The CLS completes a baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science from an accredited college or university. CLS graduates are expected to be able to trouble- shoot complex instrumentation, analyze data, evaluate methods and procedures and function in a management capacity. This allows the clinical laboratory scientist to play critical roles in scientific investigation, consultation, quality assurance, and laboratory supervision. Medical advances such as genetic screening, organ transplantation and drug therapy require innovations in laboratory procedures which provide continuing challenges for the clinical laboratory scientist. The steady growth of the profession indicates continued demand for well-educated and highly motivated individuals.
Career opportunities are varied depending on the preference of the individual.
Employment opportunities are available in hospital laboratories as well as private, government, industrial, pharmaceutical and research laboratories. With advanced education, the clinical laboratory scientist has additional career options, including research, teaching and management.