Choosing the best MLT to MLS online program: Why Ohio State stands out

If you’re a working Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) thinking about advancing your career and education, enrolling in a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) bachelor’s degree program is a smart next step. But with so many options available, especially online, how do you find the right fit?

We sat down with Morgan Cummings, a faculty member in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University, to explore what sets Ohio State’s MLT to MLS program apart, and why it’s considered one of the best online MLS programs for working professionals.

Designed for working professionals

Not all MLT to MLS programs are created with the needs of busy professionals in mind. At Ohio State, flexibility is built into every part of the program.

“MLTs should consider if the program is flexible and if it meets their needs long-term,” said Cummings. “Is it asynchronous? Can you do it from anywhere? Does it allow you to work and take classes at the same time?”

Ohio State’s MLT to MLS Bachelor of Science program is 100% online and asynchronous, making it an ideal choice for those balancing full-time work and family. Students can complete coursework and assessments on their own schedule without sacrificing their current responsibilities. Additionally, the program has no clinical placement requirements, which means you can leverage the experience you already have as a certified working MLT with your current employer.

The same, high-quality curriculum as on-campus

One of the standout features of Ohio State’s program is that it mirrors the on-campus experience.

“Our MLT to MLS, BS program is modeled after our in-person coursework,” explained Cummings. “It’s developed and taught by the same faculty, providing a consistent educational experience for all students, whether they’re online or in-person.”

The university works with instructional designers to ensure the courses are fully optimized for online learners, making it one of the most thoughtfully designed online medical laboratory science programs available.

Built for career advancement 

This program is more than just a degree—it’s a career accelerator. The curriculum is structured to bridge the gap between clinical practice and theoretical knowledge, giving students the academic foundation they need for higher-level roles.

Courses include core subjects like hematology, immunohematology, microbiology, chemistry and immunology, all aligned to help students prepare for the ASCP MLS certification exam. Ohio State medical laboratory science students boast a near 100% pass rate over the past three years, underscoring the strength of its academic preparation.

Graduates are equipped for leadership roles such as lead technologist, laboratory supervisor or manager, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees in health care and science.

A flexible route to MLS certification

Ohio State’s program meets the requirements for Route 2 ASCP eligibility, an important distinction for current MLTs.  To meet the exam requirements through Route 2, you must have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of comprehensive clinical lab experience within the last 5 years.

“We provide online didactic courses, and the students are responsible for finding their own clinical sites,” said Cummings. “That flexibility is huge. It allows students to work while they learn and choose their own clinical placements.”

This approach is particularly attractive for professionals who already have connections in the field and are already working MLTs who want to stay with their current employer.

Expert faculty support

Another reason Ohio State is often recognized as one of the best MLT to MLS online programs is the strength of its faculty. These are professionals who not only have academic expertise but also real-world lab experience.

“Our faculty love what they teach,” said Cummings. “We’ve all done these things in clinical practice. We understand what it’s like to be in the lab, and we’re here to support students as they make this transition.”

Small class sizes and a low faculty-to-student ratio ensure that students get the one-on-one support they need from instructors who genuinely care about their success.

Is Ohio State right for you? 

Ohio State’s online bachelor of medical laboratory science is a great choice for:

• Certified MLTs with their associate’s degree who aspire to continue their education to move into supervisory or advanced clinical roles

• Working MLT professionals who would like to use their current employer to fulfill the clinical requirement and need the flexibility of an online MLS program

• Students who want a high-quality, accredited MLS online program with proven certification success

• Learners interested in long-term career growth, including graduate school or clinical leadership

• Ohio State’s MLS programs are nationally ranked in the top 10% by Authority and College Factual.

Advice for aspiring MLS students 

For those considering their options, Cummings recommends doing thorough research to see which eligibility route is right for you as an MLT with clinical experience.

“Look at the curriculum. Check the ASCP pass rates. Make sure the program offers a Route 2 eligibility,” she advised. “And reach out to faculty or Ohio State Online to ask questions.”

With a thoughtful design, proven outcomes and expert instruction, Ohio State offers one of the strongest MLT to MLS programs online: A pathway that helps working professionals grow, lead and thrive in the lab.

“At Ohio State, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence. ‘Go Bucks!’”