Clinical Laboratory Science Degree and Training Program Overviews
A degree in clinical laboratory science can prepare graduates for careers working in diagnostic and research laboratories within clinical healthcare facilities. Degrees in the field include associate's, bachelor's and master's in clinical laboratory science.
Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
A 2-year associate's degree is the bare minimum educational degree available for aspiring clinical laboratory technicians. Such programs typically contain three to four semesters of didactic classroom lectures as well as a required clinical internship or laboratory component. Students enrolled in an associate's degree program gain an introduction to clinical laboratory science and learn the basic concepts of microbiology, hematology and human fluid analysis. They also learn how to perform basic clinical and diagnostic tests in a laboratory setting.
Education Prerequisites
Students interested in enrolling in a clinical laboratory science associate's degree program should have completed high school courses in chemistry, biology, English and algebra. A high school diploma and GPA of at least 2.5 are also standard.
Program Coursework
Core courses are very similar to courses found within a baccalaureate degree program in the field. Students in an associate's degree program often have fewer general education and theoretical course requirements.
- Introduction to clinical laboratory sciences
- Anatomy and physiology
- Laboratory safety procedures
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Hematology
- Laboratory analysis
- Urinalysis
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and physicians' offices employed roughly 152,000 clinical laboratory technicians in 2009 (www.bls.gov). Those in the profession earned a median yearly salary of $36,030 in the same year.
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
Clinical laboratory science programs are typically 4-year programs offered through universities or medical centers. They are designed to provide students with the educational background and practical training necessary to perform laboratory testing in medical and clinical research facilities. They should also prepare students to sit for national clinical laboratory science and medical technologist certification examinations.
Students learn how to analyze blood, urine and other human tissues samples for the purposes of diagnosing illness, determining disease or furthering clinical research in a particular aspect of the medical field. They are often required to complete a clinical rotation at a medical facility in addition to completing laboratory and lecture credits.
Education Prerequisites
Schools offering degree programs in clinical laboratory science may only accept incoming freshmen who hold a high school diploma and strong scores from standardized tests, such as the ACT or SAT. High school students interested in the major should consider completing courses in biology, mathematics, chemistry and laboratory science.
Program Coursework
Clinical laboratory science bachelor's degree programs often consist of classroom lectures focusing on the theories of natural science as well as laboratory experiences focusing on practical lab techniques. Courses may include:
- Principles of clinical laboratory science
- Clinical chemistry
- Clinical hematology
- Microbiology
- Clinical immunology
- Human fluid analysis
- Phlebotomy
- Clinical laboratory management
Popular Career Options
Clinical laboratory scientists and medical technologists are in demand in a variety of clinical and research-based professions. They may be employed by the following organizations:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Diagnostic medical testing facilities
- Forensic laboratories
- University research clinics
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
Certification Options
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers national certification for clinical laboratory scientists, medical technicians and medical technologists. Individuals must pass an examination in order to earn the Medical Technologist (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCP) credential. Certification in the field might not be required, but it is often preferred by employers.
Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
Graduate programs in clinical laboratory science are often available for laboratory technologists who are interested in furthering research or specializing in a particular aspect of the field. Students are often required to select a concentration, such as clinical research, biochemistry, clinical administration and management, health informatics and public health laboratory sciences. Many of the programs can be offered in either a thesis or a non-thesis version.
Education Prerequisites
A baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science, biology or a similar field is a prerequisite for gaining admission into a graduate program in laboratory science. A school may also require incoming students to hold certification in laboratory science from an established organization.
Program Coursework
Courses included in a master's degree program in clinical laboratory science often vary based upon each student's chosen specialization in the subject. Common core seminar classes might include:
- Quality assurance in a clinical laboratory
- Clinical laboratory management
- Clinical chemistry
- Bacteriology
- Virology
- Immunohematology
- Clinical immunology
- Current issues for clinical laboratory professionals
Popular Career Options
Most individuals who enter a graduate degree program in clinical laboratory science already have experience working within a clinical research or diagnostic lab. Upon graduating, they make take positions as:
- Laboratory director
- Chief clinical laboratory technologist
- Hospital laboratory supervisor
- Clinical researcher
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