Clinical Laboratory Science

back to Careers and KU Majors

The School of Health Professions offers a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science (also known as medical technology), which is a biology/chemistry-based bachelor’s degree that prepares students for exciting, challenging and dynamic careers in demand in places such as FBI crime labs, NASA, Centers for Disease Control or biotechnology as well as jobs in traditional healthcare settings. Students take 2 years of specified liberal arts courses (biological science, chemistry, math and general education) followed by entry into the professional component of the program at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. The degree consists of two concentrations – the clinical concentration (traditional) and the molecular biotechnology concentration. A student may choose either option or both. (Completing both concentrations will require approximately 1 additional semester).

Clinical Laboratory Science Program website

Sample of Related Skills

• Provide essential information used to make diagnose and treat disease
• Assist physicians and/or detectives in making decisions based on scientific analysis of blood, tissue and other body fluids
• Analyze blood, urine, tissue or other body specimens
• Identify and explain fundamental biological concepts and principles on the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels
• Communicate scientific findings both orally and in written forms
• Develop experimental skills and techniques used in laboratory and field research

Popular Career Paths

Healthcare: Includes performing and analyzing a full range of laboratory tests to help detect, diagnosis and treat diseases.  Can also involve collecting quality samples from patients.

Education: Involves training students in universities, community colleges, hospitals, and laboratories to work in a clinical laboratory setting.

Industry: Includes marketing and sales of laboratory equipment and products, as well as research and development of new technology.

Research: Involves the research and development of new products, laboratory methods and clinical treatments.

Forensic Science: Involves the collection, identification, classification, and analysis of physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

Explore More Career Paths

• American Medical Association's Career Directory - explore clinical laboratory science occupations and other health care careers through this great directory
• American Society for Clinical Pathology Career Center - overviews of careers in Pathology and Medical Laboratory Science
• Lab Science Careers - online resource for those interested in learning more about career opportunities in laboratory science

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

View specific employers by state.

Employment Strategies

1. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
2. Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
3. Acquire relevant certifications required for the specialization that you choose. Most medical laboratories require certification for continued employment. Some states have a separate licensure process as well. For more information on the national certification exams offered, visit the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry
4. Consider joining a professional organization related to clinical laboratory science, such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field
5. Consider getting involved with a student organization at KUMC related to your area of interest, such as: Infectious Disease Interest Group, Food for Medicine, Students Educating and Advocating for Diversity.
6. Join professional associations related to Clinical Laboratory Science and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals in your field of interest
7. Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals
8. Maintain a strong GPA in your introductory biology, chemistry, and math classes in order to meet the CLS department's admission requirements
9. Develop strong problem-solving and communication skills

Job and Internship Search Resources

• All50Medical.com - job opportunities and information on traveling allied health careers
• Allied Health Careers.com - job opportunities in allied health-related careers, including clinical laboratory science
• American Association for Clinical Chemistry Job Center - national and international job opportunities for clinical laboratory professionals, research scientists, physicians and others involved in clinical chemistry
• American Medical Technologists - job listings and job seeker resources
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - career and job search information for graduating students, including sample resumes and licensure information
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Job List - job opportunities in clinical laboratory science
• ExploreHealthCareers.org - career overview of a Clinical Laboratory Technologist
• Health Career Center - online guide to health careers, degrees, schools and job search resources
• Hospital Jobs Online.com - comprehensive listing of healthcare jobs in hospitals across the US, including many clinical laboratory science job postings
• kshealthjobs.net - list of jobs across the state of Kansas
• Medzilla - comprehensive scientific job board containing opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceutical sales, and healthcare