Clinical Laboratory Training Programs
Doctors and other healthcare workers make critical decisions based on the validity of that data, which plays a central role in disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), also known as Medical Technologists or Medical Laboratory Scientists, are healthcare professionals who ensure the quality of patient laboratory results.
Cedars-Sinai provides a one-year clinical laboratory scientist hands-on clinical experience in conjunction with California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA).
CLS Clinical Rotation
Students are chosen for the one-year hands-on clinical program not only on the basis of their academic performance in baccalaureate or postgraduate work, but also on qualities such as service work and communication skills.
The program include 32 hours per week of laboratory rotations at Cedars-Sinai, as well as six to eight hours of classroom instruction provided by the schools each week.
Interested students should apply to CSUDH and CSULA programs, affiliates of Cedars-Sinai, who are responsible for accepting students into their programs and set the admission criteria.
Histotechnology Clinical Rotation
Histotechnicians work in laboratory settings to prepare ultra-thin samples of human or other biological tissues for microscopic examination.
Cedars-Sinai is affiliated with Mt. San Antonio College's (Mt. SAC) Histotechnology program in which students earn an Associate of Science Degree.
Students apply to Mt. SAC for the classroom portions of the program. They complete their clinical rotations at off-campus locations, including Cedars-Sinai.
Certification and Licensing
Upon successful completion of these programs, students are eligible to take one or more the following credentialing examinations.
American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP). Passing the ASCP exam allows the technologist to use MLS (ASCP) CM after their name, signifying certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. They are then registered with ASCP and eligible for affiliate membership.
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Board of Registry. Passing the AAB exam allows the technologist to use MT after their name, signifying certification as a Medical Technologist. They are then registered with AAB and eligible for affiliate membership.
California State Department of Health Laboratory Field Services (LFS). Passing either ASCP or AAB exams allows the technologist to apply for licensure by the state of California. This license must be renewed biannually and requires the completion of 24 units of approved continuing education.
Cedars-Sinai Scholarships
Students selected to participate in Cedars-Sinai clinical laboratory rotations are eligible for scholarship, provided that they maintain the minimum GPA requirements. Scholarships are $750 a month for the 12-month rotation period.
For more information, please contact Angela Aguiluz, Associate Director, Path and Lab Medicine at angela.aguiluz@cshs.org.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Contact us if you have questions or would like more information about the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Programs at Cedars-Sinai.