Prepare for MLS/CLS/MT Program Admission
Please note: Cal Poly Pomona does not offer any MLS/CLS /MT or MLT program. The program is listed here merely for the purpose of providing general information about this program to interested CPP students.
A Medical laboratory Scientist (MLS) / Clinical laboratory Scientist (CLS) / Medical Technologist (MT) (these terminologies are equivalent) is a healthcare professional who performs diagnostic analytic tests on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as other specimens. MLS/CLS/MT work in clinical laboratories at hospitals, doctor's offices, reference labs, and within the biotechnology industry.
A CLS requires specialized training after completing a Bachelor's degree in a biological or natural science in addition to certain mandatory coursework. CLS training must be completed in a state approved training program, and part of the CLS training includes clinical training that is conducted in a medical facility. After successful completion of training you qualify to take the national certification/ CA licensing exam to become a licensed CLS.
Minimum Requirements for Admission to CLS Training Program
1) CLS Trainee License in California
Please note: Aside from meeting course-prerequisites and other admission requirements, you should also apply for the CDPH CLS trainee license, which is required to train (NOT WORK) in department approved CLS training program. The license is required for training and must remain active for the duration of the CLS program that you will be trained in.
For obtaining Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Generalist) Trainee license, below is a list of academic requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (baccalaureate) with specific course requirements:
- 16 semester or equivalent quarter units of chemistry, which must include clinical chemistry OR analytical and biochemistry (at CPP: CHM 2210/L + Biochemistry course(s) of your choice).
- 18 semester or equivalent quarter units of biology, which must include hematology, immunology, and medical microbiology.
- 3 semester or equivalent quarter units of physics (light and electricity)
For more information on CLS (Generalist) trainee license , as well as links for information about obtaining CLS Trainee licenses limited to a specialty or subspecialty, please visit CDPH CLS trainee license.
For inquiries about coursework or anything having to do with obtaining a CLS Trainee License, email Laboratory Field Services (LFS) at LFSclstrainee@cdph.ca.gov.
Below is a list of some of the LFS approved online courses that meet the CA state course work requirement for obtaining a CLS Trainee License. Please contact individual CLS training programs however to double confirm their acceptance of these online courses in case they have preferences of in-person over online courses.
Online Hematology course- https://extension.berkeley.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=41602; https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/courses-and-programs/medical/clinical-laboratory-science
Online Immunology course- https://extension.berkeley.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=41569; https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/courses-and-programs/medical/clinical-laboratory-science
Online Medical Microbiology course- https://extension.berkeley.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=45113;
2) Degree and Course Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (For foreign degree graduate: transcript evaluation from an acceptable agency and attendance in upper division science courses (30 units) at an US college or university.)
- Each program has its own prerequisites. Check specific school for detail prerequisites. To plan for your class schedule, please visit our "Class Schedule and Action Timeline" page for details.
- In general, the course prerequisites for most of programs include the following:
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physics (light and electricity)
- Mathematics
- Other courses recommended and/or required:
- Anatomy
- Immunohematology
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Statistics
- Mycology
- Parasitology
- Virology
3) Clinical Laboratory Experience and/or Research Experience
To be considered a competitive applicant it is recommended to have relevant clinical laboratory experience or relevant research experience either as an employee, student or a volunteer (>1 year)
Differences Between Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS/CLS/MT) and Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT)
Laboratory Scientists generally have a baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science and have completed a formal clinical training program. A MLS/CLS/MT can perform and evaluate complex laboratory tests. Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) generally have an associate’s degree and work under the supervision of MLS/CLS/MT.
To search for Lab Field Services Approved Training Programs in California, please visit:
CDPH - Laboratory Personnel Training Programs
Webinar Presentations on CLS and other clinical laboratory career opportunities
CPP CLS Webinar Presentation April 2024
CPP "Career Opportunities in Clinical Laboratory" Webinar Presentation Sept. 2023
CPP CLS Webinar Presentation Feb. 2023
Resource Links
National Accrediting Agency for CLS
How to Search for Accredited education programs that meet established education standards in clinical laboratory science disciplines of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS/CLS/MT), Doctoral Clinical Laboratory Scientist (DCLS), Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and others?
NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science - Find a Program
CLS Programs in California
For a complete list of CDPH approved CLS programs, please visit Approved CLS Training School Programs & Affiliates.
Additional Useful Sources
Cal State Laboratory Field Services
American Society for Clinical Pathology (This is the organization that offers the national certification exam)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences