Listed as one of the top 20 best jobs in health care, a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) performs a variety of full-range laboratory tests that assist physicians in evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients. Clinical lab scientists are responsible not only for examining blood, tissue and body fluid specimens under a microscope, but also for operating sophisticated instrumentation in the lab and maintaining quality control.
Clinical laboratory scientists are problem-solvers who like challenge and responsibility. These individuals are very reliable, work well under pressure and set high standards for themselves. This very important career often determines the course of treatment for patients, requires excellent communication skills, a deep commitment to the profession and a continued fascination with science.
College of DuPage offers a two-year Associate in Science degree transfer program in clinical laboratory science. After completing CLS courses and earning an Associate in Science degree at COD, you can then transfer to an affiliated institution as a junior to complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Once you have your bachelor's degree, you are then eligible to take the certifying examination administered by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the National Certification Agency for laboratory personnel.
There is not a separate or additional admissions process to enroll in the CLS transfer program at COD.
For more information on how to get started in the CLS program, read through the CLS registration packet or learn more about the CLS, phlebotomy and non-invasive electrocardiography (EKG) programs by watching the advising session video.
First Step to Register - Attend an Advising Session
Determine Your Path
A clinical lab scientist (CLS) performs a variety of full-range laboratory tests. The results of these tests help physicians evaluate, diagnose and monitor medical treatment. Many of these complex laboratory tests uncover diseases such as AIDS, diabetes and leukemia.
You want to attend a college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.
Associate in Science
Students in the Associate in Science degree program complete general education core requirements, coursework in Human Relations and Global/Multicultural Studies or Contemporary Life Skills and fulfill math and science requirements.
The Associate in Science degree program enables students to transfer seamlessly to another institution to earn a bachelor's degree.
Get Started Today
The first step to get started in the CLS program is to read the CLS registration packet.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Career Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the clinical laboratory science program.
Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) also referred to as medical technologists, are highly trained professionals that perform hundreds of types of tests critical to the diagnoses, treatment, management and prevention of disease. The information provided by clinical laboratory scientists generate as much as 70 percent of the data in a patient's medical record, making them critical members of the health care team.
A CLS uses sophisticated biomedical instrumentation, microscopes and computers to analyze blood, tissue and body-fluid specimens. Some of the jobs available in this profession include staff technologist, forensic scientist, laboratory manager, medical sales representative, research associate (for new medical products or drugs), college/university faculty and regional blood bank director.
Members of this profession work in a variety of laboratory settings, including hospitals and clinics, research facilities, public health departments, clinical testing-related industries and forensic laboratories.
