Clinical Laboratory Technician
FAQ
Is there a waiting list to enter the Clinical Laboratory Technician Program?
Currently, there is no waiting list. If you are qualified you may enter CLT Program in August. We accept up to seventeen students annually in August.
How do I know if the CLT Program and Clinical Laboratory profession are for me?
If you are curious and enjoy working in a world of discovery, uncovering clues and solving mysteries, then read on! If you like to help others, are honest and dependable, can handle pressure,
follow instructions well, and finish what you start, then this profession needs you! If you also like and do well in science and math, enjoy working with your hands and want to work on the
health care team, then the clinical laboratory profession is definitely for you. You are encouraged to visit the CLT student labs to learn ore about the work performed by the CLTs.
Where will I work?
As a clinical laboratory professional, you have an advantage over many other health professions in that you can be employed in different working environments. Most CLTs and CLSs work in
hospitals and physicians' clinics. Veterinary labs, industrial, pharmaceutical, environmental, and research laboratories also employ CLTs and CLSs. If you love adventure, overseas employment
is available through oil companies, medical missions groups, Project HOPE, VISTA, Peace Corps, the military.
So why should I become a clinical laboratory professional?
There are many advantages to choosing the clinical laboratory profession over a major in general biology or chemistry. With either two or four years of laboratory education, the clinical
laboratory professional can easily find a good paying job anywhere throughout the country. CLT starting salaries range from $27,000 - 36,000. In addition, one can choose to work part-time,
evenings or weekends, making it easier to attend college classes or raise a family while working. In this manner, many clinical laboratory professionals have earned advanced degrees
such as MBAs, PhDs, or MDs.
A career as a clinical laboratory professional is particularly appealing to science-oriented individuals who want to participate in health care. Clinical laboratory professionals all agree that there is a personal satisfaction gained from contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Currently, positions are plentiful locally and nationwide.
How do I prepare myself?
In high school, find out if you have the abilities for science and math by taking biology, chemistry, and algebra. Both levels of professional education require science and math course loads
with a minimum grade of C or better.
There are two educational levels available to gain entrance into the profession. To become a clinical laboratory technician (CLT), you need to be a high school graduate or equivalent and meet the eligibility criteria. The accredited program is two years in length and an associate degree is awarded. This is what ICC offers.
To be a (CLS) Clinical Lab Scientist, a baccalaureate degree is necessary. There are several options to obtain the degree. Option 1 is to be an CLT and complete an additional two years of college. Option 2 is to attend college for two years, taking a variety of courses including the basic sciences, and complete the baccalaureate degree in a two-year accredited clinical laboratory science. ICC's CLT Program graduates easily articulate to universities that offer the four year CLS/MT baccalaureate degree.