University of Missouri

What you'll study

The degree blends foundational natural science with specialised clinical laboratory coursework and supervised clinical practica. Early years emphasise general biology, chemistry (including organic and biochemistry), mathematics and statistics, and courses in anatomy and physiology. Progressing through the programme, you will study core clinical disciplines such as clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), molecular diagnostics and immunology.

Practical laboratory skills are taught in dedicated teaching labs where you will gain competence in instrumentation, quality control, laboratory information systems and biosafety. The programme typically culminates in clinical rotations or internships in affiliated hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, where students apply methods for specimen handling, analysis and result interpretation under supervision.

• Fundamental science modules: general biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy & physiology
• Core clinical modules: clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, molecular diagnostics, clinical immunology
• Laboratory practice: instrumentation and assay development, quality assurance, laboratory management, health & safety
• Professional skills: clinical practicum/rotations, communication, ethics, data literacy/statistics

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification with strong performance in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes biology, chemistry and algebra or maths at secondary level; prior laboratory experience is advantageous but not always required. Admission decisions consider overall academic record, performance in science subjects, and any relevant extracurricular or workplace experience.

Specific entry standards and any additional requirements (such as interviews, personal statements or enhanced DBS checks for clinical placements) vary by intake and should be checked with the University of Missouri admissions office. Mature applicants with college-level science credits or relevant healthcare experience are also considered.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles in clinical and laboratory settings. Common career destinations include clinical laboratory scientist/medical laboratory technologist positions in hospital and private diagnostic laboratories, roles in public health laboratories, and technical or research posts in biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The degree also provides a pathway into laboratory management, quality assurance, sales and technical support for medical diagnostics firms, and further professional training in fields such as physician assistant studies, medicine, or postgraduate biomedical sciences.

Many graduates pursue national certification and state licensure where required; the programme prepares students to sit recognised certification exams and to meet clinical competency expectations. The practical focus and clinical placements help develop employable skills sought by employers in health services and industry.

Why study at University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a balance of rigorous science teaching and practical clinical experience, with access to on‑campus laboratories and partnerships with regional hospitals and diagnostic services for clinical placements. Students benefit from instructors with clinical and research experience, structured practicum opportunities, and resources including modern instrumentation and simulation labs.

On-campus support services — academic advising, career services and placement coordination — help students prepare for certification and employment. The university’s network of clinical partners across the state provides diverse placement settings, exposing students to hospital, public health and private laboratory environments.

Overall, the programme is designed for those seeking a direct route into laboratory-based clinical careers or a solid scientific foundation for advanced clinical and biomedical study.