Master of Science - Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Program Description 

The M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science program is a 52- credit program requiring a 6-month full-time clinical placement. Students may begin as part-time but will require a full-time commitment in order to complete this graduate degree program.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) are highly skilled laboratory professionals who are qualified by national certification and NYS licensure to work in several areas of a clinical laboratory, including hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, chemistry, immunology and molecular diagnostics (CLS generalist). They play a key role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and illnesses. Using sophisticated laboratory equipment, CLS generalists perform tests and analyze cells, blood and other body fluids to detect abnormalities. They are a vital source of diagnostic information to doctors who use the test results to determine and monitor a course of treatment for patients.

The M.S. CLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, which is the national accrediting body for CLS programs. The goals of the program are to exceed the NAACLS specified benchmarks for certification exam pass rate, graduation rate, and employment rate. This program integrates a complex level of theoretical and technical instruction in simulated laboratories on campus. Following successful completion of the CLS didactic courses, students are selected for the practicum by competitive placement into clinical sites contracted with LIU Post- a list of sites is shown below. Students successfully completing the clinical internship are eligible to take the ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists) national certification examinations for a CLS generalist. Certification is necessary for employment nation-wide and is required for licensure in New York State. Conferral of the M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree is not contingent upon passing a certification or licensure exam.