Clinical Laboratory Sciences MS

Join a clinical laboratory sciences master’s program with a 96% graduation rate, 91% certification exam pass rate and 100% job placement post-graduation.

Overview

If you have a background in biology, chemistry or another life science but aren’t sure where to go next, the MS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences at ACPHS offers a direct path to a rewarding and in-demand health-care career. You’ll gain the skills to become a certified clinical laboratory scientist—someone who plays a crucial role in diagnosing illness and guiding treatment through expert lab analysis.

Clinical lab scientists are the behind-the-scenes heroes of health care. They perform more than 14 billion tests each year across 200,000+ U.S. labs, providing the data that informs 70% of medical decisions. Whether you’re working in a hospital, biotech lab, public health agency or research institute, your work will have a daily impact on human lives.

Why Choose ACPHS?

• Accelerated, NAACLS-accredited program—finish in just two years
• Hands-on training from day one, with cutting-edge lab equipment and real-world clinical rotations
• 91% certification pass rate within a year of graduation. The Board of Certification examination is administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). See the professional licensure disclosures section for more information.
• Ranked #6 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science Master’s Program in the U.S.

What You’ll Learn

• Year 1: Focus on clinical disciplines like hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology and immunohematology.
• Year 2: Gain practical experience through clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics, and complete a capstone project that ties together your learning.
• Bonus certification: A two-course sequence in molecular diagnostics prepares you for additional certification as a Molecular Biologist (MB (ASCP).

What is Clinical Laboratory Sciences?

Every year, over 14 billion diagnostic tests are ordered—and behind each one is a clinical laboratory scientist helping to uncover what’s happening inside the human body. These highly trained professionals are vital to patient care, using cutting-edge technology and complex lab procedures to detect, diagnose and monitor disease.

As a clinical laboratory scientist (also known as a medical laboratory scientist), you’ll be a critical member of the health-care team. You’ll generate the data that doctors rely on to make informed decisions, playing a hands-on role in the fight against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and countless other conditions.

Up to 70% of all medical decisions are based on lab results—putting you at the center of modern medicine. Whether you’re analyzing blood samples, identifying pathogens or ensuring the accuracy of test results, your work directly impacts patient outcomes and advances scientific discovery.

Experiential Learning in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences MS Program

Turn your classroom and lab experience into clinical expertise.

As part of the Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at ACPHS, you’ll complete two nine-credit clinical rotations in real-world healthcare environments—working side-by-side with licensed professionals who will mentor you every step of the way.

Guaranteed clinical placements ensure that you’ll gain practical experience in areas like:

• Clinical microbiology
• Clinical chemistry
• Immunohematology (blood banking)
• Hematology and coagulation
• Immunology/serology
• Molecular diagnostics

You’ll rotate through regional hospitals and labs such as:

• Albany Medical Center Hospital
• Albany Stratton VA Medical Center
• Community Care Physicians
• Ellis Hospital
• Glens Falls Hospital
• Nathan Littauer Hospital
• Saratoga Hospital
• St. Mary’s Hospital
• St. Peter’s Health Partners

Your clinical practicum will cover the full diagnostic testing process—from specimen tracking and routine analyses to specialty testing and automated instrumentation—giving you the confidence and skills to step directly into a clinical lab career.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences Degree Careers

Clinical laboratory science is one of the fastest-growing fields in health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for clinical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 11% over the next decade—much faster than the average for all professions.

The field also offers strong earning potential. Salary.com reports that the average salary for clinical laboratory scientists in the U.S. is $75,062, with even higher earnings possible based on experience and location.

ACPHS graduates are in demand and have gone on to work at leading health-care institutions across the region, including:

• Albany Medical Center
• CNY Fertility Center
• Ellis Hospital
• Glens Falls Hospital
• St. Elizabeth Medical Center
• St. Peter’s Health Partners
• Saratoga Hospital