Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics

Admissions

Ready to apply to the Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics? Recently admitted to the major? Explore information based on your student type or status!

Questions? Contact Julie Day, Assistant Director of Recruitment.

Regular Admissions

Students who are not admitted to the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics major via one of the pathways indicated above may apply via the regular admission process, typically during their sophomore year. Through this process, the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics major admits a limited number of students to the tracks in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) and Histotechnology (HTL). 

The application to the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics major is available online beginning December 1st. The priority deadline is March 15th, and applications received by that date will be given first consideration for admission. The standard deadline is June 1st. In the event the class is not filled, the application deadline may be extended.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics program must complete certain prerequisite courses in science and math, and must achieve a minimum 2.5 overall and science/math prerequisite GPA.

Required prerequisite courses are as follows: 

  • Biology:
    • 8 hours of biology with laboratory (equivalent to BIOL 101/101L and BIOL 102/102L or BIOL 115/115L and 117/117L)
  • Chemistry:
    • 8 hours of inorganic chemistry with laboratory (equivalent to CHEM 115/115L and CHEM 116/116L)
    • 4 hours of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 231/231L or CHEM 233/233L)
      • *Students interested in pursuing professional or graduate programs are strongly recommended to take 8 hours of organic chemistry (CHEM 233/233L and CHEM 234/234L).
  • Mathematics: 
    • 3 hours of college algebra (equivalent to MATH 124) or higher
  • Statistics:
    • 3 hours of statistics (equivalent to STAT 211 or ECON 225)
  • Physiology:
    • 3-4 hours of physiology (equivalent to PSIO 241 or BIOL 235), or 2 semesters of combined anatomy and physiology courses
  • Medical Terminology:
    • 3 hours of medical terminology (equivalent to PALM 200)
  • General Education Foundations: 1-7

Although not required for admission to the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics program, eight credits of physics and cell biology are recommended for those students interested in applying to medical school, dental school, or other graduate programs. 

Application Process

Interested students should apply via WVU's online application system and pay the relevant application fee.

As you complete the application, remember that you do not need to complete the entire application at one time, but should save your progress after each section. Additional detailed guidance for admission into the BLD program for the Fall 2024 semester (anticipated graduation in May 2026) is provided below:

  1. Once you access the application via the link above, create an account by clicking on "Sign Up."

  2. Select the "West Virginia University at Morgantown" campus location, and click "Start Application."

  3. Under "What type of student are you?", select the option that best matches your student type:

    • Currently a student at WVU? Select "Internal Applicant."
    • Transferring from another institution and have not completed a bachelor's degree? Select "Health Sciences Transfer."
    • Already completed a bachelor's degree and not currently a student at WVU? Select "Second Bachelor's Degree."

  4. Indicate if you are an international applicant.

  5. Select Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics under "What program are you applying for?"

  6. Select Fall 2024 under "Term."

  7. Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Supplemental Information:

    • Upload a personal statement, including the required criteria as indicated. 
  8. Select your preferred educational track (Medical Laboratory Science and/or Histotechnology).
  9. Complete the waiver information, then save, review, and submit the application. 

Additional Requirements

Two recommendations are required for admission, one preferably from a college science professor. The other recommendation can be from another individual familiar with your academic or work history, such as another instructor or employer. After identifying individuals willing to provide recommendations, send them the link to the recommendation form. Recommendations are not uploaded to the application, but submitted online by the recommender.

Interview

Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Admissions Committee.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All applicants seeking admission into either the MLS or HTL tracks must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Applicants for whom English is not their native language (often international applicants and/or foreign graduates) may demonstrate proficiency by providing documentation of:

  • Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) exam total score of 83 with a 26 or higher on the speaking portion; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band exam score of 6.5

TOEFL or IELTS scores must be less than 3 years old. Arrangements and costs incurred for the TOEFL or IELTS are the responsibility of the applicant. Only official score reports will be accepted.

Documentation of scores must be submitted with the application, before the application deadline, to be considered for admission to either the MLS or HTL track. 

Essential Functions

Applicants will be required to acknowledge that they have read, understand, and can meet the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Essential Functions when accepting admission into the major.

Contact

For additional information about the application process, please call 304-293-2069 or contact us via email.