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Clinical Laboratory Science
Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree in
Clinical Laboratory Science prepares graduates to work as laboratory
professionals. Through the use of precision instrumentation, clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, analyze blood, tissue, and other body
fluids to provide data critical to the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases. They work closely
with pathologists (physicians who diagnose the cause and nature of
disease), other physicians, and scientists who specialize in clinical
chemistry, microbiology, and other biological sciences.
The
Curriculum
This
120-credit program consists of two phases of study.
Phase one includes 88 credits of coursework in the preclinical
sciences such as chemistry, biology, physics and math, plus the Liberal
Studies requirements taken at the main IUP campus.
Phase two includes 32 credits in the 12 month clinical year during which
students attend clinical classes at one of the many Schools of Clinical
Laboratory Science
affiliate locations in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
Students
are encouraged to earn at least a 2.5 GPA in math and sciences in order to
qualify for a seat at an affiliating school.
IUP cannot guarantee admission to the clinical program.
Graduates
of the clinical laboratory science program are:
qualified to take examinations for certification (CMT) with the
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
prepared for graduate degrees in chemistry, biology, medicine,
pathology, administration, and education.
Second bachelor's degree: Individuals who
have already earned one bachelor's degree may be admitted to the
university with advanced placement. To earn the second bachelor's
degree students must meet the remaining requirements for graduation
specified for the clinical laboratory science program, including the 12
month clinical year. In some cases where the first degree is in
biology or chemistry, students often only have a few remaining
requirements to complete before beginning the clinical year.
The
Clinical Sites
IUP
currently has established affiliation agreements with the following
clinical laboratory science/medical technology programs:
Altoona
Regional Health System, Altoona, PA
Children's Hospital Medical Center,
Akron, OH
Lancaster
General Hospital,
Lancaster, PA
Memorial Medical Center,
Johnstown, PA
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA
St.
Vincent Health Center,
Erie, PA
WCA Hospital,
Jamestown, NY
Williamsport Hospital
and Medical Center,
Williamsport,
PA
York
Hospital,
York, PA
Special
Requirements
Before
starting the clinical year, students will need a complete physical
examination, immunizations and screenings as required by the affiliate
program. During the clinical
year, students are required to maintain CPR certification, carry
professional liability insurance, and wear uniforms/lab coats.
A criminal background check may be required prior to beginning the
clinical year or sitting for
certification examinations.
Clinical Laboratory Science Student Handbook
Specific information on the Clinical
Laboratory Science (CLSC) program at IUP can be found at
CLSC Student Information Handbook.
Program
Accreditation
The
affiliate programs are fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency
for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
Career
Information
IUP's
clinical laboratory science majors are 100% employed at graduation.
Job opportunities will continue to be excellent as the volume of
laboratory tests increases with both population growth and the
development of new types of tests.
Traditionally clinical laboratory scientists work in hospital laboratories. They
are also
employed in physicians' offices, private
laboratories, clinics, government agencies, industry, pharmaceutical
companies, private research institutions and in forensic science labs.
Median annual earnings of clinical laboratory scientists were $45,730 in
May 2004.
Frequently
Asked Questions
More
information about the careers in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical
Technology can be found at the following sites:
The
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
www.ascls.org
American Society for Clinical Pathology www.ascp.org
National
Accrediting Agency for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences www.naacls.org
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Pennsylvania
http://ascls-pa.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm
Faculty and Staff - Clinical Laboratory Science
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