Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are DCLS students eligible for scholarships?
   Yes, visit UTMB Enrollment Services' Scholarships web page for more information and deadlines.
2. Is the DCLS offered part-time?
   Yes.
3. How long will it take to complete the DCLS degree?
   • Full-time: 3 years
   • Part-time 4 - 6 years
4. Is the DCLS program entirely online?
   • All didactic courses are available online
   • You will be required to attend a minimum of four (4) consecutive weeks of DCLS clinicals which are face-to-face on-campus (currently only offered at the UTMB-Galveston location).
   • There a total of 4 DCLS clinicals spread out through the curriculum (about 1 per year).
5. How many DCLS clinicals are required for the DCLS degree?
   • There a total of 4 DCLS clinicals spread out through the curriculum (about 1 per year) see curriculum here.
   • You will be required to attend a minimum of four (4) consecutive weeks of DCLS clinicals which are face-to-face on-campus (currently only offered at the UTMB-Galveston location).
6. Will I have to travel to UTMB for classes?
   • You will be required to attend a minimum of four (4) consecutive weeks of DCLS clinicals which are face-to-face on-campus (currently only offered at the UTMB-Galveston location).
   • There a total of 4 DCLS clinicals spread out through the curriculum (about 1 per year) see curriculum here.
7. Will DCLS clinicals be offered at other healthcare institutions?
   Currently, DCLS clinicals are only offered at UTMB-Galveston campus. We hope to offer DCLS clinicals at other healthcare institutions in the near future.
8. Can I take the DCLS clinicals at my place of employment?
   Currently, DCLS clinicals are only offered that UTMB-Galveston campus. We hope to offer DCLS clinicals at other healthcare institutions in the near future.
9. I have a Masters degree, will that make a difference? Will I receive any transfer credits?
   • A masters degree is not required for admissions to the UTMB-DCLS
   • If you have earned a Masters degree up to 18 credit hours may be applied to the UTMB-DCLS.
   • The admissions committee will review and determine transfer eligibility.
   • Only courses with a grade of "B" or higher will be considered for transfer.
10. I'm an F1 visa student; how does this affect my course of study?
    You must attend courses on-campus.
11. Is orientation mandatory?
    Yes. One-day orientation is held in August held at the UTMB-Galveston campus from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
12. Do I need work experience to apply?
    Minimum of three years of clinical laboratory experience, preferably as a generalist medical laboratory scientist.
13. Do I need to be certified as an MLS?
    Yes, professional certification as a generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology-Board of Certification, MT (ASCP) or MLS(ASCP) is required for admission into the UTMB-DCLS program.