FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- I have read the web site. What if I have more questions?
- What is the starting salary in the field of Clinical Laboratory Science?
- What is the current job market for Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists?
- Why is accreditation important?
- What kind of accreditation should I look for?
- What should I look for in a distance learning program?
- I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes on campus. Is this program for me?
- How many hours per week will I need to study?
- I am not computer savvy; can I do this?
- Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn?
- What are the computer requirements for participation in the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science program?
- What professional associations/organizations can I belong to as a student?
- How are clinical experiences handled within this distance learning program?
I have read the web site. What if I have more questions?
An Enrollment Advisor is available to answer all your questions. To have your Enrollment Advisor contact you, click on Learn More above and complete the Contact Information form, or call 1-800-556-4280.
What is the starting salary in the field of Clinical Laboratory Science?
Salaries for Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists vary depending upon the type of position that a graduate might seek, and their geographical area. Generally, entry level salaries range from $45,000 to $50,000.
What is the current job market for Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists?
The healthcare market is expected to grow 30% in the next ten years. Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists can work in a variety of practice settings, including research laboratories, hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, and industry.
Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation is important for obtaining certification and licensure in Clinical Laboratory Science and validating credit for transfer to other regionally accredited colleges or universities.
What kind of accreditation should I look for?
In the United States the most widely recognized form of accreditation for degree-granting programs comes from the regional accreditation commissions and professional accrediting bodies. The University of Cincinnati is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The BS CLS program at UC is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS*).
What should I look for in a distance learning program?
We recommend you search for a program that has extensive experience delivering distance learning, low student attrition, dedicated full-time faculty, high student satisfaction, and minimal travel. Unlike correspondence courses, UC distance learning programs are not self-paced or independent study. They have the benefit of traditional education, like instructor-led structured curriculum, with the convenience and interactivity of online technologies.
I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes on campus. Is this program for me?
Yes, you can complete your studies at your convenience in the comfort of your own home. There are no campus visits required. You have access to your course 24 hours a day. The curriculum is designed with the working professional in mind. Therefore, students have ample opportunity to complete all assignments and tests by the assigned deadlines.
How many hours per week will I need to study?
Of course, this is individually based. Approximately 20 hours per week should ensure completion of each course on time. However, courses are not self-paced and weekly deadlines are established by each course director.
I am not computer savvy; can I do this?
Yes. We realize that new students enter the program with varying levels of computer literacy; therefore, technical support and a full-time Student Services Assistant will be available throughout the program. As a new student, you will also have an orientation to online courses prior to starting classes.
Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn?
Yes. The University of Cincinnati awards the same accredited degrees regardless of the delivery method: the traditional campus-based program or the distance learning program for working professionals.
What are the computer requirements for participation in the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science program?
To participate in the University of Cincinnati's distance learning Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science program you will need a computer system with current specifications. Click here for system requirements.
What professional associations/organizations can I belong to as a student?
As a student, you can belong to the following professional associations/organizations. For your convenience we have listed a couple that may be of interest. Please contact them for more information.
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
6701 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 657-2768
ascls@ascls.org
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
2100 West Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 738-1336
info@ascp.org
There are many more professional associations/organizations available to you as a CLS student.
How are clinical experiences handled within this distance learning program?
In order to ensure that students meet required entry-level competencies, UC CLS distance learning students are required to complete hands-on clinical rotation training experiences in each area of the clinical laboratory. The clinical experiences are completed as part of the 8th quarter course Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP). During the clinical rotation training experiences, students perform hands-on advanced clinical training tasks under the supervision of an on-site clinical preceptor.
The CLS program will work with you to identify an appropriate clinical laboratory that can serve as a clinical training site. Clinical experiences can typically be completed in your local community. If an appropriate site is not available locally, you may be required to travel to a site that can meet clinical requirements. Your workplace may be utilized as a clinical site, but student hours must be distinguished from employee hours.
Call 1-800-556-4280 to speak with our Enrollment Advisors who will answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
*The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS):
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; info@naacls.org; www.naacls.org.
