Clinical Laboratory Sciences

The Profession

One of the most dynamic of all health care professions, clinical laboratory science (CLS) is the study and practice of diagnostic medicine. Practitioners in the CLS profession are called Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS, also known as medical technologists) and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (CLT), also known as medical laboratory technicians (MLT). Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) perform tests that analyze blood, urine, tissue or other body specimens. They use complex instrumentation, sophisticated techniques and specialized knowledge to provide critical data for diagnosis, treatment planning and preventative health care. For example, if a patient complains of a sore throat, the physician takes a sample from the throat with a swab and this sample is sent to the clinical laboratory. The CLS determines what may be causing this patient's illness by examining the organisms that grow from the sample. The physician then decides what course of treatment is appropriate. Another example is a diabetic patient whose glucose level needs to be monitored. The physician requests a blood sample to be drawn and the CLS performs the test to determine the patient's glucose level.

The CLS profession is constantly changing and advancing as new technology evolves. This technology provides better methods for diagnostic testing and interpretation.

Although clinical laboratory scientists seldom have personal contact with patients, they play a major role in disease diagnosis and in monitoring therapy. They closely work with physicians, researchers and other health care professionals. They may also provide physician information in establishing appropriate cost-effective testing protocols for suspected diagnoses, and assist in interpretation of laboratory test results.

Individuals who are interested in the field of clinical laboratory sciences should work with career counselors as early as the high school years to assure scientific preparation and to establish sound academic credentials.

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The Program

The Clinical Laboratory Science program is an integrated program where students integrate their level one professional courses with core curriculum and science courses in the first three years. The fourth year consists of advanced professional courses and clinical practicums. Practicums are offered at a variety of South Texas health care facilities. Students may need to relocate to these sites during their senior year for 2 to 4 weeks. Currently, the University provides housing for students who complete practicums at affiliates outside San Antonio. However, there is no guarantee that this provision will continue. To see a list of current clinical affiliates click the appropriate button above.

Students who have completed all prerequisite work before they apply to the CLS program, can complete all level one professional coursework in one year and then advance to the senior year. Students pursuing categorical post-baccaluareate certificates, usually attend part-time for about a year.

Professional coursework begins with the Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Science course. This can be taken as a traditional course at UTSA or as a web-based course at the UTHSCSA. Level one professional courses include lectures and laboratories. The laboratories provide the student the opportunity to learn and practice basic laboratory skills. These skills are necessary to advance to practicums at the clinical affiliates where students will work with sophisticated instruments and learn more advanced techniques and tests. The student laboratories usually have from 15-25 students with two instructors so there is a high level of personal interaction between students and instructors. Level two professional courses are advanced and build on the knowledge of level one courses. These courses are offered in an intense seven week period in the first part of the fall and spring semesters. Following successful completion of the advanced coursework each semester, the student attends 9 weeks of practicums for a total of 16 weeks per semester.

There are two tracks in CLS: general and pre-medical. Both tracks have the same professional course requirements. The difference in each track is the science prerequisites. The general track is the traditional track and is appropriate for the majority of students whose goal is to work in a clinical laboratory. The pre-medical track includes additional science and mathematics courses including a second semester of organic chemistry, physics I and II and calculus. This track prepares students for admission to medical school. Once you are admitted to the program you can discuss these options with your faculty advisor and determine which is most appropriate for you.

Post-baccalaureate categorical certificates are available in hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, and molecular diagnostics. A baccalaureate degree with tracks in molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics is also available.

A Special Opportunity for the CLT/MLT

The level two (advanced) professional courses areavailable on the web for students who are certified CLT or MLT professionals. If you are a CLT/MLT, you can complete all your coursework without leaving your job. You can complete your science and core curriculum requirements at a university or college in your area and transfer the credits to UTHSCSA. We will customize practicums for you depending on your knowledge and work experience. These practicums can be completed at an affiliate in your area (including your place of employment) depending on their willingness to take on this responsibility and the availability of appropriate technology. This is an ideal way for a military educated CLT/MLT to finish their bachelor's degree as it can be accomplished as you move worldwide.

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Degree Offered

Upon successful completion of all coursework, the student will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in CLS. They are eligible to take the national certification examinations, the NCA and ASCP. Awarding of the degree or certificate is not contingent upon passing an external certification or licensing examination.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). This organization may be contacted at http://www.naacls.org or by calling 773-714-8880.

Laredo Campus

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program has a track for certified clinical laboratory technicians who live and work in Laredo and want to complete a baccalaureate degree without leaving their job. The UTHSCSA has equivalency agreements with Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University so that students can complete all science, core curriculum and level one professional coursework in Laredo. Upon completion of these courses and successful passing of the NCA or ASCP certification examination, the student may apply for admission to the UTHSCSA CLS Program. Upon acceptance, the level two (advanced) professional courses can be taken via the Web and videoconferencing. Practicums will be customized based on the student's experience and knowledge. These practicums can be completed at Laredo affiliates. Other affiliates may be available depending on the student's location.

Admission requirements and process are the same as for the San Antonio program. Click here to see the curricula for the three tracks with LCC and TAMIU equivalents. If you are interested in this program and would like to speak to an advisor, call Adrianna Guerra, the Laredo Program Coordinator at 956-724-2429 or visit her at 800 E. Mann Road, Suite 101, Laredo, Texas. You are also welcome to contact the faculty at UTHSCSA for further information.

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Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a CLS in Texas is $17.84 per hour and the mean annual salary is $37,400. New CLS graduates may earn less. Salaries vary greatly across the state and throughout the country. To view updated information go to Occupational Employment Statistics at the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site.

Job Outlook

Although the majority of our graduates take positions in clinical hospital laboratories, there are many more opportunities for practice. Our graduates have taken jobs in diverse settings including industry, education, marketing, quality control, laboratory management, product development, research coordination, veterinary medicine, infection control, laboratory information system manager. Click here to see the range of positions available to CLS graduates. Also see the success stories of some of our graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist?

"Medical Technologist" is a term that was used to describe laboratory professionals from the early 1900s. The term "Clinical Laboratory Scientist" was coined in 1976 by the National Credentialing Agency. Many feel the term CLS more accurately describes the profession. Individuals who successfully complete a certificate or degree in clinical laboratory sciences are eligible to take the national certification examinations given by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. (ASCP).

What is the difference between a CLS and CLT?

The CLS completes a baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science from an accredited college or university. CLS graduates are expected to be able to trouble- shoot complex instrumentation, analyze data, evaluate methods and procedures and function in a management capacity. CLT's are technically-skilled individuals who may have completed a 2-year associate degree at a community college or technical college. Computers and other highly technical equipment permit clinical laboratory technicians (CLT's) to perform many routine procedures once handled by clinical laboratory scientists. This allows the clinical laboratory scientist to play critical roles in scientific investigation, consultation, quality assurance, and laboratory supervision. Medical advances such as genetic screening, organ transplantation and drug therapy require innovations in laboratory procedures which provide continuing challenges for the clinical laboratory scientist.

©2002 UTHSCSA School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
All rights reserved. Updated 12/20/2004.
For comments or questions about this Web site contact neuen@uthscsa.edu.