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 findings 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 diverse 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:
- Provide a quality education to students enrolled in the clinical laboratory science program which will allow them to perform as competent career entry professionals.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Perform analytical tests of body fluids, cells and other substances according to established protocols and procedures.
- 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.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.
- Utilize principles of research and educational methodologies in professional practice.
- 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 June 1st.
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.
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.
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 Wikesboro |
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)
- Certification Examinations (students are required to apply for a nationally recognized MLS/MT certification exam)…………………………………………..approximate cost $185 - $240
- Membership Dues………CLSSA $10, ASCLS $25, NCSCLS $5, AMT $5.00, ASCP $FREE
- Pinning Ceremony Pin………………………………….Complimentary from the CLS department
- Liability Insurance or clinical practice….………………………………………………….…………$ 15.00
- Living expenses, transportation during the clinical practice experience……….…Variable
- 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 2nd 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.
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