texas was one of the first in the Southwest, approved by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry in 1937. In addition to standard coursework, all students participate in rigorous preceptorships before graduation. While there’s no doubting the quality of this program, it’s best suited for those already in the region: each laboratory course requires two weekend (three-day) in-school sessions.

University of Nebraska’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) is another exceptional program for those seeking to advance their degree. Coursework is completed independently, with theoretical and practical application experiences gained through recorded lectures, assignments/exercises, virtual laboratory simulations, and case studies. The program has start dates both in the fall and in the spring. 

At Excelsior College, you have the ultimate control of your degree. You can decide in which classes to transfer, which classes to take through Excelsior, and which credentials, experiences, or qualifications to place towards your Bachelor of Science. The program offers emphases in Health and Wellness, Management, and Public Health, but you can just as easily create your own specialization.