Forensic Science BS
Equip yourself with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to master essential lab techniques, learn how to apply criminal justice principles, and work through real-world case studies in every year of study.
Clinical Laboratory Sciences BS
In Clinical Laboratory Sciences, you’ll learn how to analyze patient lab values, perform complex lab procedures and help uncover the information doctors need to make accurate, life-saving diagnoses.
Train to become a behind-the-scenes clinical laboratory scientist who helps doctors diagnose and treat everything from cancer to infectious diseases.
Why Clinical Laboratory Sciences at ACPHS?
If biology, chemistry and problem-solving excite you, the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) program at ACPHS gives you the chance to apply those passions in a career where your work directly affects patient care.
Clinical laboratory scientists—also known as medical laboratory scientists—are the behind-the-scenes experts who help doctors diagnose and treat disease. Working in hospitals, clinics and labs, they perform complex tests on blood, tissue and other samples to uncover the information needed to make life-saving medical decisions.
Clinical lab scientists play a vital role in health care, performing more than 14 billion tests each year in the U.S.—tests that influence 70% of all medical decisions. As a clinical laboratory sciences major at ACPHS, you’ll train using advanced lab equipment and learn to detect conditions like leukemia, heart disease, diabetes and genetic disorders.
During your first two years as a CLS major, you’ll gain a thorough grounding in basic science along with a broad exposure to the world through coursework in the humanities and social sciences.
In your third year, you’ll enter the professional phase of the program with intensive lab work that prepares you for your fourth and final year of clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics–an essential step in becoming a confident and career-ready professional.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to sit for the ASCP certification exam—your gateway to becoming a certified clinical laboratory scientist. Whether you’re helping identify life-threatening conditions like leukemia or ensuring the accuracy of COVID-19 tests, you’ll be part of a critical health care team that truly saves lives.
Clinical Laboratory Sciences Facts & Stats
Contact the Program Director
Michelle Parent
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Career Opportunities for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Majors
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for clinical laboratory scientists is projected to grow 11% through 2030—well above the average for other professions. Graduates entering the field can expect an average salary of $75,474, making it a rewarding and in-demand career choice.
Jobs for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Majors
Clinical laboratory scientists are in high demand at:
- Hospitals
- Clinical chemistry laboratories
- Hematology and immunohematology laboratories
- Clinical microbiology laboratories
- Biopharmaceutical industry
- Public health agencies
Where Some Recent CLS Graduates Are Working
- Albany Medical Center
- CNY Fertility Center (Syracuse, NY)
- Ellis Hospital
- Glens Falls Hospital
- St. Elizabeth Medical Center (Utica, NY)
- St. Peter's Health Partners
- Saratoga Hospital
Experiential Learning in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program
Clinical Practicums in Top Regional Facilities
As a CLS major, you’ll develop as a professional through clinical rotations in your final year. Each semester you’ll complete a rotation under the guidance of a licensed practitioner, applying classroom knowledge in a hands-on health-care setting while building valuable connections in the field.
Rotation sites include Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Community Care Physicians' laboratory, Ellis Hospital, Glens Falls Hospital, Nathan Littauer Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital (Amsterdam, NY) and St. Peter’s Health Partners.
Support Right From the Beginning
Our faculty is committed to your success. Whether you’re launching a new career or want to pursue a graduate program in clinical laboratory sciences or a related field, you’ll receive personalized guidance from faculty mentors and a dedicated advisor.
Pre-Professional Opportunities
The Medical Laboratory Sciences Club brings together students from various majors who enjoy lab work to highlight the many roles a lab scientist can fill. Events include guest speakers from area laboratories and a chance to learn and to network.
Program Details
Through ACPHS’s 123-credit Clinical Laboratory Sciences program, you’ll explore courses like human anatomy and physiology, clinical chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology—all designed to prepare you for professional certification and a successful career in the lab.
Learning Goals and Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Perform and oversee specimen handling, safe and accurate testing and data analysis across all laboratory areas, interpreting results in the context of patient history and diagnosis.
- Oversee daily laboratory operations—including safety compliance, evaluation of new testing methods and instruments for performance and patient suitability, and application of human-resources management principles.
- Promote public awareness of health and disease and recognize the role of the laboratory in disaster management.
- Demonstrate professional communication and leadership by educating patients, peers and the public; commit to lifelong learning; and critically evaluate and apply scientific literature.
- Understand the regulatory and organizational framework of health care, including oversight agencies, pertinent regulations and the laboratory’s role in patient care.
ASCP Board of Registry Certification Exam:
- Three-year average – 91% Exam Passage Rate
- Class of 2025 – 100% (4 of 4) of exam takers passed within a year of graduation
- Class of 2024 – 83% (10 of 12) of exam takers passed within a year of graduation
- Class of 2023 – 90% (9 of 10) of exam takers passed within a year of graduation
For students entering the professional course portion of the program:
- Three-year average – 91% Graduation Rate
- Class of 2025 had an 83% (5 of 6) Graduation Rate (17% Attrition)
- Class of 2024 had a 100% Graduation Rate
- Class of 2023 had a 90% (9 of 10) Graduation Rate (10% Attrition)
Employment Rate:
- Three-year average – 100% Employment Rate
- Class of 2025 had a 100% Employment Rate
- Class of 2024 had a 100% Employment Rate
- Class of 2023 had a 100% Employment Rate
See What Clinical Laboratory Sciences has to offer
Work side by side with CLS professors.
Launch your career in Clinical Laboratory Sciences—one of the most in-demand fields in health care.
Build your foundation by mastering core sciences.
Hands-on learning with your peers—building skills and friendships in every lab session.
“My classmates are just like me in their focus on science and their career goals. And I like the old-school rigorous approach to teaching – they are making us the best in the lab.
Mustafa
Graduate Student
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