CLS Program Mission, Goals & Outcomes

Program Mission Statement:

The mission of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) program at New York Medical College is to impart knowledge and technical skills in an atmosphere of excellence, scholarship and professionalism, necessary to become a proficient clinical laboratory scientist. The CLS program offers a learning environment in which the student acquires practical laboratory knowledge and critical thinking skills, while having access to theoretical training by highly qualified instructors. New York Medical College believes that the rich diversity of its student body and faculty are important to its mission of educating outstanding healthcare professionals for the multicultural world of today.

Program Goals

The goal of the program is to prepare each student to qualify for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) exam for national certification and/or individual state CLS licensure exam and successfully secure an entry-level position in a Medical Institution. Upon completion of the program, the student will have completed graduate credits toward the Master of Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree at NYMC.

The goals of the CLS program at NYMC is to provide the students with:

• The necessary training and education in the theories and practices of laboratory medicine.
• Instruction in the clinical significance of laboratory procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• The skills necessary for problem solving, maintenance and troubleshooting while performing manual testing as well as using state of the art instrumentation.
• The exposure to journals, staff conferences, meetings and seminars to instill in the student the realization that the continual acquisition of knowledge is essential for professional development.
• The understanding of the principles and practices of quality assurance, research and educational methods, as well as personnel and business management in a clinical laboratory setting.
• A curriculum and clinical experience in which the students can develop and mature in their professional judgments and communications with the healthcare team and others.
• Examples of professionalism, leadership and integrity while instructing the students on issues regarding patient rights, patient privacy and compliance with all regulatory agencies.
• The preparation required to graduate, qualify and pass the examination for certification and licensure, along with developing the characteristics necessary to produce certified and licensed healthcare professionals who possesses an understanding and respect for all individuals in society.
• Continuous systematic evaluation and necessary modifications, of all program processes, to ensure the effectiveness of the program.

Program Graduate Competencies

The Graduate Clinical Laboratory Scientist, at entry-level, will have basic knowledge and skills for:

• Adherence to standard operating procedures, preparation of instruments for testing and accurate performance of quality control.
• Performing diverse and multilevel functions in the principles, methodologies and performance of laboratory assays exercising skills in problem solving, troubleshooting and evaluation of clinical procedures and laboratory results.
• Development and evaluation of procedures and implementation of new test systems, correlation of test results and ensuring accuracy and validity of laboratory information.
• Statistical application for data evaluation as well as the principles and practices of quality assurance and continuous quality improvement.
• Directing and supervising of clinical laboratory operations along with managing budgets and personnel in the clinical laboratory.
• Demonstrating ethical and moral principles and practices of professional conduct and the communication skills necessary to educate and serve the needs of the patients, the public and the healthcare team.
• Adherence to all safety, government and regulatory agency regulations and standards for clinical laboratories.
• Understanding that continuous acquisition of clinical knowledge is essential for professional development and competence.

Download the CLS Student Handbook from the GSBMS Policies page for more information.

NAACLS-derived Program Outcomes (%)¹

1. ^{Percentage of students who complete the program after completing half (one semester).}
2. ^{The percentage of students who pass the ASCP certification examination when taken within the first year of eligibility.}
3. ^{The percentage of students who succeed in finding employment (for those who seek employment) within 6 months of completing the program.}
4. ^{The percentage of students who complete the CLS program and graduate with a masters degree within 5 years of beginning the program.}
5. ^{Percentage of students who did not complete the program after completing half (one semester).}