Clinical Laboratory Science Major, BS

Clinical laboratory science is a profession in which the theoretical knowledge of biology and chemistry is applied in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, maintenance of health, organ transplantation and forensic investigation through the use of clinical laboratory tests. Blood, tissue, and other body fluids can be analyzed and examined for foreign organisms and abnormalities. It requires the exercise of independent judgment, correlation of test results and interpretation of finds with respect to normal values. Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level positions in clinical and research laboratories, hospitals, public health agencies, physicians’ offices, institutions, pharmaceutical companies, industrial laboratories, and some marketing and consulting agencies.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. river Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018. (Phone) 773-714-8880, (FAX) 773-714-8886, http://www.naacls.org.

Mission Statement 

The mission for the Clinical Laboratory Science Department at Winston-Salem State University is to provide students with the appropriate education and training to develop entry-level competencies in all routine areas of the clinical laboratory. 

Purpose

The Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Program will prepare students for employment in their profession and poised to further their education to a graduate level degree.  The CLS Program will provide a climate conducive to stimulating interest in CLS education, participating in professional activities, encouraging awareness in changing trends in clinical laboratory science, and eligible to take any of the clinical laboratory science national certification examinations. The CLS Program reflects a quality of standard as assessed by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and continually assesses, evaluates, and revises the program to maintain a quality program.

Program Goals

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is designed to produce competent and qualified clinical laboratory practitioners. It offers the student an opportunity to obtain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function as competent clinical laboratory professionals.

The program seeks to: 

1. Provide a quality education to students enrolled in the clinical laboratory science program which will allow them to perform as competent career entry professionals.
2. Provide a flexible curriculum, which meets the needs of the traditional as well as the non-traditional student and which will prepare graduates for employment in a variety of clinical laboratory and other health care settings.
3. Provide a curriculum, which presents opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, which will enable them to function as an integral part of the healthcare team.
4. Prepare graduates to demonstrate professional behavior/ethics by (a) respecting confidentiality of patient information, (b) maintaining order and safety in personal habits and work areas, (c) communicating effectively both verbally and in written laboratory reports, and (d) assuming responsibility for personal conduct as well as quality of work.
5. Prepare graduates who are capable of professional advancement through (a) self-directed or collaborative activities, (b) acquisition of additional skills, (c) demonstration of research, and (d) management and instructional skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

The following is a list of entry level competencies established in accordance with the program goals and missions statement that students should possess upon graduation from the program.

1. Practice ethical standards in all areas related to medical information and patient care.
2. Develop and establish procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances.
3. Determine specimen collection procedures based on test requests, analytical system requirements and patient status.
4. Obtain and process specimens utilizing appropriate techniques.
5. Perform analytical tests of body fluids, cells and other substances according to established protocols and procedures.
6. Process aliquots or components of specimens for analysis according to the type of specimen and/or procedure to be performed.
7. Determine the priority of laboratory requests and workload appropriately for optimal patient care and efficiency.    
8. Evaluate the validity of the test results in terms of reference intervals (normal ranges), quality control data, analytical system performance, correlations and interpretations with other test data and clinical significance relative to patient status.
9. Evaluate the need for performance of confirmatory and or additional procedures.
10. Establish and perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments.
11. Develop, evaluate, and select new techniques, instruments and methods in terms of  their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory’s personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources.
12. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.
13. Recognize, record and evaluate instrument or equipment malfunctions and procedure deviations.
14. Prepare and label chemical and biological reagents and materials according to directions.
15. Evaluate laboratory information system and apply principles of current information systems.
16. Utilize principles of educational methodology in the education of other health care professionals, students and the public.
17. Apply principles of management and supervision in the laboratory setting.
18. Apply principles of biologic and chemical safety in the health care setting.

Major and Track Requirements

Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) On-campus Track

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to CLS Distance Learning (online) Track

Specialized Admission Requirements for the Major

Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) On-campus Track

To be eligible to enter the on-campus professional phase of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program, students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and 2.5 math/science GPA on a 4.0 scale. In addition, students must have completedgeneral education requirements and CLS pre-professional courses prior to admission. 

Transfer students must comply with the university’s admission and general prerequisite requirements. Second-degree students must complete required pre-professional courses.

Students must apply for the professional phase of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program. Completed applications are due in the office of the Chair, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science by January 1st.   All students will be notified of eligibility for an interview with the Clinical Laboratory Science Admission and Selection Committee. The committee will notify applicants of its decision by May 15th.

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to CLS Distance Learning (online) Track

Admission requirements to the CLS DL Track includes an overall and math/science GPA of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, an associate degree/associate of applied science degree in medical technology/clinical laboratory science technology (MLT/CLT) from a NAACLS approved program or equivalent educational experience, certified (ASCP, AMT, AAB or other nationally recognized certifying agency), completed at least one year of fulltime working experience as a MLT in a medical laboratory (CLIA, CAP, COLA, or Joint Commission approved) by the time of graduation from WSSU CLS Distance Learning Track, and completed university and department applications with supporting documents (official transcripts, letters of recommendation). Students may have to submit documentation of training and work experiences for evaluation.  Based on the WSSU CLS Admission Committee’s assessment of the student’s clinical experiences, a rotation may be required in some or all areas (students will be required to identify potential CLIA /JCAHO approved clinical sites willing to sign an affiliation agreement with Winston Salem State University to provide the required clinical experience, references, etc.). Individual consideration of military training will be given if the student is certified or certification-eligible from the military medical laboratory training. 

Progression Requirements

Professional Phase courses begin with the prefix CLS and are numbered as 3000 or higher. All courses in the professional phase of the Clinical Laboratory Science program must be passed with a “C” or better.   A student that receives a grade of less than “C” in one course will not be permitted to progress in the professional phase and will be dismissed from the program. A student that is dismissed from the program may re-apply for admission by following the admission process for the professional component of the program. Students who are dismissed from the clinical laboratory science program for academic reasons are not automatically readmitted. Students must make a formal written request for readmission. Readmission depends on space availability and the student’s previous performance in CLS courses.

Courses: (B.S. CLS requires total of 126 semester hours)

1.    General Education courses plus the following pre-requisite general education courses

2.    Pre-Requisite General Education Courses (18 hours)

BIO 1311 Intro to Biology                                 

BIO 2111 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab                

BIO 2311 Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture           

CHE 2111 General Chemistry I Lab                    

CHE 2112 General Chemistry II Lab          

CHE 2311 General Chemistry I                          

CHE 2312 General Chemistry II Lecture              

CLS 2101 Intro to CLS                                                                                              

3.   3.   Pre-Professional Courses (12 hours)

CLS 2102 Medical Terminology                          

CLS 2103 Medical Microbiology Lab                    

CLS 2301 Medical Microbiology Lecture OR      

BIO 3431 Microbiology

CLS 2402 Biochemistry OR                                

            CHE 3326/3126 Organic Chem I

MAT 2326 Statistics         

4.    Professional Major Courses (65 hours)

Must be accepted into the professional phase to take the following courses:

CLS 3100 Clinical Chemistry Lab                        

CLS 3102 Hematology Lab                                 

CLS 3103 Clinical Microbiology Lab                     

CLS 3104 Immunohematology Lab                      

CLS 3105 Advanced Clinical Chemistry Lab          

CLS 3106 Advanced Hematology/Coagulation Lab 

CLS 3107 Immunology/Serology Lab                  

CLS 3108 Advanced Microbiology Lab                  

CLS 3109 Molecular Diagnostics Lab         

CLS 3300 Clinical Chemistry Lecture          

CLS 3301 Molecular Diagnostics Lecture               

CLS 3302 Hematology Lecture                          

CLS 3303 Clinical Microbiology Lecture                 

CLS 3304 Immunohematology Lecture                 

CLS 3305 Advanced Clinical Chemistry Lecture      

CLS 3306 Advanced Hematology Lecture              

CLS 3307 Immunology/Serology Lecture              

CLS 3308 Advanced Microbiology                       

CLS 4102 CLS Seminar (Capstone Course)           

CLS 4105 CLS Management                              

CLS 4106 Education                                        

CLS 4200 Urinalysis/Body Fluids                         

CLS 4201 Intro to Research                               

CLS 4206 Community Clinical Experience              

CLS 4400 Clinical Chemistry Practicum                

CLS 4401 Clinical Immunohematology Practicum    

CLS 4402 Clinical Microbiology Practicum              

CLS 4403 Hematology/Coagulation Practicum        

CLS 4404 Methods & Procedures                       

Professional Major Course Sequence (Total: 65 hours)

 

Course Name		Course Number	Hours
FALL SEMESTER
Clinical Chemistry Clinical ChemistryLAB	CLS 3300 CLS 3100		3 1
Clinical Immunology/Serology Clinical Immunology/SerologyLAB	CLS 3307 CLS 3107		3 1
Clinical Microbiology Clinical MicrobiologyLAB	CLS 3303 CLS 3103		3 1
Hematology HematologyLAB	CLS 3302 CLS 3102		3 1
UA/Body Fluids	CLS 4200		2
SPRING SEMESTER
Advanced Clinical Chemistry Advanced Clinical Chemistry LAB	CLS 3305 CLS 3105		3 1
Immunohematology Immunohematology LAB	CLS 3304 CLS 3104		3 1
Advanced Clinical Microbiology Advanced Clinical MicrobiologyLAB	CLS 3308 CLS 3108		3 1
AdvancedHematology Advanced Hematology LAB	CLS 3306 CLS 3106		3 1
Intro toResearch	CLS 4201		1
FALL SEMESTER
ChemistryPracticum	CLS 4400		4
Immunohematology Practicum	CLS 4401		4
Microbiology Practicum	CLS 4402		4
Hematology/Coagulation Practicum	CLS 4403		4
CLSManagement	CLS 4105		2
SPRING SEMESTER
Molecular Diagnostics Molecular Diagnostics LAB	CLS 3301 CLS 3109		3 1
Education	CLS 4106		1
CommunityClinical Experience	CLS 4206		2
Seminar (capstone)	CLS 4102		1
Methods &Procedures	CLS 4404		4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MLT to CLS Distance Learning (online) Track

The Clinical Laboratory Science Department at WSSU offers the MLT to CLS Distance Learning track for graduates of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program seeking a baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. Students must be certified as a medical laboratory technician for acceptance into the WSSU MLT to CLS Distance Learning Track*. Courses are delivered online for the convenience of students working fulltime.  Campus visits are welcomed but not required for this program.

The courses for the Bachelors in Clinical Laboratory Science are a combination of General Education, Pre-Professional, and Professional courses.  If you are a graduate from an accredited college or university you are exempt from the WSSU general education course requirements.  This is also true if you have earned an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree from a North Carolina community college.  Graduates from a North Carolina community college who have earned an associate of applied science (AAS) degree are NOT exempt from the WSSU General Education requirements.  Your MLT coursework may transfer to WSSU to meet some of the CLS Pre-Professional and Professional course requirements.

*Students receiving their medical laboratory training in the military should contact the Distance Learning Program Coordinator before beginning the application process.

Policies

Class Attendance Policy

Students in Clinical Laboratory Science must follow the university policy on class attendance for upperclassmen. There are two additional policies for the student who major in Clinical Laboratory Science.

1.    Each student must attend all scheduled clinical practice activities. The student has a professional responsibility to themselves as a learner; to the assigned clients; to co-workers and to fellow students.

2.    A student who attends class irregularly or demonstrates other evidence of academic and clinical irresponsibility is subject to a request for withdrawal from the Clinical Laboratory Science course or major.

 

Other Information

Clinical Laboratory Science Program Clinical Affiliates

Appalachian Healthcare System      Linville, NC

Atlantic General Hospital                Berlin, MD

Betsy Johnson Memorial Hospital     Dunn, NC

Duke Medical Center (DUHS) Durham, NC

Duke Regional Hospital (DUHS)       Durham, NC

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital    Elkin, NC

Kindred Hospital                           Greensboro, NC

Nash General Hospital                   Rocky Mount, NC

Northern Hospital of Surry County   Mt. Airy, NC

Piedmont Medical Center               Rock Hill, SC

Rowan Regional Medical Center       Salisbury, NC

Sandhills Regional Medical Center    Hamlet, NC

Scotland Healthcare System           Laurinburg, NC

Veterans Affairs Medical Center      Fayetteville, NC

Wilkes Regional Medical Center       North Wilkesboro, NC

Wilson Medical Center                   Wilson, NC

 

STUDENT ACTIVITES

The Clinical Laboratory Science student is a member of the student body of the university and participates in those campus activities in which there is a personal interest. It is recommended that clinical laboratory science students become voluntary members of the WSSU Clinical Laboratory Science Student Association (CLSSA). Student membership in the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), the North Carolina Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (NCSCLS), and the North Carolina State Society of American Medical Technologists (AMT) is encouraged for all students as students will be participating in the professional meetings, Fall Focus and Carolinas Clinical Connection (CCC) each year. 

Special Costs for Clinical Laboratory Science Majors (amounts may change)

1. Certification Examinations (students are required to apply for a nationally recognized MLS/MT certification exam)…………………………………………..approximate cost $125 - $220
2. Membership Dues………CLSSA $10, ASCLS $25, NCSCLS $5, AMT $5.00, ASCP $FREE
3. Pinning Ceremony Pin………………………………….Complimentary from the CLS department
4. Liability Insurance or clinical practice….………………………………………………….…………$ 15.00
5. Living expenses, transportation during the clinical practice experience……….…Variable
6. Background check, drug screen, hepatitis and TB immunizations…………..………Variable

 

Note: Each student must provide his/her own living expenses and transportation to and from the clinical affiliate site for the clinical practice experience. Students must have proof of hepatitis immunization before the end of the 2^nd semester in the professional phase of the program. Some clinical affiliate sites require a background check and drug screen, therefore both are required prior to attending clinical practice.