Certificate in Medical & Clinical Laboratory Sciences
The Medical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences Certificate is an academic plan that prepares students for careers as Medical Laboratory Scientists.
Medical & Clinical Laboratory Sciences – Certificate
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Certificate
Offered as an Academic Certification
A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), also sometimes called a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), is a certified professional scientist whose primary role is performing laboratory tests, analyzing results, and communicating findings to assist in diagnosing and managing diseases. Medical Laboratory Scientists run tests in areas such as chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. To learn more about becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you can visit the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) website.
The certificate focuses on developing foundational knowledge and practical skills in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. Courses in this certificate emphasize hands-on learning of laboratory methods, data collection, and analysis techniques commonly used in healthcare settings.
Coursework in Principles of Biology and General Chemistry is required to enter the certificate program. The certificate requires completion of 27 credits, consisting of required and elective courses. At least one of the upper division electives must come from outside Biology and Chemistry.
Upon completion, students receive a certificate that demonstrates their proficiency in biomedical laboratory techniques and their readiness to contribute to medical diagnoses and treatments. Graduates who pursue this career path may work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics, or in academic research institutions, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or biotechnology companies.
For questions about this certificate, you may contact the following Biology faculty members:
Dr. Melissa LaBonty, labontym@sou.edu
Dr. Nicholas Stewart, stewartn@sou.edu
Guided Pathways
Contact:
Nick Stewart – 541.552.6947 – stewartn@sou.edu
Associate Degree Paths
Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer, RCC – Associate of Science Transfer, KCC – Biology, Associate of Science Transfer, UCC
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Similar Minors & Certificates
Biology, Certificate – Biomedical Research, Certificate – Physician Assistant & Chiropractic, Certificate – Pre-Dental & Pre-Optometry, Certificate – Pre-Medical, Certificate
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Data Visualization – Public Health Education – Spanish for Health Care
Sample Graduate Degrees
Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Biophysics, OSU – Biology PhD, U of O – Graduate Program in Biomedical Science, OHSU
Credit for Prior Learning – Learn More
Career Opportunities & Outlook
Contact Biology
SOU Biology Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6344
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