Why Major in Clinical Laboratory Science?
Clinical laboratory science is the study of medical samples during the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Northwest’s unique 3+1 program provides students with pre-requisite courses in general education, math, chemistry and biology for three years; during the program’s fourth year, students attend one of three affiliated hospitals: St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, North Kansas City Hospital or Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, for a year of hands-on clinical training.
While at Northwest, students learn human biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Human biology courses teach students the methods in which a normal, healthy body functions; organic chemistry and analytical chemistry teaches students how to identify and quantify the substances found in a sample; biochemistry teaches students the fundamental molecules and pathways of the body.
This major prepares students to successfully pass the required medical laboratory science certification.
Career Opportunities
100%
placement rate
100% of students graduating with a clinical laboratory science major either find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. Below is a list of job titles related to this major:
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Specialist
- Medical Technologist
- Pharmaceutical Sales
*Based on self-reported data.
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Northwest’s award-winning Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation features more than $3 million invested in state-of-the-art instruments that undergraduate students may access to gain profession-based experience.
Garrett-Strong Science Building offers 26 labs where students gain profession-based experience on campus. The building is the home to the synthetic cadaver, two museums and living animals that include a hedgehog and others kept in labs.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
More than $19 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
