Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Training Program Certificate

Program Overview

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist Training Program is a 12-month advanced certificate program that prepares students for the ASCP MLS certification and California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License. The program combines on-site training at hospital affiliates with online coursework, providing hands-on experience in hematology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. Graduates are qualified to work as clinical laboratory scientists in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Certificate Overview:

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Training Program is a 12-month advanced certificate program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Certificate from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), as well as a California Clinical Laboratory Scientist License issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Objectives:

• Train students to become proficient in the theory and practice of clinical laboratory science.
• Prepare students to sit for the ASCP national certification exam and obtain the MLS certification.
• Provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a variety of laboratory settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories.

Program Description:

The program is approximately 55 weeks long and combines 32 hours of on-site training at hospital affiliates with 8 hours of online coursework per week. Students gain hands-on experience in various aspects of clinical laboratory science, including hematology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics.

Outline:

Certificate Core (24 units):

• MICR 291A - Advanced Hematology (4 units)
• MICR 291B - Advanced Pathophysiology (4 units)
• MICR 291C - Advanced Human Immunology (4 units)
• MICR 291D - Advanced Medical Microbiology (4 units)
• MICR 291E - Advanced Immunohematology (4 units)
• MICR 291F - Molecular Based Diagnostic Techniques (4 units)

Additional Core (21 units):

• Three semesters of MICR 291G - Clinical Laboratory Management (4 units/semester)
• MICR 292 - Topics and Demonstrations in Clinical Laboratory Science (3 units)

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Written exams
• Practical exams
• Oral presentations
• Case studies
• Projects

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty who are active in the field of clinical laboratory science. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Hands-on labs
• Clinical rotations

Careers:

Graduates of the program are qualified to work as clinical laboratory scientists in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Research laboratories
• Public health laboratories
• Pharmaceutical companies

Potential Career Paths:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Clinical Laboratory Supervisor
• Laboratory Manager
• Research Scientist
• Technical Writer