Students will satisfy credits in upper-level biology courses, as well as the remaining required general distribution courses, before embarking on the last leg of the program, the Clinical Experience. Encompassing the student’s last semesters, the Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Experience provides the student with a hands-on, practical experience in a hospital or clinic affiliated with Barry University. Successful completion of the Clinical Experience is required for successful completion of the program.
Mission
The mission of the Clinical Laboratory Science program with Specializations in Histotechnology and Medical Laboratory Sciences is to provide our graduates with skills that will allow them to apply scientific knowledge, while collaborating with others using verbal, written and technological skills inherent to health care. We provide them the tools to engage in professional practices that adhere to the concepts of integrity, ethics, life-long learning and patient advocacy. This mission aligns with the goals of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University.
Medical Laboratory Scientists are medical professionals that work with physicians and other members of the healthcare team, preparing specimens and analyzing blood and other body fluids to diagnose and detect disease. Technologists also develop and evaluate new test procedures, perform quality control, educate other laboratory professionals and manage laboratories. Training includes the five major disciplines of blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology. Medical Laboratory Scientists have limited patient contact.
Students wishing to enter this field must possess manual dexterity and be comfortable using computer technology and operating complex machinery. The ability to work well under pressure is essential.
The granting of the degree or certificate must not be contingent upon the student passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.
Job Outlook
Excellent job opportunities and rapid growth are expected for this field.* Employment opportunities are slated to be mostly in hospitals and clinics, diagnostic laboratories and physicians’ offices. The field offers advancement into supervisory, administrative, educational and specialty positions with experience and/or additional education.
*[Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Preparing for Certification
The Clinical Laboratory Sciences/Medical Laboratory Science Specialization Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Students graduating from the BS in Clinical Biology/Medical Laboratory Science Specialization Program are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) and American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) certifying exams.
The granting of a degree or certificate is not contingent upon the student passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.