CLS program graduates achieve 100 percent pass rate on MLS exam

By Jack McClellan
Office of Media Relations
November 22, 2016

Graduates of Texas State University’s Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program have obtained a 100 percent pass rate on the 2016 Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential exam.

Nineteen students took the exam after graduation in August. Typically, the program maintains a three-year average of above 80 percent, which is higher than the national accrediting body’s target of achievement. This year, all 19 passed.

“While every year has been successful, a passing rate of 100 percent is difficult to achieve in any program in the country,” said Rodney Rohde, chair and professor of the CLS program. “The founding chair and I believe this has only occurred two or three times in the history of our program.”

A passing rate of 100 percent was last achieved by the CLS program in 1999.

The MLS credential is the benchmark accreditation for CLS professionals. After completing a Bachelor’s of Science in CLS, students become eligible to take the exam, which tests core areas of the medical laboratory such as clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry and immunohematology. Upon passage of the exam, candidates are credentialed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

“The degree and the certification as a MLS is one of the most rigorous and difficult professional credentials one can obtain,” Rohde said. “The major is focused on laboratory medicine, which requires numerous difficult prerequisites followed by advanced course work in the academic and clinical setting.

“All the students who complete our major and become credentialed have done great things,” he said. “It’s just unusual to see a 100 percent pass rate.”