Jun 10, 2026
MLS degree completion program opens doors for working professionals
In hospitals and health systems across the country, medical laboratory professionals play a critical role in patient care – analyzing samples, producing results and helping guide diagnoses. But as the demand for skilled laboratory scientists grows, so does the need for clear pathways to advance within the field.
At VCU’s Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, the degree completion program is designed to meet that need: helping certified medical laboratory technicians (MLT) take the next step in their careers by earning a Bachelor of Science and becoming medical laboratory scientists (MLS).
“This is really the next step for many working professionals,” said Rhonda Chapman, clinical coordinator and instructor. “They’re already highly skilled, but without a bachelor’s degree, there’s a ceiling on how far they can advance.”
Laboratories nationwide are facing staffing shortages, particularly in roles that require advanced certification and leadership responsibilities. While MLTs perform much of the same testing as MLS professionals, Chapman notes that the distinction becomes clear in areas like leadership, compliance and oversight.
“MLS professionals can step into roles involving competency assessment, regulatory compliance and lab management,” she said. “That’s where the profession is really growing and where the need is greatest.”
Those expanded responsibilities also come with tangible career benefits. Graduates are positioned for promotions, leadership roles and higher earning potential. Opportunities for significant pay increases are even available for those who choose to remain at the lab bench.
Flexible, career-focused learning
Built for working professionals, VCU’s program is fully online and asynchronous, allowing students to balance coursework with full-time jobs in clinical labs. Most students take one to two courses per semester, progressing at a pace that fits their lives.
Working in the microbiology lab at Danville Regional Medical Center over the past year has given John Conner opportunities to learn from practitioners who have been in the field for almost 50 years. He also found a mentor who taught him about how the department operates and encouraged him to advance within the lab profession. VCU’s online program allows him to build on his two-year community college degree while continuing to work, with shared goals of career growth and professional development.
“I view this stage of life as an investment in my future,” said Conner, noting that laboratory sciences provides the best fit for him to provide indirect-but-critical patient care. “I am putting in the work now, so that the seeds of my labor will bear fruit later on.”
The curriculum builds on the existing experiences of students like Conner, with opportunities to earn credit through proficiency exams and prior clinical work. A unique clinical qualifying exam ensures that students retain and apply essential knowledge before advancing.
“That’s one of the things that really sets our program apart,” Chapman said. “We’re not just awarding credit — we’re making sure students are prepared at a high level.”
The results reflect that commitment to quality. With a 99% graduation rate, the degree completion program boasts a 93% certification exam pass rate and 90% retention rate, significantly exceeding national benchmarks.
A recent shift to in-state tuition for all students – regardless of where they live – has made the program even more accessible. The move allows VCU to compete nationally while removing a key financial barrier for working professionals seeking advancement.
“If the program is fully online, there’s no reason our team of instructors and advisors can't meet them where they are, ” Chapman said. “This opens the door for so many MLTs across the country to prepare for the MLS certification exam.”
Preparing the next generation of leaders
Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes leadership and professional growth. Courses in lab management and education prepare students to navigate complex health care environments, lead teams and adapt to evolving industry demands.
For many students, the impact of that training is immediate. With real-world experience already in hand, they bring practical insights into discussions and apply new concepts directly in their workplaces.
“They’re in the lab every day,” Chapman said. “That experience enriches everything – they’re not just learning concepts, they’re living them.”
As health care systems continue to rely on accurate, timely laboratory data, the need for highly trained MLS professionals will only grow. VCU’s degree completion program offers a flexible, high-quality pathway to meet that demand by supporting both individual career growth and the broader health care workforce.
“We just need to get the word out,” Chapman said, “because this program can truly change the trajectory of someone’s career and help strengthen the quality of lab services that patients depend on every day.”