Clinical Laboratory Science - Educational Requirements

Educational Requirements

A solid foundation in high school biology, chemistry, and math usually provides the groundwork for clinical laboratory science education. A career as a clinical laboratory technician requires completion of either an associate degree program integrating general education, science and clinical laboratory science courses; or, a shorter certificate program that focuses on technical courses. The clinical laboratory technician curriculum addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of each of the major laboratory disciplines.

Clinical laboratory scientists complete a baccalaureate degree program that includes more in depth courses than the technician classes, as well as management and education courses. Such courses may be offered through a hospital-based program that provides the senior year for students from affiliated universities. An integrated university based program provides professional coursework prior to a shorter clinical experience, e.g. 5 to 6 months. Such a program usually is found in a major university or academic medical center. College science graduates who meet a program’s prerequisites are also eligible to apply to a clinical laboratory science program.

Accreditation of clinical laboratory science or technician programs by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences ensures that the programs maintain high educational standards (visit www.naacls.org for a list of accredited programs and contact information). Masters and doctoral programs are also available in clinical laboratory science for those who wish to further their education.

Upon completion of a clinical/medical laboratory science or technician program, graduates are eligible for national certification as a medical laboratory scientist, MLS, or medical laboratory technician, MLT, by exams offered by the Board of Certification (BOC).