about the Clinical Laboratory Science Associate Degree Program
Q. What is a clinical laboratory technician?
R. Clinical laboratory technicians perform tests on blood and other body fluids to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases.
Q. What do clinical laboratory technicians do?
R. A clinical laboratory technician’s typical duties may include monitoring tests and procedures, and preparing blood, urine and tissue specimens for analysis. Using sophisticated laboratory equipment, lab technicians look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. Technicians may specialize in the areas of chemistry, hematology, cytotechnology, immunology, virology, blood banking and microbiology. Due to the critical nature of the work, laboratory technicians must be extremely accurate.
Q. What is the salary range for clinical laboratory
technicians?
R. Based on a local survey the average entry-level salaries for clinical lab technicians ranged from $31,200 to $49,900.
Q. How do I get accepted into the CLS Program at MWCC?
R. You need to obtain an application package from admissions. All requirements are identified. You will notice that students are accepted into the CLS program after completing the first year of the curriculum, however the application process begins early during the spring semester.
Q. What should I do if I think I might like to major in CLS or if have questions about this program?
R. You must meet with the CLS Department Chair, Chris Kisiel, room 269, (978) 630-9215, ckisiel@mwcc.mass.edu.
Q. What should I do if I have questions about field of work?
R. Besides meeting with the Program Director you will find career related information at:http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm
Q. Can I enroll in the CLS Program part-time? Can I take the program in the evening?
R. You may complete the first year courses on a part-time basis, but the clinical component of the second year is a full-time schedule that spans an entire calendar year, not the typical academic year. Multiple sections of courses are available on a day and evening schedule each semester, EXCEPT for CHE 203, and all CLS courses. These are only offered in the semester designated on the curriculum and in the day.
Q. I have to work full-time. Can I also attend school full-time?
R. The CLS curriculum is rigorous and would not allow time for full-time employment.
Q. What hospital will I receive my clinical training in?
R. All clinical rotations during the second year of the program will take place Heywood Hospital in Gardner.
Q. Is the MWCC CLS Program accredited?
R. Accreditation by the National Agency for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (NAACLS) is pending. Once the first class graduates, the accreditation process can be completed.
Q. Why is NAACLS accreditation important?
R. Graduation from a NAACLS accredited program is required for eligibility for taking the national certification examination. Certification is the benchmark for employment in the field of clinical laboratory science.