FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How is CLS different from a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or chemistry?

2. What if I already have a Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry?

3. I'm an International student, how do I apply to KU's CLS program?

1. How is CLS different from a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or chemistry?

The traditional academic coursework in biology or chemistry does not provide the required laboratory skills, clinical correlations, exposure to the sophisticated instrumentation, test methodologies or quality control content needed to function proficiently in a clinical laboratory. Clinical laboratories are held to a different standard than seen in academic or research laboratories.

On-the-job training for persons with the traditional biology or chemistry degrees is costly and time-prohibitive except for selected, narrow applicants. Furthermore, non-certified personnel have a lower wage range. Laboratory certification agencies have regulations regarding the qualifications and certification of persons working in laboratories, just as there are regulations requiring specific training for nurses, x-ray technicians and other medical professionals.

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2. What if I already have a Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry?

All students accepted into the CLS program at KUMC must satisfy our degree requirements for a bachelor of science in CLS. Students who already have a degree in biology or chemistry that satisfy the requirements will receive a second degree upon completion of the professional component.

Another option for those who already have earned a baccalaureate degree and who may already be employed in some capacity in a clinical laboratory is to complete the education requirements that would confer eligibility for Categorical Certification in either Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, or Microbiology.

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3. I'm an International student, how do I apply to KU's CLS program?

International students interested in applying to the CLS department need to contact the International Programs Office at KUMC (913-588-1485) to obtain the most current Visa I-20 requirements.

Students for whom English is a second language must satisfy additional requirements. Please consult the KUMC Office of International Programs for more information, including minimum test scores for admission to the CLS program. Please note: the field of CLS demands a strong command of English for employment. CLS applicants must achieve higher scores than other KUMC students on two components:

1. Internet-based TOEFL: the speaking section is required for CLS students, and a minimum score of 26 or higher is required.
   
   
2. Paper-based TOEFL: a minimum score of 5 is required on the written portion for CLS students.

For more details on application requirements, including international student information, please review our application packet.

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