Clinical laboratory science (also called Medical Laboratory Science) is one of the most rapidly expanding branches of medical science with the demand for qualified clinical laboratory scientists far exceeding the number of trained people available. Increasing demand for medical services throughout the country means that well trained people in this field will be assured positions for many years.

Medical Lab Scientists conduct laboratory analyses that assist physicians and healthcare teams in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in disease monitoring or prevention. They require an understanding of sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology, computers, and methods requiring manual dexterity to perform laboratory testing. Laboratory testing includes clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and molecular biology. As technology advances, Medical Lab Scientists are being called upon to provide treatment options for patients through cellular and molecular biological approaches.

Benedictine University is one of the few schools in Illinois that offers a program in Clinical Laboratory Science. Our suburban location offers easy access to outstanding medical facilities in the Chicago area. Benedictine’s low student-to-faculty ratio allows you individualized attention. The program in Clinical Laboratory Science from Benedictine will prepare you to:

• Perform and supervise tests, procedures, and therapies in the clinical laboratory setting.
• Serve as a vital member of a clinical team, provide interpretations of laboratory tests and be a resource of knowledge about conditions affecting test results.
• Develop data that may be used by the physicians in determining the presence, extent, and as far as possible, the cause of disease.
• Become a certified clinical laboratory scientist by passing the national certifying examinations.

In the Clinical Laboratory Science program at Benedictine University, you will follow a three-year sequence of liberal arts and science courses. You are required to maintain a GPA of 2.8 or better. During your senior year, you will be eligible to complete a one calendar-year clinical program at a hospital affiliated with the University  where you will fulfill your clinical requirements.

Note: ONLY U.S. citizens may enter the Hines VA program.

When you have completed your clinical year (all grades must be “C” or better), you will earn a B.A. in Biology- Allied Health from Benedictine University. Upon completion of the Clinical Laboratory Science program, you will be eligible to take the certifying examinations administered by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel.