Clinical Lab Science @ Maryville University

A clinical laboratory scientist is an important member of a medical team. Working with physicians and nurses, the clinical laboratory scientist's goal is to provide quality patient care. Essentially, clinical laboratory scientists are medical factfinders. Using chemical, microbiological and hematological procedures, technologists provide vital information to aid physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. The clinical laboratory scientist analyzes a wide variety of body fluids, such as blood, urine, cerebral spinal fluid, tissues and cells. In these analyses, both manual and automated procedures are used to detect the subtle and salient changes that disease produces in the body. Self composure and laboratory dexterity are required for success as a clinical laboratory scientist.

A Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (B.S.C.L.S.) degree is obtainable through a four- or five-year program at Maryville. In the fourth or fifth year, depending on which program the student enters, he or she gains experience through a 12-month internship in an accredited CLS/MT hospital-based program. Internship placements are available on a competitive basis and cannot be guaranteed by the University. Upon successful completion of the hospital-based CLS/MT program, and after earning the degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, students may sit for an examination to become certified clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists. The five-year program provides students with a double major in clinical laboratory science and biology. There is a big demand for people working in this field and a position is nearly guaranteed.

Clinical laboratory scientists are hired to work in medical research laboratories, private clinics, health departments, pharmaceutical houses and medical research laboratories. Experience working in a laboratory allows some clinical laboratory scientists to move into management or supervisory positions. Clinical laboratory scientists are the most highly trained laboratory workers and as such are often called upon to lead and supervise other laboratory personnel. Obtaining an advanced degree provides students with other options such as research or medicine.

There is a nationwide shortage of qualified clinical laboratory scientists. As the population ages and new technology is developed it seems certain the employment opportunities should continue to be very good. Clinical laboratory scientists not only work in clinical laboratories but are also commonly employed by research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and/or as drug and health care equipment salespeople and technical representatives.

The main areas include working in Laboratory Areas of Hospitals/Medical Centers, Health Care Agency/Government (includes Crime Laboratory Scientist), Health Care Administration, Management Information Systems, Health Maintenance Organizations, Consultant to Physician Office Laboratories, Reference/Commercial Laboratory Scientist, Veterinary Medicine Laboratory Technologist, Working Abroad, Humanitarian Work, Education, Other Professional Routes, Industry and Research. Each of these categories has multiple entries. For more details Please contact Dr. Carol Keyes who is the Clinical Laboratory Science advisor at ckeyes@maryville.edu or by phone at 314-529-9405.

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (B.S.C.L.S.)

Required Courses: Credits

General Education Requirements

Major in Clinical Laboratory Science (Four-Year Program)

BIOL 101 Anatomy & Physiology I 4

BIOL 102 Anatomy & Physiology II 4

BIOL 302 The Invertebrates 4

or 3

BIOL 394 Advanced Physiology 3

BIOL 303 The Vertebrates 4

or 3

BIOL 395 Pathophysiology 3

BIOL 351 Cell Biology 4

BIOL 353 General Genetics 4

BIOL 354 Immunology 4

Other Required Courses:

CHEM 103 General Chemistry I 4

CHEM 104 General Chemistry II 4

CHEM 203 Organic Chemistry I 4

CHEM 320 Biochemistry 4

CHEM 353 Quantitative Analysis 4

PHYS 103 General Physics I 4

PHYS 104 General Physics II 4

PSYC/SOC 341 Understanding Statistical Inference 4

Required Internship:

BIOL 499 C.L.S. Internship
*No minor required 36

Major in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science (Five-Year Program)

Additional Required BIOL Courses:

BIOL 117 General Biology I 4

BIOL 118 General Biology II 4

BIOL 204 General Botany 4

BIOL 298 Biotechnology and Methods in Molecular Biology 3

BIOL 302 The Invertebrates or
BIOL 394 Advanced Physiology 4

BIOL 303 The Vertebrates or
BIOL 395 Pathophysiology 4

BIOL 352 General Ecology 4

BIOL 498 Advanced Topics Seminar 2-4

Because upper-division biology courses may not be offered every year, it is essential
that students speak with their advisers in planning their curriculum for either the four
or five-year program.

One additional humanities elective

One course in history

Two courses in economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, or sociology

PHYS 103 General Physics I 4

PHYS 104 General Physics II 4

Additional electives to reach a total of 51 hours