4+1 Track - Program Information

Clinical Laboratory Scientists, sometimes referred to as Medical Technologists, are key members of the health care team. They are concerned with the study and practice of diagnostic medicine and generate accurate and reliable test results in chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology and microbiology. The results provide valuable information that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Employment opportunities exist not only in hospitals and clinics, but also in physician offices, government agencies, industry, research, the armed forces and health related facilities. A severe shortage of clinical laboratory scientists exists and has generated a large demand for new graduates. In addition to immediate employment opportunities, many graduates attend medical school or pursue graduate degrees in science, management or education. The University of North Dakota has offered a degree in clinical laboratory science since 1949. The Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), which is located at 600 N River Road. Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018. The CLS program offers a 4 + 1 curriculum plan. A student is eligible for this program if they have earned a B.S. or B.A. degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Before a student can complete the final year of student (3 semesters of enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student the the following prerequisite courses must be completed:  

*contact academic advisor for a list of approved online course options
**online section offered directly by the UND CLS program

Upon successful completion of the required prerequisite coursework the 4 + 1 student applies to the second year of the professional program. The applicant must have a cumulative GPA of a least 2.8, and no more than one D in any math or science course. Exceptions for acceptance and continuance may be made by petitioning the CLS Professional and Academic Standards Committee.

A summer practicum experience on the UND campus in Grand Forks, ND is required, followed by approximately seven months in a clinical laboratory at an CLS clinical affiliate medical center Fall and Spring semester. There are special requirements prior to contact with patients and testing of patient specimens. The UND CLS program requires all students enrolled in the final year of study complete a UND School of Medicine approved background check prior to work with patients. All clinical affiliates require specific immunizations and testing to be completed (or a signed liability waiver) before entrance to the medical facility. Students are responsible for additional costs (above the cost of academic tutition and fees) that include: travel, housing, food, and summer lab course fees during the second year of the professional curriculum. The program has clinical affiliation agreements with over 60 medical centers in Arizone, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, South Dakota, Oklahoma and Oregon for the clinical experience.

A complete list and description of the current clinical sites is available at this web site. Upon completion of the 4 + 1 program the student will be eligible to take a national certification examination and become a certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Medical Technologist. The student receives B.S. in CLS from UND upon successful completion of the program of study.

The CLS program reserves the right to place on probation or to cancel the registration of any student whose performance in the classroom or clinical experience is unsatisfactory. Program accommodations for qualified handicapped persons will be reviewed upon notification of a prospective student's needs and limitations.

Curriculum (Final 3 semesters of study)

The total number of courses is: 22
Total number of academic credits is: 37

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