Division of Clinical Laboratory Science
Barbara Spinda, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM SMCM | Program Director
Vera Z. Dwyer Hall 157 | (574) 520-4568
healthscience.iusb.edu/clinical-laboratory-science/index.html
Faculty
- Program Director | Spinda
- Clinical Assistant Professors | Spinda
About the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science
The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science currently houses the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) degree which provides the entry-level education needed for employment as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). The MLS curriculum combines science, medicine, and diagnostic testing to train individuals in clinical chemistry, blood banking, body fluid analysis, hematology, hemostasis, immunology, and microbiology. The on campus learning environment is a recently renovated, dedicated classroom and student laboratory at Vera Z. Dwyer Hall.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) or the American Medical Technology (AMT) exam to obtain national certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). Career opportunities include clinical diagnostics in private and public hospitals and reference laboratories, research laboratories, industry research and development, field service operations, regulatory operations, and academia.
The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science offers three options to complete the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program.
- Traditional four year bachelor degree.
- Second degree option for individuals with a bachelor degree in biology, chemistry, or other related field.
- Associate in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) to CLS degree completion.
Mission Statement
The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, within the Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences, is focused on training healthcare professionals in clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic laboratory operations and related skills. In addition, the department is focused on developing community outreach and advocacy in the field of Medical Laboratory Science and related professions as well as developing diverse interprofessional collaborations that involve clinical laboratory analysis and research.
Educational Goals
The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science believes in providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective laboratory professionals. The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is designed around the creation of a well-rounded entry level laboratory professional. This includes generalized knowledge in the following professional practice areas defined by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS):
- Address pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory.
- Prepare students to perform diagnostic assays, use troubleshooting techniques, interpret results, and evaluate.
- Address quality assurance, quality improvement, and continuous assessment of laboratory services.
- Address the importance of safety and application of government regulations and standards in the clinical.
- Foster growth through professional conduct and continuing professional.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the clinical laboratory science program, students will be able to:
- Synthesize the fundamental biological sciences necessary for integration into clinical laboratory diagnostics.
- Demonstrate entry-level professional knowledge in the most common areas of the clinical laboratory, including Hematology and Hemostasis, Clinical Chemistry, Urinalyses and Body Fluid Analysis, Clinical Microbiology, and Blood banking.
- Apply the professional, ethical, and practical responsibilities of laboratorians in the interdisciplinary health care team.
- Be prepared to sit for the national certification exam offered through the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) or an equivalent certifying agency.
NAACLS Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at Indiana University South Bend is an accredited Medical Laboratory Science training program prescribed by the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
For more information on the NAACLS accreditation process please visit the NAACLS webpage.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
115600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL, 60018