To embark on a career in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), which requires basic training, choosing the right program is a critical determinant of success.
California is home to numerous educational institutions that teach the latest CLS. It serves as a beacon for aspiring clinical laboratory scientists. As an aspiring professional, you should consider factors such as accreditation, program curriculum, and facilities; they pave the way for a rewarding journey during the study of clinical laboratory science.
During my research, I discovered some programs that stand out as the best in California, guiding those with a passion for clinical laboratory sciences toward a fulfilling and impactful career. Join me as we uncover the programs together.
See also: 6 Free Online Medical Courses with Certificates.
Common Requirements for CLS Programs
The specific requirements for Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) programs can vary, but the common requirements I noticed in my research are the following:
- Bachelor’s degree or prerequisite courses: a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or any related science discipline or successful completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Entrance exam score: some programs may require standardized test scores, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or even a specific CLS program entrance exam.
- GPA requirement: meeting a minimum GPA requirement is often specified by the given school.
- Clinical experience: some programs may require or prefer an applicant with clinical or laboratory experience, either through an internship, work, or research.
- Letters of recommendation: submissions of letters of recommendation from professors who can speak on your academic and clinical abilities.
- Personal statement: a well-written personal statement explaining your interest in CLS, your relevant experience, and your career goal.
- Interview: an interview may be required as part of the admissions process to assess your communication skills, motivation, and suitability for the program.
How Do I Get into a CLS Program in California?
To successfully get into a CLS program in California, you need to be equipped with the necessary documents and relevant information.
To successfully apply for the CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) program in California, ensure you check the common requirements for the CLS program above and have the following documents:
- Official transcript: provide a transcript to verify your academic certificate.
- NACES or AICE evaluation: you will have to obtain a course-by-course evaluation from the National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). An association of US-based, independent, nongovernmental organizations that provides credential evaluation services for individuals who completed their education outside the United States.
- Post-baccalaureate training verification: you will have to verify the completion of at least one year of post-baccalaureate training. Alternatively, you can provide proof of the certification examination.
- California quiz: last but not least, you will need to prepare for an online quiz assessing your knowledge of state laboratory laws and regulations.
How to Get a California CLS License
Here is how to obtain a California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license:
- Education: for you to be eligible for a CLS license, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree with required coursework in biological sciences or a related field from an accredited institution.
- CLS training program: you should have graduated from a California-approved CLS training program. Ensure it is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
- Clinical experience: gain enough clinical experience during your training program, as this will be a crucial component for obtaining the CLS license.
- Certification exam: pass the CLS certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or other approved certifying agencies.
- Application process: submit your application to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS) for CLS licensure. Include necessary documents, such as transcripts and certification exam results, with your application.
- California laws and regulations quiz: complete the online quiz on California state laboratory laws and regulations.
- Background check: undergo a background check as it is part of the licensing process.
After completing these steps and meeting the requirements outlined by the CDPH and LFS, you can obtain your California CLS license.
List of 5 Best CLS Programs in California
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Science
- Pathology: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program
- Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Clinical Laboratory Science Training
Top 5 CLS Programs in California
The following are the best CLS programs in California, chosen by me after researching and drawing from my past experiences.
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Here is an overview of the program:
- Accreditation: California’s Health Services Department has approved the program, and it holds accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
- School: Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a program offered by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PLM) at UC Davis Health.
- Cost: no tuition or application is required for this program. However, students will be responsible for their health clearance vaccines, certificate exams, and licensing fees.
- Program duration: it will take a year to learn this program comprehensively.
This is a clinical laboratory science training program that is dedicated to increasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the trainee needed to excel as a competent clinical laboratory scientist.
One of the advantages of this program is that over the past 10 years, 100% of learners have completed it. Thus, it has a 100% success rate and job placements. Another is that PLM focuses on cytopathology, hematopathology, GI/liver pathology, and GYN and breast pathology.
They offer APC and CAP fellowship programs for residents. With a cutting-edge lab handling over 1.5 million specimens a year and a network of UC Davis Health affiliates, Professor Kuang-yu Jen leads PLM in patient care, education, research, and innovation.
While researching, I noticed that the program enriches its learners with practical knowledge and clinical instructions. We also noticed that the department provides departmental research grants and support to learners in the program.
This is one of the top CLS programs in California. For more information concerning the program, see Clinical Laboratory Science Training Program Overview | UC Davis Department of Pathology.
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science
Here is an overview of the program:
- Accreditation: it is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- School: it is offered by the California State University, Sacramento.
- Cost: the cost of the program is $16,800 per year.
- Program duration: the course will require four years for you to finish.
The Bachelor of Science program in Biological Science with a concentration in Clinical Laboratory Science at California State University Sacramento aligns with the State of California’s rigorous academic and practical requirements for eligibility to take the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) licensure examination.
However, obtaining the BS degree in the concentration does not assure admission to a CLS internship training program. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training, equipping students for licensure and a future in clinical laboratory science.
The curriculum of this program involves lower and upper-division core courses, a dedicated Clinical Laboratory Sciences concentration, and compliance with program-specific requisites.
In this program, students have the flexibility to choose from various options for organic chemistry, calculus, physics, and an introduction to statistics, shaping their academic journey according to their specific interests within the field.
A BS program in Biological Science with a concentration in Clinical Laboratory Science in California not only provides a robust academic curriculum but also underscores the importance of practical experience and alignment with licensure requirements.
During my research about this program, we noticed that it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a fulfilling career as a clinical laboratory scientist, contributing to the vital field of healthcare diagnostics. For more information about this program and inquiry, see BS in Biology Science (Clinical Laboratory Science).
Pathology: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program
Here is an overview of the program:
- Accreditation: the program is accredited by the California Department of Public Health, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), and the UCL Irvine Allied Health Committee.
- School: the program is provided by the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Cost: the tuition fee is $12,245 annually.
- Program duration: the duration of the program is 52 weeks.
Pathology in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist program at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) serves as a stepping stone for Clinical Laboratory Scientists to play an essential role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
This program’s expertise spans a spectrum of clinical laboratory specialties, encompassing biochemistry, hematology, medical microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, serology, and clinical microscopy.
This medical program, affiliated with California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), grooms future clinical laboratory scientists through a post-baccalaureate clinical training program. This program annually accepts eight students.
You should also note that the application process for this clinical laboratory program is linked to California State University, Dominguez Hills.
They only accept students through the California State University, Dominguez Hills, College of Professional Studies, School of Health and Human Services, Clinical Science Major, and Medical Technology Program Option.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will not only be eligible for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOS) but also for CLS licensure conferred by the California State Department for Health.
This program was selected by me because of its commitment to nurturing skilled professionals, aligning theory with practice, and instilling a deep understanding of the multifaceted landscape of clinical laboratory sciences.
It is one of the most popular CLS programs in California. For more information and inquiries about this program, see the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program.
Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Here is an overview of the program:
- Accreditation: the program has received accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
- School: it is offered by Mt. San Antonio College.
- Cost: the program will cost you $12,622 per year.
- Program duration: the learning duration of the program is four years.
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science is a prominent major within the health professions program at MT. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). This degree in Clinical Laboratory Science at Mt. SAC is an associate degree.
The program provides comprehensive data, including student demographics, recent graduation statistics, and comparative rankings with other institutions offering clinical laboratory science programs.
This program offers concentrations within Clinical and Science, with laboratory technicians being a prominent focus area, with an annual average of 24 degrees. The fees for in-state students and out-of-state students vary. $12,622 and $27,742, respectively.
During my research, we noticed that this program offers related majors such as Mental and Social Health Professions, and Health Sciences and services. Also, the most popular major related to clinical laboratory sciences is Mental and Social Health Service, with an annual graduation count of 112. For more information, see Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
Clinical Laboratory Science Training
Here is an overview of the program:
- Accreditation: the accreditation of this program is by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health (AAAHC).
- School: it is offered by the University of California-Davis.
- Cost: the cost of the program is $13,598 per annum.
- Program duration: it will take you at most a year to complete the program.
The UC Davis Health Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program is a competitive and comprehensive training program designed to prepare students for a career in clinical laboratory science. It only admits 8–14 students annually.
This program receives approximately 100 applications per cycle, with 50% deemed qualified. The selection process involves a standardized scoring rubric in which successful candidates, constituting the top 10–20%, are invited for an interview.
In this program, the competitive applicant who passes the interview is required to have affiliations with the greater Sacramento area or clinical affiliate training sites, meet specified GPA criteria, attain a B or higher in essential Biology coursework, and exhibit an understanding of the CLS professional role.
The admission requirement of this program is just like the regular admission requirement of a CLS program, which encompasses a background check, health clearance, and effective communication in English. This program stands out as one of the best CLS programs in California.
The selection process for this program evaluates academic performance, completion of prerequisites, recommendations, interviews, work experiences, and a statement of interest. For more specific details and inquiries, prospective candidates should see the Admission to Clinical Laboratory Science Training.
FAQs Related to CLS Programs in California
How much do clinical laboratory scientists make in California?
Clinical laboratory scientist pay in California, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, states that the median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $57,120 in California.
What is the acceptance rate for the CLS program in California?
The acceptance rate varies for each institution and program in California. After thorough research, the acceptance rate for the CLS program in California is 10% to 16% of the applicants because of its competitiveness.
How long does it take to get a California CLS license?
The timeline to obtain a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license in California varies based on individual circumstances such as the completion of education, training, and application processing. After you complete the steps on how to obtain your clinical laboratory scientist license application, it takes a month or more for your clinical laboratory license application to be processed and a license to be granted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best Clinical Laboratory Scientist program in California from the diverse arrays of programs in the state that offer unique strengths, faculty expertise, and clinical opportunities is a crucial decision that significantly changes one’s career in the field of laboratory sciences.
Ultimately, the best CLS program aligns with individual goals, providing a comprehensive education that equips students with the knowledge and skills essential for success in the healthcare profession.
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