Program Overview | Curriculum | Accrediting Agency
Affiliated Colleges And Universities | Expenses and Financial Aid

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is a 12-month educational program designed to be completed as the fourth or fifth year in a baccalaureate degree program. Principles of clinical laboratory science are integrated with practical training in the intensive clinical program. The course of study combines practical instruction in procedures with didactic instruction in clinical laboratory science, management theory and educational methods.

Students receive "hands-on" training and instruction in the operation of state-of-the-art laboratory instruments and in the performance of relevant manual procedures. Students are evaluated on their academic achievement, laboratory performance and professional behavior. The laboratory library and medical library provide recent books and journals for reference and research.

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a baccalaureate degree from their affiliating college/university and a Certificate of Graduation from the hospital. They are then eligible to take a certification examination in clinical laboratory science. Students are not required to pass an external certifying exam to obtain a certificate or a degree.

The curriculum addresses principles and methods of testing for all major areas of a modern clinical laboratory, including clinical significance of laboratory procedures in diagnosis and treatment. Specific courses include:

Clinical Chemistry

Application of the principles of human physiology and biochemistry to the analysis of blood, serum and other body fluids. Use of a wide variety of instrumentation enables students to gain a working knowledge of clinical chemistry and its applications in the diagnosis of disease. Laboratory mathematics and quality control data are included.

Clinical Microbiology

The structure and physiology of bacteria, fungi and parasites, their clinical significance, and the techniques used to isolate, stain, culture, identify and determine antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenic organisms.

Hematology

The formation of cells, metabolic processes and correlation of cell changes to clinical disease. Includes technical procedures for measuring and identifying cellular components by annual and automated methods.

Coagulation

The dynamics of hemostasis, including platelets, the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, the clinical significance of changes in these systems and the procedures for measuring these changes.

Immunology/Serology

Immune response in health and disease, serological procedures used to evaluate a patient's immune response, clinical significance of changes in this response and tests used to diagnose disease.

Immunohematology

Blood group antigen and antibody systems, antibody detection and identification methods and compatibility testing as related to the transfusion of human blood. Also included are aspects of a donor service, component preparation, transfusion reactions and neonatal studies.

Urinalysis

Evaluation of of kidney function and significance of normal and abnormal constituents of urine to health and disease.

Clinical Seminar

Incorporates several courses including phlebotomy techniques, laboratory safety, quality assurance, computer applications, educational methods and management principles.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by:

NAACLS
8410 West Bryn Mawr Ave
Suite 370
Chicago, IL 60631-3415

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is affiliated with the following:

• Bloomsburg University.
• Clarion University.
• College Misericordia.
• Indiana University of PA.
• Lock Haven University.
• Lycoming College.
• Shippensburg University.

Undergraduate students are accepted from non-affiliated colleges/universities when a temporary affiliation agreement can be formulated between the hospital program and the university. Students who have already completed a degree in a laboratory science may also apply for admission.

Expenses

Expenses include program tuition, payable twice a year in August and February. Students are responsible for all fees required by the college/university. Additional expenses include textbooks, apparel, classroom supplies, and all living expenses. Occasionally students have opportunities to travel to educational programs that may require a small fee.

Students are required to purchase liability malpractice insurance for the period covering the clinical year, at their own expense, unless the college or university maintains liability coverage for students in clinical programs.

All students must provide proof of medical insurance coverage that is in effect for the duration of the clinical year.

All students must have a current (within one year) PA State Police Criminal Clearance. Students who have not been a resident of PA for the most recent 2 years will also need to acquire an FBI Clearance. Directions for obtaining either clearance will be provided to successful applicants.

Meals are available in the employee cafeteria. Parking is provided free-of-charge at designated lots.

Financial Aid

The Williamsport Hospital Clinical Laboratory Science Program does not participate in state or federal financial aid programs. Students who wish to obtain such assistance may do so through their university by remaining enrolled in the degree-granting university during the clinical year.