Clinical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
Indiana State University
The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is "3 + 1" program that allows students to complete three years of classroom and laboratory study at Indiana State University—and a fourth year in a clinical practicum at an affiliated hospital.
Description:
The University offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) in clinical laboratory science.
The Clinical Laboratory Science Program prepares students to take the national certification examination to practice as clinical laboratory scientists in healthcare, industry, business, or research. The program also prepares students to become certified in a specialty area of molecular pathology as well as gain skills for forensic laboratory investigation and basic research. In addition, course work is excellent preparation for medical and other professional schools.
The program combines patient care with scientific, managerial, and analytical studies to prepare the student to be an integral part of a professional health care team. Students cover topics from the application of basic science concepts to specimen analysis associated with the diagnosis and treatment of disease
The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is "3 + 1" program that allows students to complete three years of classroom and laboratory study at Indiana State University—and a fourth year in a clinical practicum at an affiliated hospital.
Course work during the first three years includes study in the following areas:
- Chemistry
- Life sciences, including biology, physiology, hematology, microbiology and genetics
- Mathematics
- Physics
Upon successful completion of this course work, students complete a 12-month senior year in an accredited affiliate hospital laboratory program off campus.
During this clinical year, students work side-by-side with practicing clinical laboratory scientists in hospital laboratories when not in related classroom sessions. Many students are hired by the clinical facility—sometimes even during the clinical experience—as soon as they have successfully completed a rotation and passed examinations in one of the clinical laboratory areas.
An important feature of the program is the introduction of clinical laboratory science courses in the pre-clinical portion of the program. (It is the only University program in the Midwest to do so.) Students are exposed to phlebotomy (drawing blood specimens) as early as their sophomore year. This early exposure gives our students the advantage of already knowing some of the terms, concepts, and skills prior to beginning their clinical year.
In addition, students benefit from relatively small class sizes taught by certified faculty—and well-equipped laboratories with sophisticated instruments and computers designed to facilitate learning and research in the various areas of clinical laboratory science. The Center for Biological Computing supports development of computer-based teaching and research tools. In addition, Indiana State has supercomputing facilities for high-end computational research. Additional resources include the University's Center for Clinical Laboratory Science and the Indiana University School of Medicine-Terre Haute center located on the ISU campus.
Student may participate in several program-related student organizations. These include the Clinical Laboratory Science Organization; the Biology Club; Tri Kappa Biology Honor Society, ISU Chapter; and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Student Forum. Students also can become student members of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists—and are encouraged to attend the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science-Indiana state meeting to network with possible employers.
Required Courses:
Careers:
Rewarding careers in clinical laboratories, industrial laboratories, and medical and pharmaceutical support are abundant for graduates of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program. In addition, the classes and clinical experiences prepare graduates for admission to medical and other professional schools.
Our graduates find employment in:
- Clinical laboratories in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices
- Research and industrial laboratories
- Medical and pharmaceutical sales, service, and user support
Note: Graduates are prepared to take the national certification examination to practice as a clinical laboratory scientist in the fields of healthcare, industry, business, or research. In addition, the biotechnology component of allows students to become certified in a specialty area of molecular pathology as well as gain skills for forensic laboratory investigation and basic research.
Accreditation:
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.
In addition, the Department of Biology offers a number of scholarships and awards, including the Leon Blum Scholarship and the Rachael Lehman Scholarship. Students also may apply for association and industry scholarships. For information about these awards, contact the department.
Further Information
Department of Biology
Indiana State University
812-237-3880
www.indstate.edu/biology
The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.
Last updated 31 August 2009