Clinical Laboratory Science professionals are highly skilled scientists who discover the presence or absence of disease and provide data that help physicians determine the best treatment for the patient. Laboratory technologists and technicians play a crucial role in the process of providing personalized care. They generate vitally important data for identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other health conditions.

Clinical Laboratory Science professionals examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells to identify bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. They analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids, cross-match donor blood for transfusions, and test blood for drug levels to measure the efficacy of particular treatments. They also evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician. Every day, new advances in medical and scientific technology are creating more challenges and job opportunities in clinical laboratory settings, generating demand for Clinical Laboratory Science professionals.

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health Sciences Clinical Laboratory Sciences program is a university based 2+2 program, offering the student a Baccalaureate Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science within one of the three optional areas of special emphasis.

The Standard Option prepares a student for a career primarily in a clinical setting such as a hospital, physician's office, laboratory or a reference laboratory. The Pre-Medicine Option is for students pursing a graduate medical education through medical school, osteopathic school, veterinary school, or research graduate programs. The Pre-Physician Assistant Option is for students pursuing a graduate education in Physician Assistant studies.

Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science is considered a designation at Texas Tech University; it is not a major. Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science students take the required courses in order to apply to a Clinical Laboratory Science program.

Regardless of which degree-granting major a Pre-CLS student chooses at Texas Tech, they will always have a PPHC Advisor on their team. If you have any questions whatsoever about being Pre-PT, contact your assigned PPHC Advisor today!

Prerequisite courses for the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Clinical Laboratory Science Program:

• Recommended Social or Behavioral Sciences courses include courses in the Anthropology, Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, and/or Sociology fields.

• Recommended Social or Behavioral Sciences courses include courses in the Anthropology, Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, and/or Sociology fields.

• Recommended Social or Behavioral Sciences courses include courses in the Anthropology, Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, and/or Sociology fields.

PPHC Advisors have created a year-by-year PDF guide to being Pre-CLS (Standard Option).

PPHC Advisors have created a year-by-year PDF guide to being Pre-CLS (Pre-Medicine Option).

PPHC Advisors have created a year-by-year PDF guide to being Pre-CLS (Pre-Physician Assistant Option).

CLS Programs

To learn more about professional degree programs in clinical/medical lab sciences both in Texas and elsewhere, please visit the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) directory here.