Articulation in Clinical Laboratory Sciences Education: CLT/MLT to CLS/MT

Articulation in education refers to any arrangement used by colleges and universities to coordinate the curriculum of their program that will facilitate the transfer of credits so that students can move from one level to another and decrease the time needed to earn the next level of degree.

Individuals who have graduated from a NAACLS-accredited Clinical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician (CLT/MLT) program may be eligible, in some programs, to obtain a bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MT) without repeating courses common to both degrees. In addition, portions of the clinical practicum may be waived in those areas in which you are proficient. Typically the program director/advisor will work with you to individualize your program of instruction based on your educational, clinical and/or work experiences.

There are many articulated programs across the nation which offer opportunities to individuals with an Associate Degree in CLT/MLT to complete their BS degrees and become certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or a Medical Technologist. These programs are either on campus programs or have online offerings. The requirements for articulation vary by program (e.g. - some may require experience as a CLT/MLT or certification as a CLT/MLT and others may not) so it is important to check with individual institutions for their requirements.

To locate a NAACLS-accredited program near you, visit their website at http://www.naacls.org/search/programs.asp. For information regarding online programs, visit the ASCLS educational site at http://www.ascls.org/leadership/sa/esa.asp#CLEP-Online.