Clinical Laboratory Sciences

ContactsDr. Jennifer D. Perry, Chair

The Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) Department offers the Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (AAS-MLT or MLT) and the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BS-MLS). The AAS-MLT and BS-MLS form an integrated ladder curriculum following a “2+2” model. Students may choose to earn the associate degree only or to continue and also earn a bachelor’s degree. The BS-MLS program is offered through online format only, and is for students who have already completed the AAS-MLT degree. All 300- and 400-level courses are offered online for the BS-MLS program.

Both the A.A.S. in MLT and B.S. in MLS degree programs have been designated as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

General information regarding CLS Degree Programs

Several courses in these curricula require a minimum ACT score or course prerequisites. Availability of hospital training sites varies, and placement is based on overall GPA of admitted students. Transportation and housing for hospital portions of these programs are the responsibility of the student. Medical insurance coverage is required for hospital rotations, and is the responsibility of the student. Costs of physical examinations, tuberculosis testing, and immunizations are borne by the student. Students will be required to either receive the hepatitis B vaccine series or sign a waiver form refusing the vaccine. Additional documentation may be required by individual clinical agencies or by the College of Health Professions. The College of Health Professions and the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department provide academic advisement to students seeking admission to a CLS program.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department is to provide competent laboratory professionals who are qualified to staff health care facilities and, thus, furnish the highest quality of patient care to our servicing area, including the Huntington tri-state area and other underserved areas of West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. These clinical laboratory professionals provide the highest quality laboratory test results that provide 70-80% of the objective date needed for physicians to make accurate patient diagnosis. The Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department provides continuing clinical medical education for the region as required by professional organizations and health care facilities. In addition, it is an ongoing mission of the department to implement innovative programs to meet the dynamic needs of the medical community.

Accreditation

The MLT and BS-MLS programs are fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, Telephone 773-714-8880). Students who complete CLS programs through Marshall University will be eligible for the national certification examination through ASCP.

Programs

Courses

Bison image - General Education Course

CLS 105 Medical-Lab Terminology (CT)3 Credit hours

An introductory course for students to develop critical thinking skills and apply them to medical and laboratory terminology concepts and other health care topics related to laboratory medicine.

Attributes: Critical Thinking