BIOTC (CLS) Major
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BIOTC GLS programs goals, entrance to major requirements, requirements to graduate
BIOTC Major - Clinical Laboratory Science Option (CLS)
The Clinical Laboratory Science Option (CLS) of the Biotechnology major is offered for students who enjoy laboratory work and who would consider a career as a scientist in the laboratory of a hospital or physician group practice. CLS graduates also work in reference labs and in industry. CLS positions typically call for certified individuals. To become certified, students must possess a BS degree, have completed a formal clinical education program and pass a national test to demonstrate mastery of the sciences they will practice. Thus, the CLS option requires a 10 month period of course work at an affiliated School of Clinical Laboratory Science. This is undertaken during the senior year after students have completed all the basic science and general education courses of their undergraduate program. Current affiliations exist with Mt. Nittany Medical Center and with Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Graduates enjoy outstanding job opportunities in the clinical environment as well as in the industrial sector – even in times of recession.
Program Goals
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Graduates will have and be able to communicate an understanding of clinical laboratory science sufficient to qualify for entry-level positions as clinical laboratory scientists or for graduate schools.
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Graduates will develop basic laboratory skills and be familiar with the standard techniques and equipment used in the modern clinical laboratory.
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Graduates will generate and interpret data with subsequent application to the solution of novel problems in clinical laboratory science.
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Graduates will identify career opportunities and professional and ethical issues that concern practitioners in the clinical laboratory science field.
Requirements to enter a major
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and must complete Chem 110, 111, 112, and Math 140 with a grade of C or better.
Requirements to graduate
To graduate, students must meet all three of the following requirements:
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2.0 cumulative GPA.
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a grade of C or better in two of the following three courses: BMB/Micrb 251, BMB/Micrb 252 & Micrb 201.
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400-level Biotc/Micrb/BMB lecture courses (for Biotc majors).

