Our CLS program is considered a 2 years + 2 years bachelor's degree program. Students may enter our program at the beginning of the junior year, and then spend this year completing required CLS coursework, as well as other courses needed to receive a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota. General biology, human physiology, two semesters of inorganic chemistry with laboratory, two semesters of organic chemistry, and two mathematics courses are required for admission to the junior year, and many applicants come from community colleges in the area.

Upon successful completion of the junior year course requirements, which typically includes microbiology with laboratory, genetics, and biochemistry, students are guaranteed a position in the senior year program. Students with appropriate prerequisite coursework can also apply for admission directly to the senior year. The senior year takes 15 months to complete, and includes two semesters of CLS courses: hematology, diagnostic microbiology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, laboratory management, transfusion medicine, etc., followed by 22 weeks of rotations at working clinical laboratories. Students who apply directly to the senior year professional program include those who have completed their junior year with the appropriate prerequisite course work, but many applicants have a previous bachelor's degree in a basic science.

What's Inside

• Admission to the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) Program
• CLS Essential Functions
• CLS Student Profile
• Immunizations and Insurance
• Job Description
• Prerequisite Courses and Suggested Course Sequence
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Technology Update
• Where do graduating clinical laboratory scientists go?