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Both On-Campus and Internet Options.
Career Information
Clinical laboratory scientists (Medical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists) perform laboratory tests used to diagnose and treat disease and maintain health. Clinical laboratory scientists work in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, urinalysis and molecular diagnostics. They ensure accurate and reliable test results. In hospital clinical laboratories, laboratory scientists analyze blood, body fluids and tissues to detect disease. They work with sophisticated computerized technology such as automated chemistry and hematology analyzers, GLC-Mass spectrophotometers and molecular testing such as PCR and DNA probes. Clinical Laboratory Scientists also develop and evaluate new test procedures, maintain quality assurance programs, educate laboratory professionals and manage laboratories. Clinical laboratory scientists are sought in clinical areas, research and industry.
Skills and Interests Suited to a Career in Clinical Laboratory Science
Accuracy, dependability, adherence to deadlines, responsibility, manual dexterity, computer literacy, and good interpersonal/communication skills are essential.
Career Opportunities
Clinical laboratory scientists are employed in general hospital laboratories, physicians’ offices, private laboratories, mission fields, armed forces, Peace Corps, Project HOPE, public health, medical research programs, pharmaceutical laboratories, blood banks, forensic laboratories, bioterrorism response and industry.
Career interests include clinical specialties, quality improvement and process control, computer analysis, forensic science, research, education, and management.
Graduates may advance to supervisory or specialist positions, depending on capability, experience and/or additional education. Opportunities are available for graduate education in biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, education, management and specialist categories.
Several Masters and Doctoral programs in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science are now offered in the U.S.
Salary Information
Beginning salaries for graduates with baccalaureate degrees average $40,000 in clinical areas and $55,000 in industry, depending on location and job responsibilities. Experienced technologists who become laboratory managers in large hospitals may earn $90,000 or more.
About the Program
GRU grants a bachelor of science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology). The program is a transfer degree meaning the student completes the first two years of courses at any accredited college or university and the last four semesters at GRU. Students begin the GRU program fall semester of their junior year. Both on-campus and internet students have four semesters of classroom, laboratory and internships through clinical affiliates.
For the internet students, laboratories are conducted at a satellite laboratory in Atlanta or at the clinical affiliates. The clinical internships are conducted at affiliated clinical sites. Internet students are encouraged to identify possible internship sites convenient to them. The program of Clinical Laboratory Science will contact these sites to explore a clinical affiliation. The program requires computer capability and Internet connectivity.
The program is also offered to certified MLT’s or CLT’s. After completing academic and professional requirements, the following upper-division courses will be credited by proof of previous professional certification as a M.L.T. (A.S.C.P.) and/or C.L.T. (N.C.A.):
Total credit: 10 semester hours
Technical Standards/Essential Functions
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy essential functions. Visit http://www.gru.edu/alliedhealth/mlirs/cls/standards.html to review these requirements.
Accreditation
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
5600 N River Road
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Admission Requirements
Please see the Office of Academic Admissions website for specific admissions information:
http://www.gru.edu/admissions/hs-programs/clinical-laboratory-science.php
Estimated Tuition and Fees
For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Financial Information section of this catalog.
Financial Aid
GRU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GRU helps students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
Courses to Take the First Two Years
Please see the following website for specific information:
http://www.gru.edu/admissions/hs-programs/prerequisites/CLS.php
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