Dates, Deadlines, Timelines

Admission to the CLS Training Program is competitive and dependent on the number of clinical training positions available at affiliated hospital laboratories. Each cohort typically enrolls approximately 30 students, depending on available clinical training positions at affiliated laboratories.

Spring 2027 Cohort

• The Spring 2027 application cycle opened March 2, 2026.

• The application deadline is Friday, June 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

• On-site clinical affiliate tours and interviews are held late September through early October.

• Orientation occurs in February, with coursework and clinical training beginning shortly thereafter.

• The program includes 52 weeks of combined online coursework and applied clinical laboratory training and is a full-time commitment.

Fall 2027 Cohort

• Application folders will be available to request beginning mid-August 2026.

• The application deadline is Friday, November 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

• On-site clinical affiliate tours and interviews are held mid-February through early March.

• Orientation occurs in August, with coursework and clinical training beginning shortly thereafter.

• The program includes 52 weeks of combined online coursework and applied clinical laboratory training and is a full-time commitment.

CLS Selection Process

The selection process occurs in five phases. Not all applicants advance through every phase of the selection process.

Application Phase

Applicants submit required materials and documentation according to the application instructions.

Evaluation and Scoring Phase

After the application deadline, all completed application files are reviewed by members of the CLS Selection Committee. Each applicant is evaluated using a structured scoring rubric designed to assess academic preparation, relevant experience, professional readiness, and overall suitability for clinical laboratory training.

Evaluation criteria include multiple components of the application, such as:

• Academic performance and prerequisite coursework

• Clinical or laboratory experience 

• Letters of recommendation 

• Personal statement and professional readiness

• Evidence of professionalism and attention to application instructions 

Applicants are ranked based on their composite evaluation scores.

Interview Phase

After the scoring process is completed, the highest-ranked applicants (typically approximately 60–70 applicants) are invited to participate in on-site affiliate visits and interviews with clinical training sites.

Matching and Offer Phase

Following interviews, applicants and clinical affiliates participate in a matching process. Admission offers are extended based on applicant ranking, affiliate selections, and available training positions.

Training Phase

Accepted trainees begin the 52-week CLS training program, which includes both online coursework and applied clinical laboratory training at affiliated hospitals.