Clinical Laboratory Schools and Colleges in the U.S.

Clinical laboratory, or medical technology, personnel perform tests that help doctors diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in laboratory settings and use problem-solving and analytic skills. This article highlights what students should look for when deciding on a clinical laboratory school.

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How to Select a Clinical Laboratory School

Clinical laboratory jobs include technicians and technologists, and they are distinguishable by their duties and education level. A clinical laboratory technologist conducts more complex procedures and tests than a technician does, and therefore has different educational requirements. Students should know what kind of position they want before choosing a clinical laboratory school because it determines the degree they need.

An associate's degree or certificate is sufficient for technicians, and a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for many technologist jobs. A graduate degree is needed for supervisory or directive positions in clinical laboratories. Many colleges and universities offer programs in clinical laboratory science or medical technology.

When choosing a clinical laboratory school, students should look for programs that include clinical rotations. This component gives students hands-on experience and allows them to get a feel for the work before entering the industry. With this in mind, students may find it beneficial to attend a school that has its own university hospital, or a school near a hospital that offers internships. For students who want to specialize in an area, such as phlebotomy, they need to make sure it's highlighted in the program.

Students should also consider curricula that meet certification requirements, since many employers prefer to hire certified clinical laboratory technicians and technologists. Certification is available through a number of professional associations, including the American Medical Technologists. General course topics should include chemistry, microbiology, immunology and hematology. Graduate programs are research-intensive and have clinical practicums.

Largest Clinical Laboratory Schools by Student Enrollment

College/University Student Population Institution Type
Arizona State University67,0824-year, Public
Ohio State University-Main Campus53,7154-year, Public
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities51,1404-year, Public
University of Central Florida50,1214-year, Public
The University of Texas at Austin49,9844-year, Public
Michigan State University46,5104-year, Public
University of South Florida46,1894-year, Public
University of Wisconsin-Madison41,6204-year, Public
Purdue University-Main Campus41,4334-year, Public
University of Washington-Seattle Campus39,6754-year, Public
University of Arizona38,0574-year, Public
University of Houston36,1044-year, Public
Rutgers University-New Brunswick36,0414-year, Public
University of North Texas34,8304-year, Public
Brigham Young University34,2444-year, Private not-for-profit
Virginia Commonwealth University32,0444-year, Public
Wayne State University31,0244-year, Public
George Mason Univeristy30,6134-year, Public
The University of Tennessee30,4104-year, Public
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis30,3004-year, Public
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