Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory SciencesFrequently Asked QuestionsAre DCLS students eligible for scholarships?Yes, visit UTMB Enrollment Services' Scholarships web page for more information and deadlines.Is the DCLS offered part-time?Yes.How long will it take to complete the DCLS degree? Full-time: 3 yearsPart-time 4 - 6 yearsIs the DCLS program entirely online? All didactic courses are available onlineYou 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).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).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.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.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.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-DCLSIf 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.I'm an F1 visa student; how does this affect my course of study?You must attend courses on-campus.Is orientation mandatory?Yes. One-day orientation is held in August held at the UTMB-Galveston campus from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.Do I need work experience to apply?Minimum of three years of clinical laboratory experience, preferably as a generalist medical laboratory scientist.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. Quick LinksClinical Laboratory Sciences HomeDCLS HomeAccreditationAttend Open HouseAdmissionsCurriculumProgram CostsThe ProfessionFaculty & StaffResourcesFAQs