The Clinical Laboratory Technology (CLT) program prepares individuals for rewarding professional careers that combine medicine and science. Students learn to perform diagnostic analyses using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, interpret test results, and consult with physicians in determining and monitoring necessary treatment for patients. The program integrates general education and professional courses with hands-on experiences in a variety of clinical lab settings. Online education is combined with on-campus labs to prepare students with the technical skills needed to work in the following laboratory departments: hematology, microbiology, chemistry, blood bank, immunology, microscopy and phlebotomy. Upon completion of the associate degree, students are eligible to sit for a national certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The clinical laboratory assistant (CLA) program leads to a basic vocational certificate and provides students with the skills necessary to collect and process specimens, prepare slides, set up cultures, and perform point-of-care testing procedures.
Accreditation
The Clinical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 773-714-8880
naacls.org
Entrance Requirements: Clinical Laboratory Technology and for Clinical Lab Assistant
1. Proof of High School diploma or High School equivalency
2. Successful completion with a grade of C or better in within 10 years:
- BIO 110
- CHM 101 or CHM 112 or grade of C or better in one year high school chemistry if graduated in the past five years.
- Algebra: MTH 098 or MTH 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
- Geometry: MTH 097 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
General education courses required for degree completion (may be taken before the program enrollment) must be completed with a C or better, math and science courses must be completed within 10 years
General education courses required for degree completion (may be taken before the program enrollment) must be completed with a C or better, math and science courses must be completed within 10 years
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| Social/Behavioral Science | ||
| Math and Science | ||
| BIO 240 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| or BIO 245 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | |
| and BIO 246 | ||
| BIO 265 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 113 | Molecular & Cellular Biology (or ) | 4 |
| or CHM 170 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | |
| CHM 142 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| MTH 112 | College Algebra | 4 |
Admission Procedures
Admission to the program is selective. For more information, please see the admission requirements.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all required courses with grades of C or better to be eligible to sit for the medical laboratory technician certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Prior credits in biology, chemistry, or mathematics must have been earned within the last 10 years. Students must provide their own uniform and transportation to and from all clinical sites.
Students who complete the clinical laboratory assistant certificate and who continue in the CLT program will receive credit for CLT 100 Intro to Clinical Lab Technology and CLT 120 Clinical Lab Technology Practicum I.
Policies and Procedures
Students applying to health professions programs must complete a background check and drug screen in order to be part of the health profession’s program. Students must complete these requirements in order to complete required clinical training (internships). Students demonstrating a positive background check or drug screen will be denied admission to any health professions program.
Health professions students will be required to update their drug test, TB test and flu vaccination on an annual basis. Some clinical affiliates also require a repeat background check. Students demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the health professions division.
These standards, policies, and procedures of the clinical laboratory technology program are published in the clinical laboratory technology student handbook.
- Collect and process specimens independently.
- Apply test principles in the performance of diagnostic lab analyses.
- Correlate test results with clinical disease states.
- Evaluate quality control results before reporting test results.
- Follow established laboratory safety policies.
- Organize and prioritize tasks appropriately.
- Initiate measures to correct technical problems.
- Maintain quality performance under stress.
- Convey written and verbal information to others in a timely manner.
- Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Use computer technology to operate equipment and manage information.
- Develop a sense of responsibility to the patient and the employer.
- Treat co-workers with respect and maintain professionalism in appearance and conduct.
- Remain adaptable to changes that occur in the profession.
- Grow intellectually through continuing education.
Clinical Laboratory Technology - Associate of Applied Science
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 5-8 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| MTH 112 | College Algebra | 4 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 2.5-5 | |
| Intro to Clinical Lab Technology | ||
| Clinical Lab Assistant Skills I and Clinical Lab Assistant Skills II | ||
| CLT 120 | Clinical Lab Technology Practicum I | 0.5 |
| Total | 15-20.5 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CHM 142 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | |
| CLT 110 | Clinical Microscopy | 3 |
| CLT 112 | Clinical Hematology | 3.5 |
| Total | 17.5 | |
| First Summer Semester | ||
| BIO 265 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CLT 114 | Clinical Immunology | 2.5 |
| Total | 6.5 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| BIO 113 or CHM 170 | Molecular & Cellular Biology or Elementary Organic Chemistry | 4-5 |
| CLT 210 | Clinical Chemistry | 3.5 |
| CLT 212 | Clinical Microbiology | 3.5 |
| CLT 220 | Clinical Lab Technology Practicum II | 5 |
| Total | 16-17 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Required Humanities/Fine Arts Course | 3 | |
| CLT 214 | Clinical Immunohematology | 3 |
| CLT 222 | Clinical Lab Technology Pract III | 5 |
| CLT 230 | Clinical Lab Technology Conference | 1 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Program Total | 67-73.5 | |
Clinical Laboratory Assistant - Basic Vocational Specialist
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CLT 101 | Phlebotomy | 3.5 |
| CLT 105 | Clinical Lab Assistant Skills I | 2 |
| CLT 106 | Clinical Lab Assistant Skills II | 3 |
| Total | 8.5 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CLT 120 | Clinical Lab Technology Practicum I 1 | 1.5 |
| Total | 1.5 | |
| Program Total | 10 | |
- 1
Students with one year of full-time phlebotomy experience may apply for proficiency credit for CLT 120 Clinical Lab Technology Practicum I.
All CLT courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement in the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
CLT 100 Intro to Clinical Lab Technology (2.5)(2,1)
This introductory course will familiarize the student with the professional responsibilities of the clinical laboratory technician. Units on medical terminology, laboratory safety, infection control, use of diagnostic equipment, and quality control will be covered. Students develop basic phlebotomy skills in preparation for CLT 120. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 ME) Pass/No Credit Not Available
Clinical Laboratory Technology Program
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $487.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Clinical Laboratory Technology program or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
CLT 101 Phlebotomy (3.5)(2,3)
Students will learn basic techniques for blood specimen collection. Units on anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, medical terminology, specimen processing, laboratory safety, infection control, quality control, and professional skills will also be covered. Students who wish to become certified as phlebotomy technicians must also complete 1.5 credits of CLT 120. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
Clinical Laboratory Technology Program
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $622.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Phlebotomy or Medical Assisting program.
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
CLT 105 Clinical Lab Assistant Skills I (2)(1,2)
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant is an important member of the clinical laboratory team. CLAs are responsible for specimen collection and processing, reagent preparation, instrument maintenance, and performance of basic laboratory tests. Units on medical terminology, laboratory safety, infection control, use of diagnostic equipment, quality control, customer service skills, and laboratory information systems will be covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 ME) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $370 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Clinical Laboratory Assistant program or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
CLT 106 Clinical Lab Assistant Skills II (3)(2,2)
This course builds on the skills learned in CLT 105. Students will perform basic laboratory procedures in urinalysis, hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Students who successfully complete CLT 105 and CLT 106 will be granted credit for CLT 100 in the Clinical Laboratory Technician program. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 ME) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $505 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CLT 105 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
CLT 110 Clinical Microscopy (3)(2,2)
Students will learn basic microscopy techniques used in performing body fluid analyses. Anatomy and physiology of the urinary system, renal disease states, diagnostic test principles and procedures, and clinical correlation of lab results will be covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $555 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 240 or BIO 246 and CLT 100 or CLT 106 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
CLT 112 Clinical Hematology (3.5)(2,3)
Students will learn basic lab techniques used in performing hematology/hemostasis analyses. Hematopoiesis, hematologic disorders, diagnostic test principles and procedures, instrumentation, and clinical correlation of lab results will be covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $622.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 240 or BIO 246 and CLT 100 or CLT 106 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
CLT 114 Clinical Immunology (2.5)(2,1)
Students will learn basic lab techniques used in performing serologic analyses. The immune system, the immune response in health and disease, diagnostic test principles and procedures, and clinical correlation of lab results will be covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $487.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 240 or BIO 246 and CLT 100 or CLT 106 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Summer
CLT 120 Clinical Lab Technology Practicum I (.5-1.5)(0,1.5)
(0, 1.5-1.5) Practicum I will provide the student with supervised clinical experience in a phlebotomy setting. Students who have completed CLT 101 and earn 1.5 credits of CLT 120 are eligible to take a national certification exam for phlebotomy technicians. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $352.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
CLT 210 Clinical Chemistry (3.5)(2,3)
Students will learn basic lab techniques used in performing biochemical analyses. Units on carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes, hormones, electrolytes, and toxicology will include diagnostic test principles and procedures, instrumentation, and clinical correlation of lab results. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $622.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CHM 142 and CLT 100 or CLT 106 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
CLT 212 Clinical Microbiology (3.5)(2,3)
Students will learn sterile techniques used to isolate and identify microorganisms. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and clinical correlation of lab results will be covered. Supplemental units on parasitology, mycology, and virology will be introduced. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $622.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIO 265 and CLT 100 or CLT 106 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
CLT 214 Clinical Immunohematology (3)(2,2)
Students will learn basic lab techniques used in blood typing, compatibility testing, and antibody identification. Other functions of the blood bank including donor blood collection, screening, and component processing will be covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $555 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CLT 114 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
CLT 220 Clinical Lab Technology Practicum II (5)(0,15)
Practicum II will provide the student with supervised experience in a clinical laboratory. Student rotations will be scheduled in hematology and chemistry departments. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $825 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CLT 110, CLT 112 and CLT 210 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
CLT 222 Clinical Lab Technology Pract III (5)(0,15)
Practicum III will provide the student with additional supervised experience in a clinical laboratory. Student rotations will be scheduled in immunology, microbiology, and blood bank departments. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7 fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $825 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CLT 114, CLT 212, and CLT 214 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
CLT 230 Clinical Lab Technology Conference (1)(1,0)
This capstone course will cover management and education topics related to clinical laboratory science. Students will prepare resumes, design and operate a mock laboratory, and review for certification exams. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program and come to an information session .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $285 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CLT 120 and CLT 220 or program director consent
Semester(s) Offered: Spring