Students begin the experiential learning phase of the program during their sophomore year, with cooperative education placements in regional institutions. Upper-class students have the opportunity for international placements. Recently students have had co-ops in Sweden and the United Kingdom. To enter clinical training students must complete all prerequisite courses and maintain an acceptable quality-point average. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science program are eligible for national certification examinations as medical technologists and clinical laboratory scientists.
Some states require additional licensure examinations.
The department also offers a three-year Associate in Science program that culminates in eligibility for national certification examinations at the level of medical or clinical laboratory technician. Students may use this option to enter the medical laboratory profession. Qualified students may apply associate-degree coursework toward subsequent studies for the baccalaureate degree. See course descriptions for more information. This minor provides students majoring in other science fields an opportunity to explore the principles of the biological and chemical sciences as applied in the medical laboratory.