About the Department

The field of clinical laboratory sciences offers endless employment opportunities to students who have strong skills in the biological and chemical sciences and interest in playing an integral part in health care services.

Clinical laboratory scientists are academically prepared to perform a variety of analyses which aid the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. More than 70% of medical decisions are made with the help of laboratory testing, so clinical laboratory scientists are very important members of the health care team.

Clinical laboratory scientists and technicians may work in a variety of specialized areas, including:

• Urinalysis - cellular and chemical analysis of urine and other body fluids
• Clinical chemistry - chemical and electrolyte analyses of blood and serum
• Hematology - the study of blood, bone marrow, and blood clotting
• Immunohematology - safe transfusion of blood and blood products
• Clinical microbiology - identification of disease-causing bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, and evaluating antibiotics for treatment effectiveness
• Immunology - evaluates antigen-antibody reactions for evidence of disease

A laboratory scientist must understand the theoretical and scientific fundamentals underlying all laboratory procedures, which includes broad knowledge of human biology/pathology, chemistry, and analytical instrumentation. Clinical laboratory science graduates also employ education, management, and communication techniques and skills as professionals in their field.