Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is approved to perform high complexity clinical lab tests in California. In other states and countries, the general job duties of a CLS most closely resemble the job duties of a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or a Medical Technologist (MT).
Are there jobs available when I complete this program? How much do CLSs get paid?
Yes. There are clinical laboratory workforce shortages throughout California and the country, so our graduates have many job opportunities. For example, a typical Indeed.com search for clinical laboratory scientist jobs in California yields over 2300 job listings. Typical starting pay for a new CLS is approximately 50 dollars an hour.
When should I plan on applying to a particular cohort?
You must have a CLS Trainee License to be considered.
It can take a month or more for your training license application to be processed and a license granted. To be eligible for a CLS Trainee License, you must have grades for all prerequisite courses and a bachelor's degree posted to your transcripts. It is up to you to plan your application accordingly.
Is it beneficial to apply early?
Yes! It is advantageous to begin requesting letters and transcripts well in advance of the application deadline in the event a follow up is necessary to complete your file.
Please submit your application as early as possible. We prefer not to have many applications arrive at the last minute. It is easier for our team this way.
How competitive is the application process?
Our program is highly competitive.
For each cohort we receive ~200 applications. The selection committee scores candidates with a standardized rubric, and each candidate is ranked by score. The selection committee will then invite the highest ranked 55-65 candidates to tour the participating training hospitals and interview with our education coordinators. Ultimately we match and train approximately 30 students each cohort based on application scores, candidate preference, and hospital education coordinator preference.
To be a competitive candidate, we suggest that you:
Have a a high Overall GPA, as well as a high Science and Math GPA, and a high last 60 semester units GPA
Have letter grades of B or higher in Quantitative Analysis (or Clinical Chemistry), Hematology, Immunology, and Medical Microbiology
Write a compelling personal statement and be sure to follow the personal statement instructions
Have strong support from recommenders
Provide evidence of relevant lab skills by completing a number of biology and chemistry lab courses, including but not limited to Quantitative Analysis (or Clinical Chemistry), Hematology, Immunology, and Medical Microbiology. In person lab courses are preferred over online courses.
Provide evidence of relevant lab skills through work experience
Demonstrate that you are able to read and follow all directions during the application process. This is critical.
Is lab coursework required to apply to the program?
NO. Lab coursework is NOT required to apply to the program, BUT YOU WILL HAVE A STRONGER APPLICATION IF YOU TAKE LAB COURSES. This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can apply?
Applications are limited to three attempts. Unless a candidate has made significant changes to their application (work experience, additional coursework, stronger letters of recommendation, a more compelling personal statement), they will have the same experience with subsequent applications. Reapplicants who were invited to interview previously are not guaranteed a subsequent invitation to interview. They must be competitive with the current cohort of applicants. Reapplicants are advised to highlight improvements in their application in their updated personal statement.
Where can I take the prerequisite courses if they are not offered at my university?
Prerequisites courses are offered by SJSU, SFSU, UC Berkeley Extension, CSU East Bay and CSU Sacramento. De Anza College offers Hematology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Chemistry through their MLT program on a seat available basis.
Prerequisite courses are also offered by many other institutions and are acceptable. We are simply giving examples of the institutions we are most familiar with.
Online courses are acceptable.
Can you confirm that this course is acceptable to apply to your program?
Regarding specific coursework questions, the requirements listed in the Admission Requirements section of this website reflect the State of California Deparment of Public Health Laboratory Field Services requirements for a CLS Trainee License. While the license is required to participate in our program, they are the governing body that approves coursework. We suggest you contact them directly regarding their acceptance of specific coursework at LFSscientist@cdph.ca.gov .
How can I apply for the required CLS Trainee license? Where can I find more information?
One can apply for a CLS Trainee License here. Information about the license and its requirements are also provided.
Note: Specialist licenses are listed at the top. You will be applying for the generalist CLS Trainee License and will begin that process at the bottom of that webpage.
What are the final steps in determining who is accepted into the program, and ultimately placed at a particular training site?
1. Only selected candidates will be invited to tour and interview with representatives of our participating clinical sites.
2. Candidates will be ranked and matched per our matching protocol outlined in the Scoring and Matching Process Document.
3. Candidates who are matched with clinical sites will be given an invitation code to apply to Cal State Apply for admission to SJSU. Do not apply to Cal State Apply without this invitation code.
4. When requested, candidates will be asked to provide official transcripts in support of their application to Cal State Apply. Do not send these transcripts to admissions and records until you are requested to do so.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost of the program is spread out over three semesters, with students taking 15 units each semester for a total of 45 units. Starting in Fall 2024, each unit will cost $361, with a 5% increase every Fall through 2028. Tuition is subject to change. Federal student loans may be available, subject to maximum eligibility for the school year. Other private loans may also be available.
Are there other expenses I should expect?
Students must have a computer with webcam and microphone, as well as reliable Wi-Fi. This is necessary for Live Zoom based lectures as well as our testing platforms that resemble the experience one would expect at a modern testing center.
Expect to spend approximately $500 dollars on required and recommended textbooks.
Can I apply to both the CLS and the CGMBS program at the same time?
No you can not. If you apply for CLS in Spring, you may not apply for CGMBS in Spring. If you apply for CGMBS in Spring, you may not apply for CLS in Spring.
Do affiliates pay stipends?
Most of our clinical affiliates offer a stipend ranging from $1,000-$3,000 per month. Other less common benefits may include students being paid as a minimum-wage benefitted employee, or receiving housing benefits. Although most of our sites pay stipends, currently two of our affiliates do not.