NYMC > Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBMS) > GSBMS Academics > Degrees & Programs > Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program

Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program

Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) are trained and qualified to work in medical or industrial/pharmaceutical laboratories. A clinical laboratory scientist is at the heart of clinical care, performing diagnostic tests that monitor treatments and uncover new disease states. They continuously communicate with physicians to provide improved patient care and treatment outcomes. Training for CLS encompasses all areas of clinical laboratory testing: chemistry, toxicology, hematology, urinalysis, immunohematology, hemostasis, diagnostic immunology, clinical microbiology, histocompatibility, and molecular diagnostics. Students are instructed on state-of-the-art instrumentation and digital technology.

Contact

Program Director:
Carol A. Carbonaro, Ph.D., SM, MLSCM (ASCP)
Basic Sciences Building - Room 430
ccarbona3@nymc.edu
(914) 594-4778

Program Coordinator / NYMC Clinical Liaison:
Debbie Isabella, MT SC (ASCP)
Basic Sciences Building - Room 430
debbie_isabella@nymc.edu
(914) 594-4789

Application Deadline Date - May 1

Download the CLS Student Handbook for more information.


CLS Mission Statement

The CLS mission at New York Medical College is to impart knowledge and technical skills in an atmosphere of excellence, scholarship and professionalism necessary to become a proficient clinical laboratory scientist. The CLS program offers a learning environment in which the student acquires practical laboratory knowledge and critical thinking skills while having access to theoretical training by highly qualified instructors. New York Medical College believes that the rich diversity of its student body and faculty are important to its mission of educating outstanding healthcare professionals for the multicultural world of today.

New York State Licensure

The New York State Education Department mandates that all Clinical Laboratory Scientists be licensed by the State to work in a hospital laboratory. Ours is a Master of Science program in clinical laboratory sciences. The knowledge obtained by the successful completion of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program will qualify the student to take the New York State Exam for Clinical Laboratory Science licensure, upon graduation. Clinical Laboratory Scientist Licensure/eligibility to work vary by state. Information regarding educational requirements for licensure and or certification in other states may be found here: https://ascls.org/licensure/.

Accreditation

The NYMC GSBMS Clinical Laboratory Sciences Master's Program is accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 

NAACLS accreditation is a rigorous evaluation process of external peer review granting public recognition to education programs that meet established high standards in quality, value, innovation, and safety, and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 North River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
1-773-314-8880 www.naacls.org

Upon successful completion of our program, graduates will be eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) exam for national certification. Graduation with a Master’s degree is not contingent upon taking or passing a state licensure or the national certification examination.  

CLS Goals

The goal of the program is to prepare each student to qualify for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) exam for national certification and/or individual state CLS licensure exam and successfully secure an entry-level position in a Medical Institution.  Upon completion of the program, the student will have completed graduate credits toward the Master of Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree at NYMC.

The goals of the CLS program at NYMC is to provide the students with:

  • the necessary training and education in the theories and practices of laboratory medicine;
  • instruction in the clinical significance of laboratory procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of patients;
  • the skills necessary for problem solving, maintenance and troubleshooting while performing manual testing as well as using state of the art instrumentation;
  • the exposure to journals, staff conferences, meetings and seminars to instill in the student the realization that the continual acquisition of knowledge is essential for professional development;
  • the understanding of the principles and practices of quality assurance, research and educational methods, as well as personnel and business management in a clinical laboratory setting;
  • a curriculum and clinical experience in which the students can develop and mature in their professional judgments and communications with the health care team and others;
  • examples of professionalism, leadership and integrity while instructing the students on issues regarding patient rights, patient privacy and compliance with all regulatory agencies;
  • the preparation required to graduate, qualify and pass the examination for certification and licensure, along with developing the characteristics necessary to produce certified and licensed healthcare professionals who possesses an understanding and respect for all individuals in society;
  • continuous systematic evaluation and necessary modifications, of all program processes, to ensure the effectiveness of the program.

CLS Graduate Competencies

The Graduate Clinical Laboratory Scientist, at entry-level, will have basic knowledge and skills for:

  • adherence to standard operating procedures, preparation of instruments for testing and accurate performance of quality control;
  • performing diverse and multilevel functions in the principles, methodologies and performance of laboratory assays exercising skills in problem solving, troubleshooting and evaluation of clinical procedures and laboratory results;
  • development and evaluation of procedures and implementation of new test systems, correlation of test results and ensuring accuracy and validity of laboratory information;
  • statistical application for data evaluation as well as the principles and practices of quality assurance and continuous quality improvement;
  • directing and supervising of clinical laboratory operations along with managing budgets and personnel in the clinical laboratory;
  • demonstrating ethical and moral principles and practices of professional conduct and the communication skills necessary to educate and serve the needs of the patients, the public and the healthcare team;
  • adherence to all safety, government and regulatory agency regulations and standards for clinical laboratories;
  • understanding that continuous acquisition of clinical knowledge is essential for professional development and competence.

NAACLS-derived Program Outcomes (%)

  7/2019 - 6/2020 7/2020 - 6/2021 7/2021 - 6/2022 7/2022 - 6/2023
  ASCP/BOC Pass Rate 100 100 83 N/A
  Employment Placement Rate 100 100 100 100
  Graduation Rate 100 100 100 100
  Attrition Rate 0 0 0 0

 

CLS Admission Criteria

Applicants must have obtained a baccalaureate or higher degree in the sciences, prior to the start of the program, from an accredited U.S. college or university or from a recognized foreign institution. Critical courses which the applicant should have taken, and done well, include the following, with all labs completed in-person (online labs do not satisfy the requirement):

  • two (2) semesters of General Biology with laboratory component
  • two (2) semesters of General Chemistry with laboratory component
  • one (1) semester of Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory component
  • one (1) semester of General Microbiology with laboratory component
  • one (1) semester of Organic Chemistry with laboratory component
  • one (1) semester of Biochemistry with laboratory component
  • one (1) semester of Statistics or Calculus 

The entire application, including two letters of recommendation as well as a CV/resume, will be considered in order to identify the strongest applicants. An interview is a required part of the admission process.

The position requires considerable walking, standing, and sitting. Good visual acuity and manual dexterity are essential to performing and interpreting laboratory tests; good listening and communication skills are necessary in the clinical setting to interact with various hospital staff. In the classroom setting, students will participate in classroom discussions and presentations. 

Applications for admission and all supporting documents must be received by the Graduate School by the May application deadline. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis. Early application submission is highly recommended.

Please contact the GSBMS Office of Admissions with any questions.

In the Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences program, students will receive their didactic study at New York Medical College and clinical laboratory training at area hospitals. Federal financial aid is available to U.S. students during the first year when they are taking 41.5 academic credits. Federal financial aid is not available during the second year, when the student is writing their literature review (0 credits).