Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS-MTP)

3124 W. S. White Building
(810) 762-3174
Fax: (810) 762-3003
http://www.umflint.edu/pubhealth/bachelor-science-clinical-laboratory-sciencemedical-technology

Program Director  Nancy S. Gouin, M.P.H., MT (ASCP)

The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MTP) provides an undergraduate education to those preparing to enter the field of clinical laboratory science, also known as medical technology. Clinical laboratory scientists produce reliable diagnostic data reflective of patient health status. Physicians rely on the clinical laboratory data provided by laboratory professionals to determine the presence, absence, extent or cause of a disease. Clinical laboratory professionals are essential members of the health care team, uncovering scientific facts leading to the accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of disease. Students of clinical laboratory science develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to function effectively in a clinical laboratory environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology is designed to provide a broadly based science background including biology, chemistry, and laboratory science course requirements as well as an opportunity to elect courses from humanities and social sciences. The four years of undergraduate study may be followed by a clinical internship year in a hospital or other clinical setting offering an accredited program in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology. Persons may obtain clinical internships through participation in the Medical Technology Internship Matching Program of Michigan (MTIMPM), a competitive process that matches participants to clinical internship programs. Persons may also obtain internships through acceptance into out-of-state clinical internship programs.  Internship graduates are then eligible to take a nationally recognized certification examination conducted by the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Successful completion of the certification exam confers MLS(ASCP) certification status and eligibility for numerous types of positions within the field of clinical laboratory science.

Employment opportunities are available in a variety of work settings. Persons are needed to fill the available positions in clinical practice settings of diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, public health agencies and clinics. Career options also exist outside the traditional clinical laboratory. Graduates with backgrounds in clinical laboratory science occupy positions as medical research and development technologists, technical representatives for medical product and medical equipment companies, and other bio-medically related positions in biotechnology companies.

The CLS/MTP program is also an excellent foundation for students preparing for graduate studies in a subdiscipline of interest or for pre-professional training in one of the medical sciences (pre-physician assistant, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry).

Program Mission and Assessment

The Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology program prepares graduates for clinical laboratory careers and science/medically-related positions in business and industry. The program participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment.

Program in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology

A Concentration Program in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology is offered, leading to the Bachelor of Science degree.