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Both On-Campus and Distance Learning (WEB) 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 equipment. 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
The university grants a bachelor of science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology). Upon completion of the program, the graduates are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Students begin the CLS program in fall semester of their junior year, contingent upon completion of prerequisites either at this university or at another college (see Admission Requirements below). Both on-campus and internet students have four semesters of classroom, laboratory and internships through clinical affiliates.
For the distance/WEB students, laboratories are conducted at a satellite laboratory in the Atlanta area 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
Link to program page: Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science for Certified MLTs/CLTs and the Military
Being certified as an MLT or CLT does not excuse the applicant from any prerequisite courses for the program included in the Admission Requirements below.
Technical Standards/Essential Functions
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy essential functions. Visit http://www.augusta.edu/alliedhealth/mlirs/cls/standards.php 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 and prerequisites:
http://www.augusta.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
The university participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. The university helps students fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (BS-CLS) Program Curriculum
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