Program Goals
The chief goals of the CLS major program are to provide graduates with the tools they need to successfully complete certification exams, develop them into highly competitive job applicants, foster their adaptability to carry out future job responsibilities, provide them with marketable skills early in the curriculum and present education in the most expedient manner that doesn't compromise content or comprehension.
What You'll Do as a Clinical Lab Scientist
Clinical laboratory scientists perform many routine and specialized tests in clinical, research or industrial laboratories to provide diagnostic data, supporting health care, quality control and product development. Clinical laboratory scientists may have a variety of responsibilities, including implementing and performing tests, supervising, teaching and consulting.
CLS Program Curriculum
The clinical laboratory science major incorporates didactic and clinical education throughout the four-year curriculum. Students gain marketable skills after two years in the program through clinical lab technician certification. Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible to take a national certification test for clinical laboratory scientists. The university maintains CLS affiliations with a variety of hospitals in Michigan. The sophomore and senior practicum provide an opportunity for students to experience two different clinical settings prior to graduation.
Our program concentrations include:
MLS State License Requirements
In most states, a state license is not required to work as a medical laboratory scientist. In states that require a state license, the MLS program meets all educational requirements.
Please review the state licensure chart for more information.
Clinical Laboratory Workforce Study
The clinical laboratory workforce (also referred to as the medical laboratory workforce) in the U.S. supports a laboratory system that provides patients and medical providers with information essential for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health and disease. To learn more about the profession, below is a 2021 published study which examines the challenges to meeting the current and future needs of the workforce.
The Clinical Laboratory Workforce: Understanding the Challenges to Meeting Current and Future Needs
Covid-19 Impact on Clinical Laboratory Workforce Brief
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical role that the clinical laboratory workforce plays in the U.S healthcare system. Below is a 2021 published brief that provides valuable labor statistics and job outlook to those interested in the profession.
The Omicron Variant is Deepening Severe Staffing Shortages in Medical Laboratories across the US
Medical laboratory professionals form the backbone of health care and the public health system.
Like other health care and health professionals, these lab workers are experiencing dangerously low staffing numbers as a result of the pandemic.
