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 is to provide students with the appropriate education and training to develop entry-level competencies in all disciplines of the clinical laboratory and maintain high quality program standards as set forth by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

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 opportunitites 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. Perform analytical tests of body fluids, cells and other substances according to established protocols and procedures. 
2. 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.
3. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.
4. Utilize principles of research and educational methodologies in professional practice.
5. Apply priniciples in management of supervision in the laboratory 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 2.8 math/science GPA on a 4.0 scale. In addition, students must have completed general 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 GPA of at least 2.5 and 2.8 math/science, 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.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS CLS BS DEGREE - 120 SH
General Education Courses (GEC) - 39 Semester Hours Courses selected by the student and the GEC academic advisor.  (See GEC worksheet)
Pre-Professional Pre-Requisite Courses - 21 Semester Hours
Foundation Courses
Course Number	Course	Hours
CLS 1301	Behind the Scenes:  The Science of Healthcare	3
BIO 2311   & BIO 2111	Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 1313  - General Biology pre-requisite) Anatomy & Physiology I LAB	3   1
EXS 2310   or any statistics equivalent course (3 SH)	Demystifying the Statisics of the Health Sciences	3
CHE 1314   &   CHE 1114   or CLS 2405	General Chemistry II (CHE 1313  - General Chemistry I pre-requisite)   General Chemistry II LAB (CHE 1113  ) - General Chemistry Lab pre-requisite)  or Foundations of Clinical Chemistry - (Distance Learning Lecture/Lab combination - 4 SH)	3       1       3
CLS 2302   or CHE 2326	Medical Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry I	3
CLS 1303   or BIO 1331   & (CLS majors ONLY)	Infectious Disease in Modern Society or General Microbiology	3
CLS 1103   or BIO 1131	Infectious Disease in Modern Society or General Microbiology LAB	1
TOTAL HOURS		21

Honors Option in CLS

CLS majors accepted to the professional phase of the program and with a GPA equal to or greater than 3.2 may elect to participate in the CLS honors option. In addition to the CLS program requirements, honors students must:

1. Maintain an overall GPA of 3.2

*2. Complete the Honors Option assignment each semester - designated course where the assignment will be given is designated on the CLS professional phase curriculum

3. Present and publish an Honors Option Project

Students must apply for participation in the honors program to the Clinical Laboratory Science department chair, sign an honors contract, and obtain approval of a faculty project advisor to their final semster. For more information see the CLS Student Handbook, the program director or the department chair.

Professional Phase Courses - 60 Semester Hours
Breadth Courses	Fall Semester 1st  year professional phase (16 SH)
CLS 3300   CLS 3100	Clinical Chemistry Clinical Chemistry LAB	3 1
CLS 3302   CLS 3102	Hematology Hematology LAB	3 1
CLS 3303   CLS 3103	Clinical Microbiology Clinical Microbiology LAB	3 1
CLS 3205   *HONORS Option Assignment	Intro to Research	2
CLS 3207	Urinanalysis/Body Fluids	2
*HONORS OPTION Assignment	Spring Semester 1st year professional phase (15 SH)
CLS 3308   CLS 3108	Advanced Clinical Microbiology Advanced Clinical Microbiology LAB	3 1
CLS 3305   CLS 3105	Advanced Clinical Chemistry Advanced Clinical Chemistry LAB	3 1
CLS 3306   CLS 3106	Advanced Hematology Advanced Hematology LAB	3 1
CLS 3210   CLS 3107	Immunology/Serology Immunology/Serology LAB	3 1
Fall Semester 2nd year professional phase (16 SH)
CLS 4304   CLS 4104	Immunohematology Immunohematology LAB	3 1
CLS 4105	CLS Management	1
CLS 4106	CLS Education	1
CLS 4206   *HONORS Option Assignment	Community Clinical Experience	2
CLS 4404	Methods & Procedures	4
CLS 4303   CLS 4103	Molecular Diagnostics Molecular Diagnostics LAB	3 1
Depth Courses	Spring Semester 2nd year professional phase (13 SH)
CLS 4102   *HONORS Option Assignment	Seminar (capstone)	1
CLS 4300	Chemistry Practicum	3
CLS 4301	Immunohematology Practicum	3
CLS 4302	Microbiology Practicum	3
CLS 4313	Hematology/Coagulation Practicum	3
TOTAL HOURS		60

 

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

The following clinical sites are subject to change depending upon contractural and circumstantial situations of the sites and WSSU.

Name of Facility	Sub-name of Facility	City	State
Appalachian Regional Healthcare	Watauga Medical Center	Boone	NC
Ashe Memorial Hospital	Affiliated with Novant	Jefferson	NC
Carolinas Healthcare System	Cleveland	Shelby	NC
Carolinas Healthcare System	University	Charlotte	NC
CaroMont Health		Gastonia	NC
Columbus Regional Healthcare		Whiteville	NC
Cone Health	All facilities	Greensboro	NC
Duke Regional	Durham Regional	Durham	NC
Halifax Regional Medical Center		Roanoke Rapids	NC
Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital		Elkin	NC
Morehead Memorial Hospital		Eden	NC
Northern Hospital of Surry County		Mt. Airy	NC
Novant Health	Forsyth	Winston Salem	NC
Novant Health	Kernersville	Winston Salem	NC
Novant Health	Prince William	Manassas	VA
Novant Health	Rowan	Salisbury	NC
Piedmont Medical Center		Rock Hill	SC
UNC Healthcare	High Point Regional	High Point	NC
VA Medical Center	Durham	Durham	NC
VA Medical Center	Fayetteville	Fayetteville	NC
Vidant	Edgecombe	Tarboro	NC
Wake Forest Baptist Health		Winston Salem	NC
Wilkes Regional Medical Center		North Wilkesboro	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 Honor Society (LAMBDA TAU). 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 $185 - $240
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.