About CLS

Professional Duties Include:

• Identifying normal and abnormal blood cells
• Culturing and identifying microbial pathogens
• Processing blood products for transfusion
• Performing biochemical tests for metabolic diseases
• Interpreting laboratory test results
• Operating laboratory instrumentation
• Ensuring test accuracy through quality control/quality assurance practices
• Advancing to supervisory or managerial positions with experience

Consider This Profession if You:

• Love science, especially hands-on activities
• Are passionate about helping others
• Enjoy engaging with new technologies

Employment Outlook

• Job growth for medical laboratory personnel is projected at 5% over the next ten years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
• Hospitals report current vacancy rates from 7 – 18% in their laboratory sections; expected retirement rates over the next five years range from 9 – 20% (2022 ASCP Vacancy Survey)
• The national average hourly wage for Medical Laboratory Scientists is $33.13 (2022 ASCP Wage Survey); wages vary by geographic location, worksite, size of facility, education, certification, and experience

Degree Options and Professional Certification

• Students who complete the program earn the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Double Major/Dual Degree options exist for students who wish to earn degrees in both Clinical Laboratory Science and Biology, including
  • BA-Biology and BS-Clinical Laboratory Science
  • BS-Molecular/Cell Biology and BS-Clinical Laboratory Science
• Students who complete the BS in Clinical Laboratory Science are eligible to take nationally-recognized certification examinations
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential – offered by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential – offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Pre-Professional Enrollment Requirements

• Successful completion of ECU’s foundation courses
• Courses in general chemistry and organic/biochemistry
• Courses in general biology, microbiology, and anatomy/physiology
• A course in statistics

Professional Program Format

• The professional program is four semesters in length, starting in spring and including summer term coursework.
• The first three semesters in the professional program include on-campus lecture and laboratory courses:
  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Immunohematology
  • Professional Practice Issues (research, education, management)
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
• The final semester includes clinical rotations at area hospital laboratories (4 days/week) and on-campus coursework (1 day/week). On-campus courses include a second semester of Molecular Diagnostics and Professional Practice Issues.