Categorical Tracks

Clinical laboratories are searching for well-trained individuals who have mastered the technical and analytical skills needed to work in specialized sections of clinical laboratory facilities. These Post-Baccalaureate Categorical Tracks are designed for just such people - those who are interested in pursuing rewarding professional careers that combine science and health care technology. Individuals who have completed a Bachelors Degree that included at least 30 semester credits of biology and chemistry courses are eligible for the Categorical Track of their choice. Laboratory Technologists who want to earn new or additional certification for job advancement or job mobility are also eligible for entry into a Categorical Track.

National certification in a specialty area of laboratory practice is your proof that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge and competence in your field. Employers seek certified individuals because they know that people with professional credentials can be counted on for the value-added expertise that is in such high demand today.

Individuals who complete a Track are eligible for categorical certification in their selected clinical laboratory discipline. Once certified, individuals may use the following designations with their names:

• C(ASCP) or CLS(C) for Clinical Chemistry
• BB(ASCP) or CLS(IH) for Blood Banking/Immunohematology
• M(ASCP) or CLS(M) for Microbiology
• H(ASCP) or CLS(H) for Hematology

Categorical Tracks are conducted under the auspices of our fully accredited program in Medical Technology. Each of the Categorical Tracks is offered in accelerated (3 semesters) or extended (5 semesters) course sequences that are sensitive to people's busy schedules. A full-time option is also available. Most students should be able to complete their selected Track within one year.

What Do You Need to Apply?

• Bachelors Degree from an Accredited College/University with at least 30 semester hours of biology and/or chemistry courses (you must earn a grade of 'C' or better in each prerequisite course):

• Completed application form and official transcripts
• If foreign student, foreign transcript evaluation & 550 on TOEFL

View more information on Admission to these programs

Clinical Chemistry Categorical Track
Total Credits: 21

Clinical chemists analyze blood and body fluids to determine the physiological health of the patient. Utilizing state of the art instrumentation to measure enzyme activity, blood gas saturation, concentration of drugs and glucose, the clinical chemist determines the biochemical parameters of blood and body fluids to help physicians in the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases.

View the Clinical Chemistry Curriculum

Blood Banking /Immunohematology Categorical Track
Total Credits

View the Blood Banking/Immunohematology Curriculum

Clinical Microbiology Categorical Track
Total Credits: 21

Microbiologists culture, isolate and diagnose bacteria, parasites and viruses to identify the causes of diseases and determine the appropriate antibiotics needed for treatment. The constant discovery of newly mutated and therapy-resistant organisms, as well as the importance of identifying and neutralizing potential biological attack agents, means that the role of the microbiologist will become increasingly important.

View the Microbiology Curriculum

Hematology Categorical Track
Total Credits: 22

Hematologists analyze the function and formation of red and white blood cells and other elements of blood and body fluids as well as monitoring the components of the coagulation system. By monitoring normal and abnormal cells, and assessing concentrations of coagulation factors, the hematologist provides health practitioners with the information necessary to ensure that therapy and treatment are appropriate for each patient.

View the Hematology Curriculum

NOTE: You need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in order to view the Curriculum files above. Download it for free.