Clinical Laboratory Science

About The Program and Profession

Medical Technology (clinical laboratory science) is an allied health profession which employs sophisticated medical laboratory test procedures to assist physicians in evaluating the medical conditions of their patients.  Medical technologists must be able to obtain blood specimens, analyze biological specimens using both instrumental and manual techniques, and report accurate results in a timely manner. To accomplish these and other duties, medical technologists must have a theoretical knowledge base and practical skills in clinical laboratory science. They must be able to think logically, organize and prioritize tasks, and function well under pressure as they perform detailed laboratory procedures. They must be dependable, able to work cooperatively with others, and able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

The CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE Program at CIMS aims to provide superior education to prepare competent medical technologists with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required to fulfill current and future professional roles and leadership positions as members of the health care team.

Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical technologists are essential members of the health care team. As a clinical laboratory scientist, you'll perform behind-the-scenes laboratory tests that physicians rely on to diagnose and treat patients. Your daily activities may range from confirming a case of diabetes or strep throat to detecting an early case of leukemia. Here are some of the responsibilities you'll likely be charged with as a clinical laboratory scientist:

 

  • Identifying abnormal blood cells
  • Identifying toxic agents, such as anthrax
  • Detecting a cancerous tumor with DNA techniques
  • Performing cultures and identifying bacteria and viruses
  • Assuring safe transfusion of blood products
  • Correlating test results with patient condition
  • Selecting and evaluating laboratory equipment and new test methodologies
  • Monitoring the quality of testing
  • Supervising support staff
  • Managing laboratory operations

Program Goals

"The mission of the Program in Medical Technology is to provide superior education to prepare competent medical technologists with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required to fulfill current and future professional roles and leadership positions as members of the health care team."

Program Benefits

  • Learn the theories and principles of laboratory medicine.
  • Acquire techniques to perform diagnostic procedures and operate sophisticated instrumentation.
  • Relate the clinical significance of laboratory procedures to patient diagnosis and treatment.
  • Utilize principles and practices of quality assurance.
  • Develop skills in communication, problem solving, educational methods, research and management related to a clinical laboratory.
  • Engage in a dynamic clinical environment, further developing professional behaviors.

Career Opportunities

Many career opportunities exist for medical technologists in hospitals, reference laboratories, clinics, business and industry. Demand for skilled health care workers is especially great in rural areas and inner cities. Medical Technology knowledge and experience also provide an excellent background for pursuing a degree in medicine or an advanced degree in any biological discipline. Most clinical laboratory scientists begin their professional careers working in a laboratory or in an acute care or community hospital. Once you gain some experience, you might work in any of the following settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Private laboratories
  • Public health organizations
  • Research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies

 

Course Structure & Content

In order to become a clinical laboratory scientist, you'll need to complete a three-year diploma or four-year bachelor's degree program in Clinical Laboratory Science. Programs typically require coursework in the following areas:

  • Chemistry including general and organic chemistry
  • Biology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Transfusion Services
  • Clinical training
  • Biological Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics (including principles of light and electricity)
  • College-Level Mathematics
  • Biochemistry and
  • Analytical Chemistry (Quantitative Analysis).

Academic Prospects for Clinical Lab Scientist

With a certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science, you can pursue a multitude of options for additional education including the following:

  • Medical school
  • Dental school
  • Graduate studies in health services administration
  • Graduate studies in clinical laboratory administration
  • Master of Public Health program
  • Physician Assistant program
  • Master’s and Doctoral programs in the biological, biomedical, and chemical sciences