Best Online Clinical Research Degrees

In 1937, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists approved the first clinical science program in the southwest at the University of Texas, and the university has been a leader in the field ever since. Now, each student enrolled in the program must participate in a rigorous preceptorship during their course of study. Each laboratory course within the BS in Clinical Science degree includes two three-day workshops on campus. 

The success of Texas Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science is evident from its board certification pass rate of 91%. The program offers Pre-Med and Pre-Physician Assistant specialization options for those looking to continue into graduate education. The school also offers a second degree certificate program, as well as a master’s in molecular science.

The University of Nebraska is another shining example of a degree advancement program, offering its Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) completely online to qualified students. The degree program has two start dates, in the fall and in the spring. As a UN student, you will complete coursework independently, learning both theory and practical application through exercises/assignments, case studies, virtual laboratory simulations, and recorded lectures. 

This degree program is unique: although you graduate with a BS in Health Science, you will not take any core courses at Pennsylvania College. The degree provides general education classes to students who already possess specialized skills and qualifications in the field. Although not required for graduation, students who reside near the university can book access to the department’s state-of-the-art Clinic Simulator Lab.

Kettering College’s BS in Health Science is the ideal option for students looking for a program that incorporates the spirit of Christian caring and service. As a KC student, you will receive high-quality, values-based education that covers a wide array of health topics, from advanced imaging to health management. If you’re looking to specialize your degree, you have the ability to declare an emphasis in your sector of choice. 

Although the BS in Health Services Management at Thomas Jefferson University doesn’t focus directly on research techniques, it equips its graduates with the skills needed for leadership within a clinical research facility.  Students complete courses individually, with each class lasting approximately eight weeks. Some of the coursework incorporated into this degree includes: Leadership Theory and Ethical Practices, Survey of Health Services Delivery Systems, and Finding and Evaluating Statistical Data.

If you already have the technical training but are looking to boost your educational credentials, the Bachelor of Applied Sciences from Siena Heights University may be the perfect match for you. Students who have already completed a certified training program, an applied associate degree, or who have work experience in a laboratory can apply to this “inverted” study program. Once their prior credits have been approved, students will complete their degree by fulfilling the remaining liberal arts, management, and humanities courses needed for a baccalaureate education.

With over 50% of students receiving some form of scholarship, it’s clear that The University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center is invested in its students. In order to offer robust opportunities to its medical laboratory sciences students, the program maintains a direct relationship with over 20 clinic affiliates. UT’s MLS students are expected to be able to successfully meet the university’s technical standards, and reasonable accommodations can be made for those with disabilities. 

One of the main benefits of the BS in Health Science degree at Excelsior College is the significant flexibility within the program. As a health sciences student, you can transfer past general credits, technical training, and past certification training all towards your degree. The bachelor’s in health science has four predefined emphases, but you can also create your own.

Grand Canyon University offers a BS in General Health Science, providing overarching instruction in general health topics while allowing students to define their own specializations. The asynchronous nature of the courses mean they easily fit into your working schedule. GCU divided its program into four main domains: Patient Care, Leadership and Management, Risk Management and Ethics, and Trends and Issues.

The MLT to CLS distance learning degree at Winston-Salem State University is geared towards practical application, and its goal is to provide students with the proper training needed to head straight into the job market. At WSSU, your degree coursework will be broken up into two main sections: the Pre-Professional Phase (non-clinical) and the Professional Phase (clinical). WSSU seeks to be a leader of BIPOC in the medical field, and champions equity within patient care at all times. 

Louisiana State University’s BS in Medical Laboratory Science program offers the perfect balance for online students, providing top-notch education while allowing students to adjust course schedules to their needs. Cutting-edge video conferencing and online technologies allow you to speak directly to your professors. LSU’s high-quality education doesn’t come at an inaccessible cost: by maximizing transfer credits, your degree could cost as little as $3,492.

One of the main goals of Weber State University is to maximize accessibility to its BS in Medical Laboratory Science. Applying to the program costs only $30, with high school transcripts required exclusively for those with less than 30 completed college credits, and SAT/ACT scores are optional. GE courses for the MLS program can be completed either before the start date or simultaneously with degree coursework.

George Washington University is known for its prestigious programs across the board, and its online bachelor’s in clinical research administration is no different. Many online courses within the program have a smaller student to instructor ratio than its on-campus classes, and students graduate with a diploma identical to their in-person counterparts. Students are able to explore topics such as drug and device development, clinical trial framework, and protocol data management.  

The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Augusta University is ideal for those seeking a continuous education, as students can move directly into their online master’s program after graduating. Through this program, students receive training in state-of-the-art technology, such as molecular testing probes and automated chemistry and hematology analyzers. Online program applications are due annually by June 1st. 

National University has over 20 campuses throughout the state of California and Nevada, so even distance learners will have access to program tools and technology. The BS in Clinical Laboratory Science program includes the academic prerequisites for a California Department of Health trainee application. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, with classes starting monthly.

The Medical Library Science degree at Old Dominion University participates in guaranteed admissions: applicants with the right qualifications can transfer directly into the program. ODU automatically considers all applicants with a GPA over 3.5 for merit-based scholarships. The online MLS program is self-guided, with coursework completed at your own pace, and exams can be taken within a range of dates for maximum flexibility. 

The medical and clinical laboratory sciences degree at Auburn University exemplifies innovative and advanced curriculum through its online instruction. Championing “first rate laboratory education through instruction, research, and service,” 100% of AUM CLS students earn jobs after graduation. The program accepts applications March through June each year. 

Whether you’re just delving into the field of clinical research or already have some experience in a lab setting, Ferris State University’s medical laboratory science degree is an excellent option. One of the main goals at FSU is to create well-rounded technicians with a strong foundation in ethics and correct professional practices. Those pursuing the MLS degree at FSU will be required to complete competencies in Diversity, Collaboration and Culture.

The MLS degree at Northern Michigan University is designed for career-oriented students, and is completed in collaboration with your current laboratory job. Following the suggested timeline, you can complete online coursework with this NMU degree in only two years. When applying, make sure to submit the NMU attestation form verifying two certified years of medical laboratory technician experience.

University of North Carolina Wilmington’s clinical research program is an overarching degree program that covers aspects of the field such as drug development and pre-approval human clinical trials. UNCW specifies that its BS in Clinical Research is not a laboratory-based program, although it does require two semesters of field internships. If you’re looking to apply to this degree, you must first complete all requirements within the pre-clinical research track.

The BS in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Cincinnati places significant importance on preparing graduates to immediately join the workforce. In addition to standard course work, students must complete a combination of training in HIPAA Privacy Introductions, OSHA Hazardous Communications, and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens in order to continue matriculation. CU accepts students for both fall and spring start dates.

At Marshall University, applications for the BS in Medical Laboratory Science are accepted throughout the year. To maximize your chance of acceptance, however, you’re encouraged to apply before the two major enrollment periods in the fall and spring. Nationally accredited by the NAACLS, students who graduate from Marshall University’s program are prepared to either jump into the career track of their choice or to continue their learning through an advanced degree. 

The medical laboratory science degree at University of North Dakota has a national appeal, crossing multiple state lines in its course offerings. The program includes exchanges with similar higher education institutions in Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Montana, and Arizona, as well as a partnership with the Mayo Clinic. This Bachelor of Science degree can be completed in five variations, each with different outcomes and pathways of study. 

SDSU receives national attention through its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program. This competitive degree is taught virtually in collaboration with students’ current field position. Materials for the course are offered to students through the Desire2Learn online course management system.