Major Maps

Students in the pre-health major in clinical laboratory sciences must complete the two-year program requirements (a total minimum of 60 credits) for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in clinical laboratory sciences offered by the VCU School of Allied Health Professions. Applications to the program are normally submitted in spring of the sophomore year. Students apply to the baccalaureate program through Undergraduate Admissions in the spring of the year preceding entrance. For example, if a student is planning to start the program in fall of 2018, they would begin the admissions process at the start of the spring semester of 2018. All prerequisite coursework should be completed by the summer of the year of desired admission. For example, if a student plans on entering the program in fall of 2018, the course work must be completed by the summer of 2018 (before entrance).

Completion of the pre-health major in clinical laboratory sciences does not guarantee admission to the junior- and senior-year program for the B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences nor does it result in a college degree. Students must be admitted to and complete the baccalaureate program to earn a B.S. degree in clinical laboratory sciences. Admission into the program is based on scholastic record, demonstrated aptitude and interest, and a personal interview conducted by the departmental admissions committee. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a UAA pre-health major academic adviser to learn about admission requirements that are specific to the program and to speak about alternate/parallel majors. For more information about the admission requirements for the B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, visit the department’s website.

Clinical laboratory scientists and clinical laboratory technicians (medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians) perform lab tests to detect, diagnose and treat diseases. Most clinical laboratory personnel work in hospital laboratories. Many are also employed by private physicians, medical groups, public health and environmental laboratories, research facilities, pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, universities, industrial medical laboratories, molecular diagnostic laboratories and the armed forces. On the job, you would:

• Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
• Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.

With a Master's or Doctoral Degree, you could also manage a Clinical Laboratory or teach Clinical Laboratory Science courses in a postsecondary environment.

Current VCU students who wish to change their major to the pre-health major in clinical laboratory sciences must meet the following criteria to be considered for the major:

Minimum GPA of 2.5. No more than 75 credits completed. Students who do not meet these requirements may see a pre-health adviser, but they will be referred for programming and not assigned to an adviser.