The UNMC Clinical Laboratory Science Program (CLS) includes two independently accredited programs, The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Methodist Hospital. A Combined Faculty Committee, made up of representatives from each program, is responsible for the administration of the programs. See the CLS Program Policy Manual for details.
Through these affiliated programs, students have the option of obtaining their education at one of the clinical affiliate sites of the UNMC program, or at Nebraska Methodist Hospital. Students are not accepted into the CLS program if clinical experience cannot be guaranteed.
For consideration for admission, students must meet the essential requirements and complete prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to enrolling at UNMC for their senior year.
In all locations, the CLS curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. The program consists of 43 semester hours and begins in June of each year. Graduates are eligible to apply for ASCP board certification as medical laboratory scientists upon completion of the program.
The CLS Program has three phases: student laboratory (11 weeks) on the Omaha Campus and in Iowa City, first clinical rotation (15 weeks), and second clinical rotation (20 weeks) at assigned locations. At each phase of the program, students must learn to integrate practice with theoretical knowledge and understanding.
The CLS Program provides patient-centered educational opportunities, with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunohematology (blood bank), immunology, molecular and management. The program emphasizes laboratory principles and procedures, clinical significance and application, principles and practice of quality assurance, principles of laboratory management and supervision, safety, instructional methods, and computer applications.
