REQUIREMENTS
All students admitted to the University of Rhode Island are eligible to major in Clinical Laboratory Science.

The program requires:

A minimum of 130 credits of coursework, including
36 credits of Clinical Laboratory Science courses

During the first three years of study, educational emphasis is on basic science courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. These subjects are the necessary foundation for applied sciences. Students are also encouraged to fulfill their general education requirements.

The senior year is a 12-month program of study and starts soon after completion of the third year of the curriculum, in August. It is spent off campus studying under staff at one of the following affiliated hospital schools of clinical laboratory science (all located in Providence):

Miriam Hospital
Rhode Island Hospital
St. Joseph’s Hospital

The clinical program includes lectures and laboratory instruction in the various areas of clinical laboratory science and prepares the student for the national certification examinations.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS
Flexibility in the curriculum permits the student to fulfill requirements for a degree in another major such as microbiology, zoology, or related health sciences.

A popular combination is a bachelor’s degree in microbiology with the hospital internship taken as a fifth year of study.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Job availability for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates is usually extensive, and is increasing. A recent report issued by the US Department of Labor indicates increasing demand for professionals in all areas of health care, including clinical laboratory science.

Graduates of the program have an opportunity for careers in clinical practice, laboratory supervision and management, health regulatory agencies, sales and technical representation for scientific equipment companies, research, and education.

FURTHER STUDIES
The undergraduate program provides an excellent basis for students who are planning to pursue graduate education. The Clinical Laboratory Science degree prepares students for graduate programs leading to advanced degrees in science, medicine, education, or business.

Recent placements of graduates have been at Georgetown Dental School, Tufts Medical School, Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Brown University.

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