Clinical laboratory scientists select and compare laboratory methods, manage the delivery of laboratory data, advise health care personnel on the selection and interpretation of laboratory test results, and serve as technical consultants to physicians and other health care professionals in a variety of settings. The job forecast for a clinical laboratory scientist is very positive. Currently, there are numerous entry-level positions for clinical laboratory sciences graduates from accredited programs, not only in clinical laboratories but also in other health care settings. Employment opportunities also exist in research, education, sales, diagnostic and biotechnology companies, and with state and national health care organizations. The medical laboratory sciences curriculum is comprised of course work in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, clinical immunology, and clinical microbiology.
Additional courses focus on management, education, biotechnology, and current topics in health care.
In the senior year, academic course work is integrated with clinical practice experience at affiliated health care facilities in Chicago and the metropolitan area. Applicants must also be certified or eligible for certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, have clinical work experience, and obtain passing scores on a required validation examination administered by the school. All applicants who meet the admission requirements and have complete applicant files are considered for admission. However, not all students who meet the minimum qualifications will gain admissions due to the limited class size in this program. Application files are used to determine the position of each applicant in a uniform ranking system.