Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Program Overview Careers in CLS Degree Options Affiliated Programs

Other Texas Programs Interesting Links Contact Us

Are you a problem solver? Do you enjoy investigative research? Are you interested in a health-related field of research and laboratory work? Would you like to work with other health care professionals in an exciting, ever-changing high-tech environment?

What is Clinical Laboratory Science?

Sometimes referred to as Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) is the health profession that provides the laboratory testing and analysis which makes possible the accurate diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

What does a Clinical Laboratory Scientist do?

Clinical Laboratory Scientists test body fluids, culture materials, tissue sections and cellular specimens for their biochemical, hematological, immunological, microbial and histochemical components, using a variety of technical procedures and complex instruments. Clinical Laboratory Scientists act as a part of a team of physicians, pathologists, nurses, and other health professionals in the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

What does it take to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

Clinical Laboratory Scientists must enjoy laboratory work and problem solving, posses a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and demonstrate commitment to patients and respect for the confidentiality of patient's records and diagnoses.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists complete a one-year training and national certification program, which can be part of a four-year degree plan (with a major in CLS), or can be completed separately with a major other than CLS. The University of Texas at Austin is affiliated with training programs at Austin State Hospital (Austin), Scott & White Hospital (Temple), Methodist Hospital (Houston), MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston), and Tarleton State University (Fort Worth).

What kind of careers are available?

A career in CLS offers job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, independent laboratories, clinics, business and industry, research, public health and education. Just a few of the careers for Clinical Laboratory Scientists include jobs in forensic science, genetic research, immunology, and crime labs. For someone who chooses a career in the medical laboratory, the exploration never ends.

Job opportunities are increasing - there are not enough trained Clinical Laboratory Scientists to fill the needs of hospitals, independent labs and clinics. CLS training is also an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine, dentistry and other scientific disciplines.