Clinical Laboratory Science

Why Choose the SFSU CLS Program?

The SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science program gives you a strong foundation and real-world experience to launch your healthcare career.

• Comprehensive 14-month program
  Start with four months of in-person coursework focused on core lab science skills, followed by a 10-month clinical internship.
• Hands-on training with advanced equipment
  Learn using the latest biomedical instruments, so you're ready for today’s lab environments.
• Real-world lab skills
  Build the practical skills employers look for. You’ll be prepared to work in clinical labs as soon as you graduate.
• Smooth transition to clinical work
  Enter your internship with confidence, backed by a strong foundation in lab science and hands-on experience.

You’ll graduate ready to take the state and national licensure exams and start your career as a clinical laboratory scientist.

Mission and Goals

Since 1977, the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program has prepared students with the academic and hands-on training needed for entry-level careers in the field. The program blends a strong academic foundation with intensive technical development. You’ll also build skills in problem solving, evaluation, communication, research and leadership.

Our faculty take seriously the role CLS students play in patient testing and outcomes. To support this, the program has minimum technical standards you must meet, with or without documented accommodations, to participate and graduate.

The CLS program is committed to equal opportunity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.

Program Goals

Our goal is to prepare you to become a knowledgeable, skilled and respected clinical laboratory scientist. We also aim to support your growth as a lifelong learner with the potential to lead as a supervisor, manager or educator in the field.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Careers

Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) are vital members of the healthcare team. You’ll perform lab tests on blood, body fluids and tissue samples to help doctors diagnose, treat and monitor disease. Your work supports patient care in areas like cancer detection, infection identification and chronic disease management.

As a CLS, you’ll use advanced lab instruments, microscopes and computer systems. You’ll work in fields like:

• Clinical chemistry
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology

You’ll need strong problem-solving and communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

To succeed in the program, you must meet essential requirements, such as:

• Strong reading, writing and communication skills
• Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills
• Visual ability to analyze samples and data
• The ability to manage time, think critically and maintain emotional stability

If you have a disability, reasonable accommodations may be available. Contact us to learn more.

For more information, visit:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
• California Occupational Guide – Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)

Cost and Length

Cost
$22,800, 38 units at $600 per unit
Gator Pass: Receive a free transit pass while enrolled. (Fall and spring only. $130 value per term.)

Length
14 months

When to Apply
Spring: March 28 to July 1
Fall: October 1 to December 1

Financial Aid

The CLS certificate program does not lead to a graduate degree, so graduate-level aid (like Grad PLUS loans) is not available. You may qualify for undergraduate-level aid if you enroll in at least 6 units during the semester you're requesting assistance.

Licensure Requirement before Admission

You must hold or have applied for a CLS Trainee License from California Laboratory Field Services (LFS) to be admitted to the program.

Pre-CLS courses meet California Department of Public Health requirements for CLS and Limited CLS Trainee Licenses.

Laboratory Field Services

The program meets California’s education standards for CLS licensure through the California Department of Public Health, Center For Laboratory Sciences, Laboratory Field Services (LFS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Accreditation

The CLS program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).