Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational science courses, major-specific laboratory training and a supervised clinical practicum. Early semesters focus on core sciences such as general biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry and anatomy & physiology, together with mathematics and statistics.

• Core laboratory subjects: clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, immunology, transfusion medicine and molecular diagnostics.
• Applied and professional topics: laboratory management and quality assurance, clinical laboratory instrumentation, laboratory safety and regulatory issues, and data interpretation.
• Research and methods: laboratory techniques, experimental design and a capstone or senior project that emphasises problem solving and evidence-based practice.
• Clinical practicum: extended, supervised rotations in affiliated hospital and diagnostic laboratories where students apply diagnostic methods, participate in testing workflows and develop competency in routine and specialised assays.

The curriculum is designed to meet the educational prerequisites for professional certification and licensure where applicable, with coursework and practicum hours that align to national standards for clinical laboratory practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate strong preparation in science and mathematics. Typical prerequisites include courses in biology and chemistry (general chemistry and introductory biology), with additional recommended preparation in anatomy & physiology, algebra/trigonometry and English.

• A competitive academic record in high school or transfer coursework; specific grade expectations are set by the university and programme.
• Completion of prerequisite science courses before progression to upper-level major work; programmes commonly require a satisfactory grade in these courses.
• Selection for the clinical practicum may include additional requirements such as health screenings, immunisations, background checks and adherence to clinical partner policies.
• Transfer applicants should consult departmental advisors about equivalence of prior coursework and clinical credit.

Career prospects

Graduates typically qualify for entry-level positions as medical laboratory scientists (clinical laboratory scientists) in hospital laboratories, independent diagnostic laboratories, public health agencies and clinical research facilities. Common roles include performing and interpreting diagnostic tests in chemistry, hematology, microbiology and transfusion services, maintaining laboratory quality systems and operating complex instrumentation.

• Employment settings: acute-care hospital laboratories, community diagnostic labs, public health departments, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and forensic or research laboratories.
• Progression opportunities: senior technologist, laboratory supervisor/manager, quality or compliance specialist, and specialist roles in molecular diagnostics or transfusion medicine.
• Further study: graduates often pursue professional certification through national boards, graduate degrees in biomedical sciences, or allied health careers such as physician assistant or advanced clinical training.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a focused clinical laboratory curriculum with small cohort sizes and direct access to laboratory facilities and clinical partners in the Montgomery region. The programme is structured to provide hands-on technical training alongside professional development, preparing students for clinical practicum experiences at affiliated hospitals and diagnostic centres.

Students benefit from faculty with experience in diagnostic laboratory practice and from a campus environment that supports undergraduate research, advising for certification and clear pathways to employment or graduate study. The university works with local healthcare providers to ensure clinical placements and to align training with regional workforce needs.