School of Clinical Laboratory Science

The 12 month Clinical Laboratory Science program is for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology, or who have completed a degree in Biology or Chemistry. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for national certification examinations for CLS or MT.

Since its inception in 1955 at King's Daughters' Hospital in Staunton, approximately 250 students have graduated, passed the national certification examinations, and are successful Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists. These graduates are working in hospital laboratories, physician office laboratories, medical industry, research, education, management, administration, and many other areas of healthcare.

The program is divided into two parts. During the lecture/student laboratory phase, we focus on the pathophysiology of disease. Students receive instruction in Clinical Hematology and Coagulation, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Parasitology, Mycology, Blood Banking, Serology, Immunology, Urinalysis, and Body Fluids. Instruction is also provided in Phlebotomy, problem solving, correlation, and management.

Through the clinical rotation phase, students are exposed to total laboratory operation by exploring the practical application of what was learned during the lecture phase. This includes operation of laboratory instrumentation in all areas of service as well as the evaluation and interpretation of test results from that instrumentation. Also many tests not performed by instruments are also learned.

Tuition, books, and lab manual fees are the responsibility of the student. The Tuition Assistance program does offer financial aid. Part time employment is also offered to the students.

The program is conducted in a modern, computerized, automated laboratory, accredited by the College of American Pathologists and JCAHO. The School of Clinical Laboratory Science holds a national accreditation through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

For more information and to find out if the Clinical Laboratory Science School is for you, take a minute to view our presentation.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Program Director:

Bernadette Bekken
(540) 332-4539
bbekken@augustahealth.com