Clinical Laboratory Science :
DCLS
Why study Clinical Laboratory Science : ?
The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) is an advanced practice degree for practicing, professionally certified, medical laboratory scientists who are interested in increasing practical and theoretical knowledge of clinical laboratory science, advancing in the profession, and positively impacting the current healthcare system through interprofessional collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.
The DCLS will provide the depth of knowledge and training required to provide real-time clinical decision support thereby mitigating the challenges to improved patient outcomes associated with laboratory testing.
The DCLS will interpret complex testing panels, address appropriate clinical utility, and correlate test results with patient’s symptomology to provide real-time clinical decision support. The DCLS will serve as a consistent resource for the patient and members of the healthcare team. By providing these consultations, the DCLS will enable meaningful use, appropriate utilization management, and provide interpretation leading to better patient care and safety while also lowering cost and increasing reimbursement.
DCLS graduates will be prepared to act as consultants to healthcare providers, serve as laboratory directors, educate patients and healthcare providers, perform, and disseminate research on evidence base practice and test utilization, and enter academic faculty positions.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be required to submit the following:
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Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate course work
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A current curriculum vitae or resume (demonstrates laboratory experience)
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A statement of purpose (less than 1000 words) describing professional interests, career aspirations and clinical practice experience
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Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who have the knowledge to evaluate the applicant's academic and professional performance (two letters from professional supervisors/pathologists/laboratory manager and one letter from a college professor).
Admission to the DCLS Program will require the following:
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A bachelors and/or graduate degree in medical laboratory science or a related field or equivalent
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Generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (ASCP, ASCPi, AMT or equivalent); must provide current certificate
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At least a B average (3.0/4.0 system) in all college work, or other evidence of promise that is judged satisfactory by the program
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Two years of full-time clinical, industry or research experience in medical laboratory science or equivalent; must provide written documentation from a direct supervisor or manager for verification upon program acceptance.
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Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills, organization, problem solving, creative thinking and determination
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Students will be required to complete an impromptu writing sample as part of the virtual interview process
Upon Admission students will be required to complete the following:
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Students will be required to participate in a 2-week mandatory orientation, prior to the start of the first semester of the DCLS Program
Prior to Clinical Residency (Third Semester)
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Completion of a background check prior to clinical experience (s); as required by the University or clinical residency site. Students will be responsible for associated fees or costs.
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Provide immunization records, consistent with the clinical affiliate/residency and university requirements
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Provide a signed letter of support from clinical residence site(s) including a clinical facility fact sheet that identifies a primary contact for the completion of the clinical affiliation/residency agreement, and a qualified preceptor.
A Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science degree is designed to expand on the knowledge and skills beyond the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Professionals with this qualification can seek opportunities within Higher Education, Technical Laboratory Roles, and Diagnostic Management.
With this degree, you can qualify to become an advanced practice medical laboratory scientist to serve as a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). These professionals oversee quality assurance for complex laboratory environments and help to verify that testing and general laboratory operations are being completed well.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast. Their product, called Career Coach, combines extensive labor market data from Lightcast and the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides insights on industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth for each profession. Economic and workforce information is available for various geographic regions. Some careers may require additional training or education.Student must successfully complete 81 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Doctoral students with a prior master’s degree may petition their program to allow up to 30 transfer credits from the master’s degree towards their doctoral degree.
An application to University of Cincinnati, including evidence of English language proficiency if applicable. Minimums for this program are:
- TOEFL ibt: 100
- IELTS: 7.0
- Duolingo: 120
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Clinical Health Information Sciences
Application Deadlines
February 1st for each fall semester.
This program is currently applying for accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont IL 60018-5119.
Contact Information
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Program Code: 35DOC-CLSC-DCLS-.DCLS-DL