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Both On-Campus and Internet Options.
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
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Accuracy, dependability, communication skills, adherence to deadlines, responsibility, manual dexterity and good interpersonal skills are essential.
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 research, quality improvement and process control, clinical specialties, computer analysis, forensic science, 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.
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.
GHSU 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 GHSU. Students begin the GHSU 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
- Official transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all colleges ever attended. Transcripts should be mailed to GHSU’s OAA directly from the Registrar’s office of the institution. Applicants may also deliver or mail official transcripts to GHSU’s OAA if the transcript remains in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope from the Registrar’s office at the institution.
- 2 Letters of recommendation: A letter of recommendation must be submitted from each referee (see reference form from OAA). Referees should be individuals qualified to assess applicants’ prior academic, work, research and/or clinical experience as applicable.
- Professional certification as a MLT(ASCP) and/or CLT(NCA). Documentation of certification is required.
- GPA requirement: A grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum math/science GPA of 2.5 is required on all previous college work.
- TOEFL exam scores: Minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer based.
- Personal Interview (includes writing sample)
* Applications deferred to the next year are subject to all admission requirements in effect for the semester to which they are deferred.
Technical Standards/Essential Functions
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In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy essential functions. Visit http://www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth/brt/cls/standards.html to review these requirements.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
5600 N River Road
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
GHSU participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. GHSU helps students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
For best chance of acceptance, apply the fall preceding the fall in which admission is sought. All application materials should be in GHSU’s Office of Academic Admissions by June 15th. Applications completed after this date are considered on a space-available basis. Complete applications include the application, references, official academic materials, documentation of shadowing hours, and documentation of professional certifications, if applicable. Documentation of current CPR and First Aid certification is required.
Apply online at www.georgiahealth.edu/Admissions, or contact:
Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Georgia Health Sciences University
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: 706-721-2725
800-519-3388
E-mail: Admissions@georgiahealth.edu
Georgia Health Sciences University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution.
Courses to Take the First Two Years
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The courses required to graduate from GHSU comprise a core curriculum divided into six categories (A-F). The options for completing these prerequisites for transfer to GHSU are listed below. Courses can only be used in one Area.
| A. Essential Skills |
9 semester hours |
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| English Composition I |
3 hours |
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| English Composition II (literature-based) |
3 hours |
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College Algebra, Mathematical Modeling,
Trigonometry, Pre-calculus or Calculus |
3 hours |
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B. Institutional Options**
Choose from any below
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4-5 semester hours |
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Introduction to Computers
Critical Thinking
Creative Writing
Ethics
Health and Wellness
Statistics
Economics
Speech
Medical Terminology
Any approved guided elective from Area F |
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C. Humanities and Fine Arts**
Choose from any below
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6 semester hours |
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Ethics
Foreign Language
Speech, Oral Communications
Literature
Philosophy
Drama, Art or Music Appreciation
Logic
Electives in Humanities and Fine Arts
Religion |
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| D. Science, Mathematics and Technology |
10-11 semester hours |
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| One eight-hour sequence laboratory course sequence in Chemistry (for science majors) AND an additional course in Science, Mathematics or Technology |
E. Social Science**
Choose from any below
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12 semester hours |
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U.S. History
U.S. Government
Other History
Economics
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Lower-division electives in Psychology and Sociology |
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| F. Required Courses Appropriate to the Major |
18 semester hours |
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| Biology w/lab (for Science majors) |
4 hours |
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| Organic Chemistry w/ lab |
4 hours |
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| Anatomy & Physiology |
3 hours |
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| Other approved guided electives: |
7 hours |
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Biochemistry
Cell Biology/Molecular Biology
Genetics
Microbiology
Immunology
Physics
Other courses in Science or Math
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** If a student planning to transfer to GHSU from another school in the University System of Georgia has completed this area with courses taken there or at another institution from which GHSU accepts transfer credit, GHSU will accept the area as satisfied. A student planning to transfer from a school not in the University System of Georgia should choose from the list of courses.
Estimated Tuition and Fees
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For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
