Clinical Laboratory Science
School of
Health Care Professions
www.uwsp.edu/shcp
Contact:
Sue Raab, Head
School of Health Care Professions
College of Professional Studies
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Science Building D127
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: 715-346-3766
Fax: 715-346-2640
shcp@uwsp.edu
T
he clinical laboratory science (CLS) program at the University of WisconsinStevens Point is among the largest in the state and one of the few with national
accreditation. As such, our program quality is in par with the best in the nation,
and we can choose clinical sites for you without being restricted to the few
Wisconsin hospitals with their own accreditation. In addition, our students have a 95 percent
pass rate on the required national exam compared to 70 percent nationally.
The Clinical Laboratory Science Major
Clinical laboratory science professionals integrate biology, chemistry and medicine in order
to provide the information necessary to maintain proper health and diagnose, monitor
and treat diseases. They may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health laboratories,
epidemiology, research, industry or forensic science. Three options are offered in UWStevens Point’s CLS program:
The Cytotechnology Option prepares you to serve as a detective, searching for signs of disease
by distinguishing gross and subtle changes in human cells found in any tissue or fluid of the
body.
The Histotechnology Option allows you to prepare, process and stain tissue from surgery
and autopsies for microscopic examination. Histologic techniques, histochemistry,
immunohistochemistry, enzyme histochemistry, DNA probes and PCR techniques represent
some areas of interest.
The Medical Technology Option focuses upon the clinical areas of microbiology, immunology,
hematology, immunohematology, chemistry, molecular pathology, body fluid analysis and
laboratory management. As a medical technologist you would provide the essential testing
to diagnose, monitor and treat patients as well as develop test procedures, assure quality
performance and conduct research.
Special Opportunities
“The CLS program at UWSP
offers everything for a
student who is interested in
lab science. The professors
want you to be successful
after you graduate so their
curriculum stresses real-world
experiences that are directly
transferable to the field.”
— Alyssa, ‘10
•
As a CLS major, you’ll learn and work in state-of-the-art lab settings including the main
lab which was recently created with a state grant of more than $300,000. Another of our
labs houses the Orchard Laboratory Information System, which allows you access to
information on 50,000 actual cases in order to hone your analytical skills.
•
You’ll discover a community that shares your interests when you join Sigma Mu Tau,
our organization for students in health care fields. This organization also provides
a place where you can exchange your ideas with other students and interact with
professionals working in the field as well as participate in community service projects
and educational field trips.
•
Scientists know that their work is meant to be shared—that’s why in your senior year
you’ll participate in oral and poster research presentations on campus and at the state
convention of the Wisconsin Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Recent student
presentations have included “WARNING! CONTAINS WHEAT: Life with Celiac
Disease” and “New Life—Old Bugs: Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases.”
•
You’ll also have the chance to interact with experts at the state and national levels
thanks to our cooperative programming and distance-education technologies.
Clinical Laboratory Science
Clinical Practicum
During your fourth year in the clinical laboratory science program, you’ll complete a fulltime clinical practicum at a hospital in Wisconsin or at a selected site in another state. This
highly beneficial hands-on learning opportunity allows you to work under the supervision of
experienced laboratory scientists and apply your knowledge in a professional setting.
Careers in Health Sciences
The health sciences field is growing, and with a degree in CLS you’ll find that job prospects
are excellent with many opportunities to work in hospitals and clinics, as well as private and
public health, reference and research laboratories. Nearly 100 percent of our CLS graduates
find professional positions working as researchers, clinical laboratory managers, generalists
and specialists. In 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average salary of
$56,870 for clinical laboratory technologists.
The CLS major is also an excellent undergraduate course of study if you’re planning a
career in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. In addition, a CLS degree prepares you
for graduate or specialist programs in immunology, medical microbiology, hematology,
immunohematology, clinical chemistry, molecular pathology or forensic science.
“UW-Stevens Point’s clinical
laboratory science major will
put you on the fast track to
an exciting and rewarding
career in health care.”
— Jess, ‘10
Our Faculty
The CLS program at UW-Stevens Point offers small class sizes with an average of 25
students in each class. Our faculty work closely with you to create a nurturing learning
environment. In addition, all of our faculty have worked as clinical laboratory scientists in
hospitals before coming to UWSP, so they understand both the world you will be entering
and the skills you require to be successful.
High School Preparation
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in clinical laboratory science you should complete
a competitive college-preparatory high school curriculum with an emphasis on chemistry,
biology and computer science.
Accreditation
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Clinical Laboratory Science program is accredited
by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Information regarding
program accreditation status may be obtained from:
NAACLS
8410 West Bryn Mawr
Suite 670,
Chicago, IL 60631-3415
Phone: 773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886
Email: gio@naacls.org