Clinical laboratory science (CLS) major offers, through its affiliation with hospital schools, the opportunity to complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in four years, with a clinical rotation at an accredited hospital school. CLS majors complete three years in a biology-based curriculum on campus, and then apply for acceptance to an affiliated hospital program at the end of their fourth semester for entry into the clinical year in their seventh semester. Admission to a hospital school program is not guaranteed, but Misericordia University maintains a very high acceptance rate. Following the hospital program, the student is eligible to sit for their national certification examinations offered by the Board of Registry of Clinical Laboratory Scientists and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

What makes Misericordia’s CLS program stand out from all the rest:

Our mission is to provide students with quality educational experiences that produce a clinical laboratory professional with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and liberal arts education necessary to success in the clinical laboratory. Our program meets or exceeds all requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Clinical Laboratory Science degree earned:

• Bachelor in Science in Clinical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science Affiliates are with affiliated hospital programs at:

• Guthrie Health System: Robert Packer Hospital Campus, Sayre, Pennsylvania
• PA College of Health Sciences: Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• UPMC Susquehanna: Williamsport Regional Medical Center, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

CLS students will obtain the following program Goals and Outcomes:

• Provide a quality education in the biological sciences
• Stimulate a student’s innate curiosity for lifelong learning
• Develop an understanding of the scientific process and its application
• Provide the tools and promote knowledge for future opportunities and endeavors, and to develop involved members of the community
• Identify and explain fundamental biological concepts and principles
• Apply knowledge of biological concepts to formulate questions and hypotheses
• Demonstrate ability to find, read, understand, and critically evaluate research
• Use the scientific method to develop design and execute experiments
• Collect and analyze data
• Communicate findings both orally and in written forms
• Develop experimental skills & techniques used in laboratory and field research
• Recognize their own ability to make positive contributions to the communities
• Promote awareness of job and/or graduate opportunities

CLS students have gone on to achieve employment at:

• Wellspan Health
• Specialized in Pathology Field
• Geisinger Health System • Director of Microbiology Lab at Williamsport Hospital
• Have gone on to Physician Assistant Graduate School at Misericordia University

First Year

Sophomore Year*

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total required for graduation 128 credits

* Apply to hospital at end of sophomore year

CLS 400 Clinical Microbiology, 8 credits

Identification and clinical pathology of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Techniques to isolate, stain, and culture, and to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. Instrumentation; quality control.
Fall only

CLS 401 Clinical Chemistry, 7 credits

Enzymology, endocrinology, biochemistry of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, metabolism of nitrogenous end products, physiology and metabolism of fluids and electrolytes, and toxicology as related to the body and diseases. The technical procedures include colorimetry, spectrophometry electrophoresis, chromatography, automation, and quality control.
Fall only

CLS 402 Clinical Hematology/Coagulation, 5 credits

The composition and function of blood; diseases related to blood disorders; the role of platelets and coagulation. Manual and automated techniques of diagnostic tests for abnormalities.
Spring only

CLS 403 Clinical Immunohematology, 4 credits

Blood antigens, antibodies, crossmatching, hemolytic diseases, and related diagnostic tests. An in-depth study of blood donor service and its many facets such as transfusions, medico-legal aspects, etc.
Spring only

CLS 404 Clinical Immunology/Serology, 4 credits

Immune response, immunoglobulins, autoimmunity, and complement and related tests and diseases. Survey and demonstration of serological diagnostic tests.
Spring only

CLS 405 Clinical Seminar, 2 credits

Other courses which are not included in the above (such as orientation, laboratory management, education, clinical microscopy) and are unique to the individual hospital program.
Spring only

CLS 480 Independent Study, 1-3 credits

Special investigation of a selected topic.

Guthrie Health System
Medical Laboratory Science
Robert Packer Hospital Campus, Sayre, PA
Program Director: Brian Spezialetti, MS, MT (ASCP)*

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Medical Laboratory Science
Lancaster General Hospital Campus, Lancaster, PA
Program Director: Carol Bond, MA, MT (ASCP) *

UPMC Susquehanna
Clinical Laboratory Science
Williamsport Regional Medical Center, Williamsport, PA
Program Director: Christine Wheary, MS, MT (ASCP)*

*Misericordia University Adjunct Faculty Courtesy Appointments