Clinical Laboratory Sciences Major

Purpose and Focus

The baccalaureate degree and minor/certificate programs in Clinical Laboratory Science prepare students to be health care professionals with cutting-edge skills in medical laboratory theory and operations. Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists develop and apply current techniques to improve health screening and diagnosis of diseases as well as playing a critical role in managing patient therapy. These health care professionals integrate knowledge from the basic sciences of biology and chemistry with the study of laboratory medicine and applied technologies. The program prepares graduates for their professional role via theoretical instruction and practical laboratory application in the major disciplines of hematology, immunology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry and clinical microbiology. The degree program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences provides optimal flexibility toward student career options.

The baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences provides the student with a foundation in pathophysiology and medical diagnostic theory accompanied by direct practical laboratory skill training and hospital practicum experience – admission is limited. This is an excellent major for students pursuing post-graduate professional school education (medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary). Minor and/or certificates are also offered for the individual disciplines (i.e. hematology, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology) as students in other majors may wish to gain expertise in a selected topic area. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with health care teams in acute care settings, commercial and research laboratories, biomedical industry, bioterrorism and forensics laboratories, as well as federal, state and local public health arenas.

Degree Objectives/Learning Outcomes
The Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) Program has been designed to provide graduates with:

1. Expertise in current knowledge and skills necessary to accurately perform, interpret, and maintain quality       assurance of complex laboratory procedures.
2. Entry-level competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) appropriate to the scope of a baccalaureate prepared clinical laboratory scientist and the professional role of the clinical laboratory scientist as well as a commitment to continuing professional growth.
3. Critical skills to function collaboratively with health care professionals in the interpretation of laboratory results.
4. Critical skills to assist patients in understanding preparation and specimen collection requirements and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests.
5. An educational foundation for the advancement of applied medical technology in the hospital or research environment
6. Experience in basic and applied research enabling advancements in graduate study or biomedical technologies.

CLS Degree Accreditation
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
(NAACLS) http://naacls.org
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119