Microbiology & Cell Science

CLINICAL LABORATORY MICROBIOLOGIST PROGRAM

Join Our First Hybrid Program and Become Eligible to Take the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Microbiology Exam

To meet the demand for trained medical laboratory professionals with training in microbiology, the University of Florida Department of Microbiology & Cell Science launched a Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist (CLM) Graduate Certificate Program. Our department’s first hybrid program, the CLM graduate certificate combines online lectures, a hands-on clinical microbiology lab course and a clinical internship at various healthcare sites. The in-person lab course will simulate real-world clinical microbiology routines, using state-of-the-art equipment.

Students will gain practical experience and become eligible to take the Technologist in Microbiology exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). ASCP certification is required to be licensed to work in a clinical laboratory by Florida and many other states.

Students can combine their graduate certificate with a Master of Science (34-36 credits) or choose to earn a graduate certificate only (18 credits).

Program Benefits

Growing Demand for Clinical Laboratory Technologists

According to Lightcast, demand for clinical laboratory technologists is forecasted to grow by 6.8% between 2025-2035. Additionally, job postings requesting specialization in microbiology are predicted to increase by 9.3% over the next two years and postings requesting ASCP certification are anticipated to increase by 11.4% for the same period.

AI-Proof Career Opportunities

CLMs perform hands-on specimen processing, culture work, microscopy and complex molecular assays that require manual dexterity and laboratory judgment—tasks that current AI/automation can augment but not fully replace.

In addition to the hands on tasks, clinical laboratory microbiologists are needed for clinical interpretation, troubleshooting unexpected results, ensuring biosafety/compliance and communicating results with clinicians. Professional societies and workforce reports emphasize a continuing need for skilled clinical staff despite automation trends.

Prepare for the ASCP Technologist in Microbiology Exam

The CLM program is the first Medical Laboratory Microbiologist program in the U.S. to be accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Upon finishing the certificate program, graduates are eligible to take the Technologist in Microbiology exam administered by the ASCP Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC). ASCP-BOC certification is required for anyone wanting to seek employment in medical laboratories in Florida and many other states.

Flexible Learning

The lectures will be 100% online, which offers flexible scheduling, making the program accessible to a wide range of students, including working professionals. Students’ physical presence will only be required for laboratory classes and clinical practicums, both available in condensed versions.

Program Overview

Curriculum Summary
- MCB 5942L Clinical Microbiology Laboratory – 2 credits
  - MCB 5942L will have online/asynchronous semester-long learning activities and assignments with a 5-day mandatory in-person bootcamp lab at UF for hands-on experiences. The first bootcamp will be in Summer A from June 13-17, 2026. Dates for future semesters will be announced the semester in advance.
- MCB 5666 Clinical Research, Assessment, Education and Quantitative Methods – 1 credit
- MCB 5252 Microbiology, Immunology and Basis for Immuno-Therapeutics – 4 credits
- MCB 5256 Clinical Mycology, Virology and Parasitology – 3 credits
- PCB 5235 Immunology – 3 credits*
- MCB 5945L Clinical Experience in Microbiology – 2 credits
  - MCB 5945L will have online/asynchronous semester-long learning activities with a two-week mandatory in-person internship for hands-on clinical rotation (Summer B, 2026; 2-week internship dates depend on availability). Whenever possible, placements are arranged near the student’s place of residence. While students may initiate contact with a certified clinical laboratory to express interest, all placements and internship arrangements are coordinated and confirmed by the CLM Clinical Rotation Coordinator to ensure program and accreditation compliance.
- MCB 5270 Antimicrobial Resistance – 3 credits. If student already have credits for MCB 4271 Antimicrobial Resistance (undergraduate level), one of the following alternative courses can be taken:
  - MCB 6796 Analysis, Interpretation and Visualization of Microbiological Data – 3 credits* OR
  - MCB 6566 Environmental Microbiology – 3 credits* OR
  - MCB 6424 Probiotics – 3 credits* OR
  - MCB 6670C The Microbiome – 3 credits*
* Indicates course is pending final approval.

Course Planning Documents
The CLM program can be taken on its own or concurrently with our department's online Master of Science programs. The minimum number of courses to graduate varies depending on which pathway a student takes.

Please review these example course planning documents to see which program will fulfill your goals.

Career Competencies
Graduates of the CLM program are prepared to enter the workforce as certified Clinical Microbiologists and demonstrate the following entry-level career competencies:
- Perform the full scope of clinical microbiology testing, including specimen processing, culture and identification of bacteria, mycology, virology, parasitology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as emerging molecular and rapid diagnostic methods.
- Apply safety practices and regulatory standards to ensure compliance with laboratory, biosafety and governmental guidelines.
- Interpret and evaluate microbiological data to support accurate diagnosis, infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship and public health reporting.
- Communicate effectively with clinicians, patients, laboratory colleagues and public health authorities to ensure accurate and timely information exchange.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and ethics, including patient confidentiality, quality assurance and accountability in laboratory practice.
- Apply principles of laboratory management and operations, including workflow efficiency, quality improvement and regulatory compliance.
- Utilize educational methods to train laboratory personnel, healthcare workers and community stakeholders in microbiology practices and infection control.
- Engage in clinical research and innovation, contributing to the development, evaluation and implementation of new diagnostic tools and approaches.
- Commit to lifelong learning and professional development, maintaining certification and contributing to the advancement of the microbiology profession through continuing education and professional organization participation.

Affiliated Clinical Internship Sites

Clinical affiliation sites will be available in Gainesville and across Florida. Because there are few clinical sites in Gainesville, students may need to accept the financial burden of traveling and residing away from home for part of their clinical assignments. The Microbiology and Cell Science Department will strive to place all students for their clinical rotations. However, there may be times when an external site for a scheduled clinical experience is unavailable due to factors outside the University's control. To address this, the Medical Laboratory Microbiology graduate certificate program will try to accommodate the students based on clinical laboratory availability.

Technical Standards
The Technical Standards for the CLM program define the essential knowledge, skills and behaviors required for admission and continued participation. These standards are vital for ensuring student success, safeguarding patient safety and meeting accreditation requirements set by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). They help confirm that students are prepared to understand and apply clinical laboratory science principles effectively and that future professionals are competent and trustworthy in clinical settings. NAACLS mandates that these standards be publicly accessible and that students must meet them to remain in the program.

Categories of technical standards:
- Sensory and Perceptual Abilities: Includes normal or correctable vision, hearing and tactile sensation to effectively perceive and respond to laboratory findings.
- Locomotive and Gross Motor Skills: Requires the ability to move freely in clinical settings, operate equipment and lift objects of at least 20 pounds.
- Fine Motor Skills: Demands sufficient coordination and dexterity for delicate and controlled manipulation of instruments and specimens.
- Intellectual Functions: Involves the capacity for measurement, calculation, analysis and critical evaluation of information and performance.
- Communication Skills: Includes the ability to read and understand written information, document observations accurately and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
- Professional Behaviors and Attitudes: Students must demonstrate honesty, compassion, responsibility, accountability and the ability to accept and incorporate constructive criticism.

Accreditation
- NAACLS Accreditation: The program will be accredited by NAACLS, ensuring it meets the highest standards of academic and practical training.
- ASCP Certification Exam: Graduates will be eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam, significantly boosting their professional credentials and career opportunities.
- Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel: After receiving their ASCP certification, graduates that desire to be licensed as a Clinical Microbiologist must apply to the Florida Department of Health Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel. Other States may have different licensure requirements.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): The University of Florida is accredited by the SACSCOC to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, education specialist and doctoral degrees. The University of Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Admissions Requirements
The following are required for all Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist pathways, including those who only intend to earn a graduate certificate.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 upper-division GPA
  - If your GPA is below this requirement but is at least 2.7, we recommend contacting us.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including all post-high school education and employment per Florida statute
- Required undergraduate courses for applicants:
  - General Biology (2 semesters)
  - General Chemistry (2 semesters)
  - Biochemistry
  - Microbiology
  - Microbiology foundational laboratory
    - Note: If you have not earned at least a grade of C in MCB 3020L, MCB 3023L or an equivalent course, please contact us.
Note: A background check will be required at student’s cost. This must be completed before internship, but is not due at the time of application. Students will be sent more information after enrolling in courses.

Tuition & Fees: Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist Program

The Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist program's cost varies due to several factors:

Students enrolled in the M.S. + Certificate will be charged the Online tuition for most courses, except for MCB5942L and MCB5945L. MCB5942L and MCB5945L are charged at the Residential (Out-of-State Resident) or the Residential (FL resident) rates, depending on the student's residency status.
- Students who select the M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science with a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry can complete the M.S. and certificate with 34 total credits.
- Students who select the M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science with a concentration in Microbiome in Health and Disease can complete the M.S. and certificate with 36 total credits (Microbiome/Host Interactions Track only).
Students enrolled in the CLM graduate certificate only will be charged at the Residential (Out-of-State Resident) or Residential (FL resident), depending on the student's residency status.
Laboratory course fees are charged to cover the cost of consumable supplies and reagents used in the Clinical Microbiology Lab, as well as to service microscopes and other equipment used in course instruction.
Textbooks are required for most CLM courses and contribute substantially to the cost of education.

Estimated Costs

Florida Residents

M.S. + Certificate (34 credits) $17,844.92 plus fees
M.S. + Certificate (36 credits) $18,914.92 plus fees
Certificate Only (18 credits) $8,077.14 plus fees

Out-of-State Residents

M.S. + Certificate (34 credits) $20,605.76 plus fees*
M.S. + Certificate (36 credits) $21,675.76 plus fees*
Certificate Only (18 credits) $20,500.92 plus fees*

*The Non-Resident Fee has been included in these calculations, but other fees still apply.

Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees per Credit Hour

	Residential (Florida Resident)	Residential (Out-of-State Resident)	Online
Tuition - Graduate Rate	$448.73	$448.73	$535.00
Non-Resident Fee	-	$690.21	-
Non-Resident Student Financial Aid	-	$34.51	-
Capital Improvement Fund	$6.76	$6.76	$6.76
Student Financial Aid	$22.43	$22.43	$22.43
Technology Fee	$6.56	$6.56	$6.56
Activity and Service Fee	$19.06	$19.06	-
Athletic Fee	$1.90	$1.90	-
Health Fee	$15.81	$15.81	-
Transportation Access	$9.44	$9.44	-
Total Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour	$530.69	$1,255.41	$570.75

Apply to the CLM Program's First Cohort

Join our first cohort in Spring 2026 and gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a clinical laboratory microbiologist. Applications are due by November 13, 2025 for all pathways.

The application processes varies by pathway. Please choose the pathway you are interested in to see how to apply.

Application Instructions: M.S. + Certificate (Current Students)
- Students who are currently enrolled in our department’s online Master of Science program may apply to add a concurrent certificate using the University of Florida Certificate Application (Currently Enrolled).
- For Current Degree Program Information:
  - Under Degree Level choose "Graduate"
  - Under Current Graduate College select "Agricultural and Life Sciences"
- For Certificate Program:
  - Under Certificate Level select "Graduate"
  - Under College select "Agricultural and Life Sciences (UNAGL)"
  - Under Major select "Agricltrl & Life Sci Grad Cert (AGL_GCT)
  - Under Concentration select "Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist (AGL_GCT38)

Application Instructions: M.S. + Certificate (New Students)
Students who wish to apply to the M.S. + Certificate pathway must complete all three of the following forms:
- Fill out the Mandatory Department Application form (Step 1)
- Complete the University of Florida Graduate Application
- Continue to the University of Florida Certificate Application
  - On the Certificate Program page, select “College of Agricultural and Life Sciences” and “Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist”

Application Instructions: Graduate Certificate Only
- Fill out the Mandatory Department Application form (Step 1)
- Continue to the University of Florida Certificate Application
  - On the “Certificate Program” page, select “College of Agricultural and Life Sciences” then choose “Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist”