Clinical Laboratory Science
The Degree
The BS degree in Clinical Laboratory Science is designed to prepare competent Clinical Laboratory Scientists (also called Medical Technologists) to perform lab tests on patient samples in all major areas of the modern medical laboratory including hematology, immunohematology, serology, clinical microbiology (includes mycology and parasitology), clinical chemistry, and urinalysis. Clinical Lab students also complete course work in management, research, and education as related to functioning as a clinical laboratory manager, educator, and researcher. The BS in Clinical Laboratory Science is an excellent undergraduate degree for preparing for Medical School or the Physician Assistant program.
Work Settings
Clinical Laboratory Scientists / Medical Technologists typically work in hospitals running tests on patient samples for physicians to help them make diagnoses and prescribe treatment plans. They are also responsible for monitoring the quality of results, compliance with government regulations with respect to laboratory practice, and administrative and educational duties. Clinical Laboratory Scientists may also be employed in laboratories associated with physician’s offices, HMO’s or public health laboratories, biotech companies and/or clinical trails coordination, and forensic laboratories. Individuals in Clinical Laboratory Science may also work in research or sales for pharmaceutical or laboratory supply companies. Graduates from the Clinical Laboratory Science program are eligible to apply for direct commissions in the military as Laboratory Officers.
Admission / Prerequisites
Admission requires an overall 2.0 GPA and a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. However, the minimum requirements may not be enough to be admitted because it is a small and competitive program. Applications are due by February 1st each year for the next fall.
- Principles of Biology – BIOL 1100, 1101 or 1150, 1151
- Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology – BIOL 2130 or BIOL 2140, 2141 & 2150, 2151 (for pre-PA path)
- Microbiology – BIOL 2110, 2111, or BIOL 3220, 3221
- General Chemistry – CHEM 1150, 1151, and 1160, 1161
- College Algebra – MATH 1065 (or higher)
- Statistics – BIOS 1500, MATH 2228, MATH 2283, or PSYC 2101
- Organic & Biochemistry for the Allied Health Sciences, CHEM 1130 or CHEM 2750 & 2753 for pre-med/dent/pa students
- CLSC 2000 – Intro to Clinical Laboratory Science is recommended but not required