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Clinical Laboratory Science

Cytotechnology Option
College of Professional Studies
Department of Clinical Laboratory Science,
Susan Raab, Chair
UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 346-3766
Email: cls@uwsp.edu


Clinical Laboratory Science Department Webpage: http://www.uwsp.edu/clinlabsci/


Catalog page: http://www.uwsp.edu/news/uwspcatalog/medtech.htm

Picture of a larger microscope

The Clinical Laboratory Science major offers three options:

Introduction
The Clinical Laboratory Science major offers a choice of three outstanding educational experiences preparing students for professional careers as Cytotechnologists, Histotechnologists, or Medical Technologists. In completing the major, students select one of these three career paths and complete campus-based coursework, followed by clinical experiences of 6-12 months in length. In selecting the Cytotechnology Option, students are prepared to distinguish gross and subtle changes in human cells found in any tissue or fluid of the body. They serve as detectives in searching for signs indicating cancer, infections, or other diseases.

Why Study the Cytotechnology Option at UW-Stevens Point?
Programs of study are designed for the individual needs of students. Small classes provide the opportunity for interaction among students and between students and instructors. Outstanding clinical practicum experiences are available at facilities in Wisconsin and at selected sites outside the state. Students earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Clinical Laboratory Science, Cytotechnology Option. Minors may be earned in Biology and/or Chemistry. Graduates are fully trained professionals. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take national certification examinations. These examinations provide the professional credentials required for many positions of employment. Cytotechnologists also have the necessary educational experiences to pursue studies in a variety of graduate or professional programs.

High School Preparation
High school courses in chemistry, biology, math, and computer science are very helpful in preparing students for the Clinical Laboratory Science major.

Department Features
The Department of Clinical Laboratory Science has faculty and staff dedicated to providing an outstanding learning experience for students. Through cooperative programming and distance education technologies, students have opportunities to interact with experts within the state and also at the national level.

Employment Opportunity
The demand for qualified individuals in the health sciences continues. Employment can be found in a variety of areas including hospitals, clinics, private laboratories, public health laboratories, reference laboratories, research, sales, and industry. For those planning careers in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, the CLS major is deemed an excellent undergraduate course of study. Students are also eligible for graduate studies or specialist programs in immunology, medical microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, molecular pathology, or forensic science. Placement of graduates in professional positions of employment approaches 100%.

UWSP Clinical Laboratory Science Graduates at Work

Generalist

Research Specialist

Clinical Laboratory
Manager

LIS Specialist

Section Supervisor

Specialist in:
Clinical Chemistry
Hematology
Immunohematology
Immunology
Microbiology

Sample Program of Study for the Cytotechnology Option:

FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester Winterim Second Semester
Eng 101 Freshman English 3 CLS 205 Clinical Orientation 1 Eng 102 Freshman English 3
Chem 105 Fundamental Chemistry 5     Communication 101 Fund. of Oral Communication 2
CLS 105 Intro to Health Professions (SS) 3 Chem 106 Fundamental Chemistry 5
Bio 160 Intro to Animal Biology 5 CLS 125 Intro to Clinical Lab Science 1
    CLS 125 Intro to Clinical Laboratory Science 2 1
    Hum/SS 3
Total 16 Total 1 Total 15

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Hum/Soc Sci 3 CLS 295 Medical Terminology 2 Math 355 Elem Statistical Methods 4
History 3     Elective Course 3
Bio 285 Human Physiology 4 Hum/Soc Sci 3
Bio 286 Human Anatomy 3 Bio 333 Gen Microbiology 4
HP/W 2 Bio 210 Principles of Genetics 3
HP/W 1    
Total 16 Total 2 Total 17

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester Second Semester Summer
Bio 314 Cell Biology 4 CLS 375 Quality Systems 1 CLS 365 Body Fluid Analysis 2
CLS 385 Professional Development 3 CLS 414 Hemostasis 1
CLS 415 Hematology 4 CLS 425 Diagnostic Med. Microbiology 5
CLS 427 Clinical Parasitology 1 Bio 326 Electron Microscope Techn. 3
CLS 428 Clinical Mycology 1 Hum/SS 3
CLS 435 Immunology 3 HP/W 1
Total 16 Total 14 Total 2

Application for the clinical practicum experience is completed in the junior year. The minimum grade point average requirement is 2.75 overall and in the sciences.

SENIOR YEAR - CLINICAL PRACTICUM (to be completed at an affiliated hospital site)

First Semester Second Semester
CLS 400 Cytologic Techniques I 3 CLS 401 Cytologic Techniques II 3
CLS 468 Gynecologic Cytology 6 CLS 470 GI Tract Cytology 3
CLS 469 Pulmonary Cytology 3 CLS 471 Urinary Tract Cytology 2
CLS 489 Methods in Cytology Education 1 CLS 479 Body Fluid Cytology 2
    CLS 480 Aspiration Cytology 2
    CLS 490 Management in Cytology 1
Total 13 Total 13

Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the national certification examination. These examinations provide the professional credentials required for many positions of employment.

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