About the Program

The School of Clinical Laboratory Science was founded in 1953.  It is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 River Rd. Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018, 773-714-8880, www.naacls.org .

The fifty-one week program provides a structured educational experience which includes lectures and clinical laboratory rotations.  A student laboratory setting is used to introduce each of the major clinical areas and assist in the development of basic skills and knowledge.  Upon completion of all of the introductory student laboratories, the student is challenged to further develop the knowledge and skills required to perform, interpret and trouble-shoot laboratory services by automated, semi-automated and manual methods in a state-of-the-art medical center laboratory under qualified supervision.

The majority of the clinical education is conducted on the St. John's Mercy Medical Center's campus.  Other medical facilities, such as Christian Hospital Northeast and St. Louis University Hospital, will be utilized for clinical experiences not available on campus.

The program operates Monday through Friday with a typical day beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.  Some educational experiences may only be available outside the normal hours of operation of the program.  Students are advised in advance of these experiences.

Students are evaluated based on their academic achievement, laboratory performance and professional behavior throughout the program year.   

The CLS program awards a certificate upon successful completion of the year.  The certificate plus an appropriate baccalaureate degree allows the student to sit for a national certification examination.