Why choose a career in Clinical Laboratory Science?
Clinical laboratory scientists (previously called medical technologists) are employed by medical facilities like hospitals to manage, design, and perform laboratory tests to aid in diagnosis and recovery of patients.
Employment of clinical laboratory scientists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures.
And, you will be paid well. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports the median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $49,310 in May 2014.
Why should I pick the Clinical Laboratory Science program at Gulf Coast State College?
For a career in clinical laboratory science, you need to earn your bachelor’s degree before being accepted into a bachelor degree program. Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida has some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, but provides high-quality education. Starting with a two-year degree in Clinical Laboratory Science AA University Transfer Track helps you save money on your overall education costs and prepares you for success at a top university in Florida.
Which Florida universities offer Clinical Laboratory Science programs?
This transfer track is designed to prepare students for upper division studies in clinical laboratory science programs. The University of West Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and Florida International University are among the accredited schools now offering bachelor degrees in clinical laboratory science. The track was designed in conjunction with the University of West Florida program. It is strongly recommended that students carefully examine the catalog of the university to which transfer is expected.
These upper division programs include a year of upper division work (accelerated program) at selected institutions or may be completed in a 2 + 1 program in which clinical training is completed after receipt of the B.S. degree. Admission to the clinical phase of the upper division program is usually competitive and usually requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all science or math/science courses attempted. Graduates are eligible to take the Registry Examination of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or the NCA. Passing these or similar tests is a general requirement for employment in the profession.
Contact the Clinical Laboratory Sciences a.a. advisor
Penni Beitzel
Assistant Professor
850-769-1551 ext 2866
pbeitzel@gulfcoast.edu