Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certificate

Clinical Lab Scientist

Alternative instruction will continue for Fall 2020 semester.  Students should remain in communication with their instructors and follow their instructions. 

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The College of Professional and Global Education is pleased to offer a one-year post-baccalaureate training program for Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).

Designed to address the critical shortage of clinical laboratory scientists, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certificate program has established partnerships with a consortium of clinical laboratories for the required bench training. The CLS program will provide both didactic and practical clinical training in hematology, clinical chemistry, blood banking, microbiology and immunology to prepare students to sit for the State of California CLS licensing exam (American Society of Clinical Pathology MLS exam).

The California State University, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), among other accrediting agencies. For more information, please visit CSU Accreditation & State Authorization.

Download the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Brochure.

For more information contact Gloria Preza ([email protected]); or call (323) 343-6065.

Admission Requirements

CLS Program Admission Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's degree (baccalaureate) with specific course requirements, received by May of the year the internship begins. (approved by the program director and accepted by the state of California for the purposes of licensure).

  • 16 semester (24 quarter) units of chemistry that must include clinical chemistry OR analytical (quantitative analysis) and biochemistry.
  • 18 semester (27 quarter) units of biological sciences that must include specific classes in immunology, hematology, and medical microbiology.
  • 3 semester (4 quarter) units of physics that must include instruction in the principles of light and electricity.
  • Prefer at least 4 units of upper division biology laboratory instruction and at least one, and preferably all, of the following courses: physiology, genetics, biostatistics, and a lab class that includes molecular biology techniques.
  • Core courses (hematology, immunology, medical microbiology, and clinical chemistry or analytical chemistry (quantitative analysis) and biochemistry must have been completed within 7 years of the internship.
  • Proof of enrollment in or completion of all coursework must be received no later than February 15.
  • For candidates with foreign degrees whose language of instruction was not English, a minimum of 90 IBT, 7 IELTS or 575 PBT TOEFL score is required. IN ADDITION, an upper division course in hematology (with lab) or medical microbiology (with lab) taken in the U.S.A. with a grade of B or better.
  • Students must complete all admission requirements by May of the year of the internship begins.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 (overall, science and last 60 semester units) on a 4-point scale. International students must have their transcripts evaluated by the U.S.A. credentials evaluation service IERF and their grades must be converted to a 4-point scale (course by course evaluation).
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from upper division/graduate course instructors or work supervisors, with at least two letters from instructors.
  • Pending application to Laboratory Field Services for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee License. Final acceptance for admission to the program is contingent upon receiving this license.
  • Candidates must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the U.S. to be admitted to the programs.
  • Beginning September 2016, prospective students will be allowed to apply to the program up to 3 times. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, the applicant will no longer be eligible to enter the program. 

To Apply

Program Curriculum:

View the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program Curriculum

CLS Forms

CLS Applications will be accepted from October 1 of the year preceding the internship until January 15 of the year the internship begins. All application materials must be received in office by close of business on January 15.

Tuition & Fees

Fiscal Year 19-20 fees pending approval.

Financial Aid

The CLS program has been approved as a Gainful Employment Program by the Department of Education. Eligible trainees can apply for Federal Financial Aid to support them during the year that they are in the program.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

The Gainful Employment Disclosure for this program can be accessed here.

Outcome Measures

CLS Outcome Measures

2018-2019

(n=32)

2017-2018

(n=26)

2016-2017

(n=22)

2015-2016

(n=20)

2014-2015

(n=20)

2013-2014

(n=19)

2012-2013

(n=19)

2011-2012

(n=14)

 Cumm
External certification or licensure results (when exam taken within 12 months of completion of program) - % pass
 97% 100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
 99.4%
Graduation rates - % graduated
 100% 100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
Attrition rates - % did not complete
 0% 0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
Placement rates (i.e., employment positions in a closely related field, or pursuit of further education) -
% hired
 96% 100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
92%
 98.8%

 

Professional Licensure and Certification

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a California State University program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).