Clinical Laboratory Science

220 Pasteur Hall
507.457.5270
Clinical Laboratory Science website
Lisa Jordan, Program Director
507.457.2993

WSU Directors

Lisa Jordan, MLS(ASCP); Assistant Professor; BS, Youngstown State University; MS, Lehigh University

Adjunct Faculty

Note: ASCP = American Society of Clinical Pathology

Community Memorial Hospital, Winona, Minnesota
† Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
Donna M. Wray, MT (ASCP), Program Director
† Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ashley Zawacki, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Director
† Mercy College of Health Sciences Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Des Moines, Iowa
Kyla Dippold, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Chairperson
† University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Ruth Paur, MS, MT (ASCP), CLS, (NCA), PhD, Program Director
Mary Ann Sens, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairperson
† University of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa
Judith Kittleson, MT (ASCP), Site Coordinator

† Schools with which WSU has affiliated internship programs.

Program Overview

The Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Program is a four-year course of instruction administered by the Biology Department and the College of Science and Engineering, leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science. It includes two options: a traditional four-year program (CLS) and a completion program (CLSC) for students who are already certified as Medical Laboratory Technicians. Both include coursework and clinical training at an approved clinical site. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student is eligible to apply for examination by two certifying agencies, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA). Successful completion of these exams leads to certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Scientist. Students entering this program should consult with the Program Director prior to declaring this major.

Career Opportunities

Individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science and certification are employed in hospital and clinical settings, where they are responsible for a variety of analyses of fluids and other types of specimens. They may also specialize in one area, such as blood banking or clinical microbiology. This degree also provides the appropriate preparation for students interested in continuing their education toward a graduate degree or a certificate field such as physiology, microbiology, or cytogenetics.

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program (GEP) and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The following are offered as GEP intensive courses in the Biology Department:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

◆ BIOL 310 - Genetics (3 S.H.)

Writing (△)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.

Programs

Bachelor of Science