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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, adherance 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 with this advanced education may progress to supervisory, specialist or management positions, depending on capability, experience. Opportunities are available for graduate education in biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, education, management and specialist categories.
Doctoral programs in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science are now offered in the US.
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 program requires 74 graduate semester credit hours for graduation. This is an entry-level degree and upon graduation, the student would be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The program is 5 semesters long and culminates in a research or capstone project. This program will also offer courses in evidence based practice, clinical services delivery, epidemiology, and education principles. This degree will prepare the student for practice in research, management, and education as well as practice as a clinical laboratory scientist.
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.
Technical Standards/Essential Functions
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards for this program. Please visit http://www.augusta.edu/alliedhealth/mlirs/cls/standards.php to view 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/graduate/master-clinical-laboratory.php
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and other assistance is available. The university participants in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. With the university’s help students can fund their education through grants, scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
