Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology (CLS/MT) is a health care profession with special expertise in laboratory medicine. Members of this challenging profession are responsible for providing accurate and reliable laboratory tests for monitoring health and diagnosing and treating disease. With the rapidly expanding use of laboratory tests, the testing process has become progressively more diverse. A strong science background and expertise in molecular diagnostics are essential. In addition, the clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist understands proper utilization of laboratory tests for diagnosis and treatment, appropriate specimens and sampling protocols, principles of measurement systems, use and maintenance of automated analytical systems, quality control of test results, and interpretation and correlation of test results with disease states. Clinical laboratory scientists integrate their knowledge from the basic sciences and clinical science to recognize problems in all phases of testing to identify problems (technical, instrumental, physiological), propose and implement solutions, and provide quality laboratory test results to clinicians.

Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology is a discipline that prepares one to work in many areas of the clinical laboratory including: hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, blood bank, coagulation, microbiology, and immunology. In addition to career opportunities in hospitals and clinics, clinical laboratory scientists are valued in biotechnology and medical research laboratories, medical product development, laboratory reagent or instrument sales, medical data processing, and public health. A background in CLS/MT is valuable for further study in medicine, areas of science with medical application, and areas such as law or business, where a knowledge of healthcare is useful.

are to ensure that students develop the following entry-level competencies:

• analyze clinical samples according to specified protocols;
• recognize the effect of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes on test quality;
• design, evaluate and implement new methods/protocols;
• apply appropriate quality control protocols and correctly interpret QC data;
• recognize problems, identify causes, determine and apply solutions;
• confirm and verify results through an in-depth knowledge of scientific methods, principles and instrumentation theory;
• correlate and interpret laboratory data;
• implement, evaluate, and monitor quality assessment activities and continuous quality improvement programs;
• promote a productive, positive and effective work environment;
• recognize and promote the role of clinical laboratory scientists within the health care delivery system;
• teach the knowledge, attitudes and skills defined as, or contained within, the clinical laboratory scientists' body of knowledge;
• use both verbal and written communication skills effectively;
• be committed to the profession by providing accurate and precise laboratory results to support quality patient care;
• exercise principles of ethics;
• maintain and promote safety;
• employ management and supervision principles to maintain competence and advance the profession;
• exhibit professionalism;
• participate in continuing professional development to maintain competence;
• be a positive steward of the profession.