As one of the most highly trained lab workers, a clinical lab scientist is often called upon to lead and supervise other lab personnel. Earning a degree in CLS will help you get ahead in a high-demand field, and will provide you with other options, like conducting research or attending medical school.
Maryville offers two CLS tracks: a traditional four-year program where you earn a BS in CLS, and an extended five-year program where you can double major in CLS and biology.
Program Features
Our Accredited Internship Program
To become a clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist, a student must complete a 12-month internship in an accredited hospital. Maryville University is affiliated with St. John's Mercy Medical Center School of Clinical Lab Science. Entry into the internship is highly competitive. The internship is completed in your fourth or fifth year, depending on which track you choose. The St. John's internship is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), and includes lectures from professionals in the field and hands-on clinical laboratory rotations. Once you've completed this competitive program and earned your BS in Clinical Laboratory Science, you will be eligible to take a CLS/MT certification exam.
Professional/Career Opportunities
A Growing Need
Essentially, a clinical laboratory scientist is a medical detective - a fundamental part of medical teams. Using molecular, microbiological and hematological procedures, a CLS provides indispensible information to help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
Clinical lab scientists most often work for medical research laboratories, private clinics, health departments, pharmaceutical companies, drug and health care equipment sales, humanitarian efforts, research projects, veterinary clinics and education institutions, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Luckily for job seekers in the field, there is a nationwide shortage of qualified clinical laboratory scientists. As the population ages and new technology is developed, the need will continue to grow.
Degree Offerings and Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (B.S.C.L.S.)
- Major in Clinical Laboratory Science (Four-Year Program)
- Double Major in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science (Five-Year Program)
Admission Requirements
If you're interested in joining our Clinical Laboratory Science program, you need to meet the general admissions requirements for the University. We recommend that you complete high school or college prep courses in biology, chemistry, physics and as much mathematics as possible before applying.
