Best NAACLS-Accredited Online MLS Programs in 2026

If you are already working as a medical laboratory technician and want to move into a higher-tier role, earning a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science online is one of the smartest moves you can make. NAACLS-accredited programs carry the specialized seal of approval from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, the recognized body for clinical and medical lab science education in the United States.

GetEducated makes it easier to compare these programs side by side, so you can find the right fit without hours of independent research.

Top NAACLS-Accredited Online MLS Programs for 2026

Here is a closer look at each program, along with key details to help you decide which one fits your goals.

1. Auburn University at Montgomery: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a streamlined online degree-completion program in Medical Laboratory Science, building on your existing associate degree with focused upper-division coursework.

• Estimated Cost: $22,737 (in state) / $23,917 (out of state)
• Credits: 59
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

A solid choice for working MLTs who want to advance without stepping away from their current role. See AUM's tuition page for current pricing.

2. University of Nebraska Medical Center: BS in Medical Laboratory Science (Degree Advancement)

UNMC’s degree advancement program is one of the most compact on this list, requiring just 35 additional credits. Note that the program is not available to students in California or New York.

• Estimated Cost: $13,994 (same for in-state and out-of-state)
• Credits: 35
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Restricted States: CA, NY
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Higher Learning Commission

For eligible students, this is one of the fastest and most affordable routes to an MLS credential anywhere.

3. Austin Peay State University: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Austin Peay offers the shortest completion path on this list at just 30 credits, with a significant discount for Tennessee residents.

• Estimated Cost: $10,620 (in state) / $15,900 (out of state)
• Credits: 30
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

At 30 credits, this is among the quickest routes to an NAACLS-accredited MLS credential available online. Visit Austin Peay's program page for tuition info.

4. Northeastern State University: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Northeastern State University offers a 60-credit online degree-completion program with a near-identical tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, making it accessible no matter where you live.

• Estimated Cost: $18,129 (in state) / $18,189 (out of state)
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Higher Learning Commission

Check NSU's tuition page for current rates.

5. Marshall University: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Marshall University in West Virginia offers a flat-rate online MLS completion program. The same tuition applies to all online students regardless of residency.

• Estimated Cost: $18,510 (same for in-state and out-of-state)
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Higher Learning Commission

The flat tuition rate is a real advantage for out-of-state students. Check Marshall's distance learning tuition page for current pricing.

6. Weber State University: BS in Medical Laboratory Scientist

Weber State’s program offers a meaningful in-state discount alongside NAACLS accreditation, making it a particularly strong pick for Utah residents. GetEducated helps you compare programs like this side by side across cost, accreditation, and format.

• Estimated Cost: $12,498 (in state) / $18,520 (out of state)
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

See Weber State's MLS program page for tuition details.

7. South Dakota State University: BS in Medical Lab Science

SDSU offers a competitive flat rate for all students with a low 2.0 GPA minimum, making it a welcoming option for students re-entering academics after time in the workforce.

• Estimated Cost: $25,744 (same for in-state and out-of-state)
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.0
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Higher Learning Commission

Check SDSU's tuition page for details.

8. Old Dominion University: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Old Dominion University has a long history with distance learning, and its online MLS completion program is open to students with some college experience rather than requiring a full associate degree.

• Estimated Cost: $23,940 (in state) / $26,760 (out of state)
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Some College
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

9. Thomas University: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Thomas University offers an NAACLS-accredited MLS completion program in Georgia, available fully online to students across the country through this private, regionally accredited institution.

• Estimated Cost: $27,535
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

See Thomas University's tuition page for current rates.

10. Winston-Salem State University: BS in Clinical Laboratory Science (MLT to CLS)

WSSU offers one of the most dramatic in-state discounts on this list. North Carolina residents making the MLT-to-MLS transition will find this one of the most affordable NAACLS accredited options available.

• Estimated Cost: $7,100 (in state) / $28,701 (out of state)
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Out-of-state students should weigh the cost difference carefully. Visit WSSU's student accounts page for tuition details.

11. Idaho State University: BS in Medical Laboratory Science

Idaho State offers an NAACLS-accredited MLS completion program with a significant in-state discount and one of the lowest credit requirements on this list at just 38 credits.

• Estimated Cost: $10,284 (in state) / $29,441 (out of state)
• Credits: 38
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Some College
• Minimum GPA: 2.0
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Idaho residents will find this among the most affordable NAACLS-accredited MLS programs anywhere. Check ISU's cost page for the latest rates.

12. The George Washington University: BS in Health Sciences / Medical Laboratory Sciences

GWU rounds out this list with an NAACLS-accredited online MLS completion program from one of the country’s most recognized health sciences institutions.

• Estimated Cost: $37,220
• Credits: 60
• Format: 100% Online
• Minimum Education: Associate Degree
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation (Program): NAACLS; School: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

This is the premium option on the list, but GWU’s reputation in health sciences and dual accreditation status set it apart for students prioritizing program prestige. Visit GWU's undergraduate tuition page for current costs.

NAACLS-Accredited Online MLS Programs FAQ

Picking the right NAACLS-accredited online MLS program involves more than comparing tuition. Here are answers to the questions students most commonly ask.

What does NAACLS accreditation mean for an MLS program?

NAACLS stands for the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. It is the primary specialized accreditor (meaning it reviews specific programs rather than whole institutions) for clinical and medical laboratory science education in the United States. When a program holds NAACLS accreditation, its curriculum, faculty, and clinical components have been reviewed against nationally set standards for lab science education. This matters beyond general quality: many national certifying exams, including those from ASCP, require candidates to have graduated from a NAACLS-accredited program. Without that designation, you may not be eligible to sit for the board exam at all.

What salary can I expect after completing an online MLS degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $61,890 in May 2024. Moving from an MLT role into an MLS position can open doors to supervisory and specialty lab roles that carry higher compensation and greater responsibility.

Do I need prior lab experience to enroll in an online MLS program?

Most programs on this list are degree-completion programs, built for students who already hold an associate degree or MLT certification with clinical experience. Some programs, like those from Old Dominion or Idaho State, accept students with some college credit even without a complete associate degree. Always confirm prerequisites directly with the program before applying.

Are online NAACLS-accredited MLS degrees recognized by employers?

Yes. Both regional institutional accreditation and NAACLS programmatic accreditation together confirm that your credential meets national standards. Employers and certifying bodies treat graduates of these programs the same as on-campus graduates. If you want to understand how accreditation works before enrolling, GetEducated’s guide to college accreditation is a good starting point.

Find Your NAACLS-Accredited Online MLS Program

Comparing costs and accreditation details across all these programs takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Browse GetEducated to explore more accredited online healthcare programs, compare costs, and find the path that fits your career goals and your budget.