The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Training Program at San José State University

Overview

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Training Program, offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, is a 12-month program that prepares graduates for professional practice in diagnostic medical laboratories. Completion of the program qualifies graduates to sit for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and to apply for California Clinical Laboratory Scientist licensure issued by the California Department of Public Health – Laboratory Field Services (CDPH-LFS).

The program requires 52 weeks of continuous training. Students spend 32 hours per week training at affiliated clinical laboratories and 8 hours per week participating in formal coursework delivered online. 

Approval and Accreditation

The San José State University Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Training Program is approved by Laboratory Field Services (LFS), a division of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification examination.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)

5600 N. River Road, Suite 720

Rosemont, IL 60018-5119

Phone: 773-714-8880

Email: info@naacls.org

Website: www.naacls.org

Contact

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the information available on this website, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, before contacting the program. Many common questions regarding admissions requirements and program structure are addressed in these materials.

Additional program-specific questions may be directed to: cls-group@sjsu.edu