Admission Requirements

Tampa General Hospital maintains an affiliation agreement with the University of South Florida to provide the clinical internship portion of a baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science.  To be eligible for admission to our program, students from our academic affiliate must have completed all the required prerequisite coursework and at least three (3) years (90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours) toward the baccalaureate degree.  We provide the senior year of a baccalaureate degree only for those students from the University of South Florida. Non‑affiliated students must have completed all the required prerequisite coursework and possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Medical Laboratory Science students must possess the manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to prepare specimens and perform complex analyses, including microscopic examinations, and the ability to communicate (in person and on the telephone) in English with instructors and staff.  Occasionally, long periods of standing at instruments or hoods may be required.

Prerequisite Coursework

Chemistry - A minimum of 16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours acceptable toward a Chemistry or Medical Laboratory Science major.  This includes:

• one (1) full course (2 semesters or 3 quarters) of General College Chemistry with laboratory, and
• one (1) semester or one (1) quarter of Organic Chemistry with laboratory.

Recommended courses include:  Clinical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Analytical Chemistry.  Survey courses are not acceptable.

Biological Sciences - A minimum of 16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours acceptable toward a Biology or Medical Laboratory Science major.  This includes:

• courses in General Biology and General Microbiology and
• a course in Immunology.

Recommended courses include:  Determinative Microbiology, Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology.  Survey courses are not acceptable.

Mathematics - One (1) semester or one (1) quarter of College Mathematics. Recommended courses include:  Algebra, Calculus, and/or Statistics.

Physics - One (1) full course with laboratory is highly recommended.

Other - Sufficient credits for additional courses (Liberal Arts, etc.) to satisfy all academics required by the affiliated academic institution in order to be eligible for a baccalaureate degree. To be considered, an overall grade point average of 2.7 (out of 4.0) or better and a science grade point average of > 2.7 (out of 4.0) is recommended. 

A grade of “C” or higher in each required science course is recommended in order to be competitive in the application process. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with foreign degrees must have their transcripts evaluated by an acceptable agency. 

Contact the Program Director for details.