Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 86-89 hours: B.S.-No Minor Required

CIP: 511005

This pre-licensure degree is offered in conjuction with approved hospitals and medical centers.

The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree emphasizes biology and chemistry. Minimum academic prerequisites are established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and are taken on the Northwest campus during the first three years along with other courses required by the University. The fourth year (senior year) is a structured educational program in an affiliated clinical laboratory. The clinical program is accredited through NAACLS. Upon satisfactory completion of the clinical program, a minimum of 30 hours of credit are granted and the student is awarded a B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree. Acceptance into an affiliated program is competitive and will be determined by the quality of academic work completed by the student during the first three years of study. Admission to the clinical program is decided entirely by the hospitals. Acceptance into the University program does not guarantee acceptance of the student by an affiliated clinical program. A minimum total of 120 academic hours are required for this degree.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree and who wish to enter the field may do so by applying directly to the hospital that has an approved program. Applicants who have completed minimum requirements seven or more years before application must update microbiology and biochemistry. If a B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree is desired, then University requirements for the degree must also be filled.

Application deadlines vary between affiliated clinical programs. Programs should be contacted during the summer following the sophomore year. As an example, application deadlines can vary from July 1 to October 15. Applications are processed through the program director/education coordinator of the clinical program.

Selection is done by each clinical program. Criteria include state of health, academic performance, and personal characteristics. Usually, a 2.5 minimum grade point average is required.

Enrollment is limited by the class size of each clinical program. Costs vary with each clinical program. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take a national certification examination. Passing the examination is not a condition for receiving the B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree. Financial assistance varies with each clinical program. The student should contact each program and the Northwest Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance.