Health Professions Programs

Clinical Laboratory Science

The educational program in clinical laboratory science through the IU School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is located on the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis campus at the IU Health Pathology Laboratory Building.

Mission Statement The mission of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis is to provide a quality education in the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required to follow good laboratory practice in providing quality testing for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease.

Goal Statements The goals of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program are to prepare graduates who:
  • engage in good laboratory practice,
  • participate as effective members of the health care team,
  • successfully complete national certification examinations, and
  • value active participation in professional organizations.
To accomplish these goals, the program faculty foster the development of critical thinking and life long learning skills and evaluate overall program effectiveness through outcomes assessment.

Description of the Profession Clinical laboratory science is a diverse, science-based profession aimed at accurate performance of clinical laboratory procedures on biologic samples from patients. Physicians use the results from these procedures in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases. Some of the tasks that clinical laboratory scientists perform are listed below:
  • Analysis of simple/complex chemical components of body fluids
  • Evaluation of cellular components of blood
  • Identification of microorganisms and their antibiotic susceptibilities
  • Preparation of blood components for patient therapy
  • Molecular detection of diseases
  • Evaluation of new techniques, procedures, and instruments

Laboratory personnel continually evaluate the quality of the results from procedures and instruments and solve any problems that relate to inconsistencies. Excellent communication skills are required to interact with other members of the health care team, to teach, and to manage individuals under their supervision.

Clinical laboratory scientists typically work in laboratories located in hospitals, clinics, physician group practices, blood centers, medical research facilities, or medically oriented industries.

Graduates of the Program Students who successfully complete the senior/professional year of the clinical laboratory science program and have a baccalaureate degree are eligible to take national certification examinations. Nationally recognized certification is a requirement for employment in many settings.

Credentials Required to Practice
MLS(ASCP), Medical Laboratory Scientist

Licensure Requirements to Practice There is no state licensure in Indiana; however, some states require licensure in addition to or instead of national certification.

Scholarships A limited number of scholarships is available for accepted students. Contact the program staff when notified of admission.

For further information, contact:

Linda M. Marler, M.S. -or- Diane Leland, Ph.D.
Phone: (317) 491-6219 Phone: (317) 491-6646
E-mail: lmmarler@iupui.edu E-mail: dleland@iupui.edu

CLS Office Phone: (317) 491-6969

Mailing Address:
Indiana University Clinical Laboratory Science Program
IU Health Pathology Laboratory, Room 6002
350 W 11st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-4108

Last Updated: June 20, 2011