CLS program graduates achieve 100 percent pass rate on MLS exam

By Jack McClellan
Office of Media Relations
November 28, 2017

Graduates of Texas State University’s Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program have obtained a 100 percent pass rate on the 2017 Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential exam.

Historically, the average national annual passing rate for the MLS credential hovers around 80 percent. This marks the second year in a row that Texas State graduates have all passed.

“Our students’ success rate means so much to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, college and Texas State because we are trying to build a program of national, if not global, excellence,” said Rodney Rohde, chair and professor of the CLS program. “The Texas State CLS Program has come a long way from its beginning in the mid-70s. This accomplishment is a testament to everyone that has been associated with our program, and, as its current chair, I couldn’t be more proud.”

Before 2016, a passing rate of 100 percent was last achieved in 1999.

“The significance of consistently exceeding these national standards has a real impact on recruitment, retention, and building our education, research and global footprint,” Rohde said.

The MLS credential is the benchmark accreditation for CLS professionals. After completing a Bachelor 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.

“We like to say that our degree is one of the most rigorous out there and one of the most important because we provide upward of 70 percent of all medical laboratory data to physicians and other healthcare professionals to make an accurate and reliable diagnosis,” Rohde said. “We have the greatest faculty, staff, students and alumni around. This recognition is because of them and the support from the university.”

About Texas State University

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is among the largest universities in Texas with an enrollment of 38,694 students on campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Texas State’s 181,000-plus alumni are a powerful force in serving the economic workforce needs of Texas and throughout the world. Designated an Emerging Research University by the State of Texas, Texas State is classified under “Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity,” the second-highest designation for research institutions under the Carnegie classification system.