Bachelor's in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Do you enjoy biology and chemistry laboratory courses and science in general? Do you like puzzles and problem-solving? Would you like to be involved in healthcare and patient service? If so, the clinical laboratory sciences profession is ideal for you. The clinical laboratory sciences program at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is the first step you can take to becoming a professional clinical laboratory scientist diagnosing patients and treating illnesses.

Clinical laboratory scientists are a vital part of healthcare teams, performing 14 billion tests in more than 200,000 clinical laboratories in the United States each year. They are essential for patient sample testing and the diagnosis of diseases, as 70% of all medical decisions involve lab tests. These individuals can work in various settings such as a hospital; clinical chemistry, hematology, or clinical microbiology laboratory; in the biopharmaceutical industry; or at public health agencies.

As a clinical laboratory sciences major at ACPHS, you’ll take basic science and clinical science classes in addition to completing a clinical practicum experience, allowing you to obtain your bachelor of science degree and the profession’s certification to gain employment in the field. 

During your first two years as a clinical laboratory sciences 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. 

Your third year in the program is considered your first professional year. You’ll get hands-on lab experience that will prepare you for your fourth and final year — in which you’ll experience clinical practicums in hospitals and clinics.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam and enter one of the most exciting and important career fields in the world, earning a great salary.