Program Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application requirements and the application deadline?
A complete application for new applicants and reapplicants must include the application form, statement of interest, signed essential functions form, all official college transcripts, and three (3) evaluations. It is highly advisable to request more than the (3) required evaluations to ensure at least (3) are submitted.
Applications will be accepted starting on September 10, 2024. Your complete application must be verified by AHCAS by January 31, 2025 at 8:59 p.m. PT.
- A completed application includes payment, all evaluations, transcripts, additional forms and a full application.
- All applications, transcripts, evaluations and other application documents must be uploaded to Allied Health Centralized Application Service (AHCAS).
- All required documents must display “Verified” in AHCAS by the deadline shown above to be considered complete. No late documents will be accepted.
- Any applications or documents received after deadline shown above will not be accepted. No exceptions will be made.
- An application may be submitted prior to submitting evaluations and transcripts.
**Note**: AHCAS verification takes approximately two weeks, excluding holidays and weekends. Applicants should plan on uploading all required applications, transcripts, evaluations a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the deadline to insure your application can be verified by AHCAS prior to the deadline.
If I have foreign college transcripts and my transcripts have been evaluated by NACES or AICE, where should I send these transcripts?
Please send all foreign evaluated transcripts and foreign transcripts to the School’s office at:
- Eisenhower Health
School of Medical Laboratory Science
39000 Bob Hope Drive, Kiewit 402
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
How do I send official U.S. transcripts to AHCAS?
Please click on the following link if you are having issues: liaisonedu.com
Who can write an Evaluation?
Evaluations should be written either by a college/university instructor, an advisor, employer or someone who has observed you either in a job or lab setting. Evaluations from instructors from online courses are discouraged.
How long is the program?
Our CLS/MLS program is 52 weeks long and begins every September and December. Students are required to attend classes 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
What are the costs and tuition?
There is a $72 application fee to apply to the program that is payable to AHCAS upon submission of the application. There are no tuition fees to attend the Eisenhower School of Medical Laboratory Science Program. We currently provide a monthly stipend of $1400. Textbooks are provided by the school. Lab coats and personal protective equipment are provided by the laboratory. Eisenhower Health does not provide health insurance to our students. Therefore, applicants accepted into the program are expected to obtain their own health insurance.
Is a Master's, PhD or MD degree acceptable?
The above degrees are accepted, but preferential acceptance to the program is not made due to completion of an advanced degree.
Can I apply while still taking the required courses?
Yes, you may apply while prerequisite courses are in progress, but proof of enrollment must be included in the application. Conferring of the bachelor's degree and completion of all courses (including documentation of a passing letter grade) must be completed no later than the second week of June. The letter grade(s) must be conferred on an official transcript no later than the second week of July. This deadline is required to enable time for Laboratory Field Services to review transcripts and issue the required trainee license.
Are online courses accepted?
Online courses are accepted, however, laboratory experience is highly recommended. Before registering for an online course, we recommend that the applicant verify acceptability of a course with the Program Director. Due to the nature of COVID-19 an applicant may have more online courses. As long as the State of California Department of Laboratory Field Services accepts the course as credit towards the trainee license, we will accept the course.
Is General Microbiology accepted?
A general microbiology course is suggested but is not a requirement. Our prerequisite Microbiology course is Medical Microbiology or Medical Bacteriology. Courses in mycology, parasitology and virology are highly recommended and will be added to your application scores.
Is work experience in a clinical laboratory required?
No, it is not required. However, work experience in a clinical laboratory or similar environment is strongly recommended. Experience in a research or university laboratory is applicable, but applicants should understand the difference between academic and clinical goals and work environment. Clinical laboratory positions, such as lab technician or assistant, phlebotomist or volunteering (shadowing) in a hospital laboratory is suggested.
Is it difficult to be accepted?
Every year, our program receives approximately 70 or more applications. Each application packet is reviewed and scored. Twelve of the most qualified applicants are invited to interview with the admissions committee. Four to five applicants are selected from this group each year.
Is it possible to re-apply?
Yes, applicants may reapply. Beginning September 2021, prospective students will be allowed to apply to the program up to 3 times. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, the applicant will no longer be eligible to enter the program. Applicants are encouraged to inform the school office if they want to reapply for the following year. For the reapplication process, please see the AHCAS FAQs.
What college math course is suggested?
College algebra or higher course.
If I have questions on how to fill out my application on AHCAS who do I contact?
Please contact the AHCAS Applicant Help Center.
