Clinical Laboratory Science

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.