Clinical Laboratory Science Program Information
When it comes to the challenge and rewards of medicine and science, the clinical laboratory scientist has the best of both worlds. Formerly called medical technologists, clinical laboratory scientists work in all areas of the clinical laboratory including blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology. They perform a full range of laboratory tests – from simple premarital blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer. They are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other physicians. The information a clinical laboratory scientists gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will receive.
Clinical laboratory scientists operate complex electronic equipment, computers and precision instruments costing millions of dollars. (Information provided by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.)
To be eligible for employment as a clinical laboratory scientist, a person must earn a bachelor’s degree and pass a national certification exam. Graduates of this program have also been successful gaining employment in other biological laboratories and gaining entrance into graduate and professional programs.
Degree Requirements
The bachelor of science degree in clinical laborary science requires three years of basic science training at St. Cloud State University followed by clinical course work at an affiliated clinical site.
Currently, St Cloud State University is affiliated with Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN; St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA; and The University of Minnesota, Division of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, MN.
Upon completion of the clinical coursework, students are eligible to take national certification exams offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (http://www.ascp.org/index.asp).
