CLS Program Information
About the Program
Thank you for your interest in the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program. The CLS program is both exciting and challenging; offering graduates the opportunities for employment in a variety of settings and for a lifelong career that is personally fulfilling.
The Oregon Tech-OHSU CLS program is a 15 month program designed for students who meet the requirements and prerequisites of the program. The 15 months are comprised of four consecutive quarters of academic course work and practicums, followed by a 16 week clinical externship in at a hospital laboratory. The successful completion of the program confers a joint degree - Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Oregon Tech and OHSU. Students are then eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Exam.
The Oregon Tech and Oregon Health and Science University are accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
Demands of the Program
It is important to understand the mental and physical demands of the CLS program and the career of the laboratory professional. Applicants to the CLS program must be physically and mentally able to cope with the rigors of the curriculum and the demanding nature of the health professions. CLS students must be able to grasp scientific concepts, set up and answer basic math and algebra problems, and communicate well verbally and in writing. Physically, students must be able to remain on their feet for extended periods, lift up to 35 pounds, distinguish objects macroscopically and microscopically, perform delicate manipulations on specimens and instruments.
The program demands may pose unique personal as well as academic challenges. Most students have multiple responsibilities in addition to going to school (i.e., marriage, family, job). Success in the program takes a firm commitment, and the CLS faculty members are here to help you succeed. Clinical Laboratory Science is a demanding field and admission to this program is a very competitive process. We strongly suggest you prepare well by visiting a clinical laboratory, meeting with an academic advisor at your institution in order to help you with your career plans and by reading through the application materials thoroughly. For students who wish to ask questions after reading the website materials you may call the program office at 503.821.1146 or via email to deb.disko@oit.edu.
Established academic and clinical requirements essential to the program of instruction apply to all students and cannot be waived. Attempts will be made to accommodate and retain qualified applicants with disabilities unless results of evaluations indicate that given reasonable accommodation an individual will still be unable to perform the essential functions required by the program. Persons with questions concerning particular qualifications are encouraged to contact the program office for individual consultation and advice prior to application.
Degree Offered
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (joint degree conferred by Oregon Tech and OHSU)
The Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Program, established in 1933. is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, 847.939.3597. In partnership with Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon Tech has Oregon's only Clinical Laboratory Science, Bachelor's degree.