Graduate Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science
Program Scope
The SF State Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Internship Certificate program provides students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to work in hospitals, clinics, and biomedical research environments. The program prepares students at the post-baccalaureate level to take the national board examination for certification as Clinical Laboratory Scientists. In addition, the program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and meets the educational standards required for licensure as a CLS by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services (LFS). The program seeks to develop critical thinking skills for clinical and administrative decision-making in the complex and ever-changing healthcare environment.
Career Outlook
Clinical laboratory scientists play a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, finding employment in diverse settings ranging from medical laboratories within expansive medical centers to community hospitals, public health clinics, biotech companies, and private industry. As healthcare continues to advance, the role of clinical laboratory scientists remains dynamic and integral to the overall improvement of patient care and medical innovations.
Admission to Program
Requirements are:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited university is required, with a preference given to biological sciences, chemistry, or health-related disciplines, with completion of specified prerequisite coursework. Students with international degrees should check the CLS website for more information (http://cls.sfsu.edu).
- An overall GPA of 3.0 or better, or a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter-units).
- International students must score at least 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, or a 550 on the paper-based test with a Test of Written English (TWE) of at least 4.
- Eligibility for a trainee license from the State of California Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services.
- A complete application form and three letters of reference.
- Proof of health insurance
- Background checks may be required.
- Meet SFSU CLS Internship essential standards per NAACLS Standard VIII.C by demonstrating excellence in cognitive abilities, psychomotor skills, affective capabilities, health attributes, and professional behaviors necessary for safe and effective clinical laboratory practice.
- Science course preparation must include:
- Fall 2025
- Courses in hematology, immunology, medical microbiology, quantitative chemistry analysis, biochemistry, physics, and college-level mathematics.
- Spring 2026
- Core prerequisites (must be completed within 5 years of admission): Hematology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology, and Quantitative Analysis
- Additional prerequisites (no time restriction): Biochemistry, Physics and College-level Mathematics
- Fall 2025
Curriculum
The CLS program consists of
- a 16-week semester of didactic and laboratory work and
- a 40-week off-campus internship at affiliated clinical laboratory sites.
Students enroll for 18 units for the pre-clinical semester. For the 40-week off-campus portion, students enroll in a combination of regular university sessions and special sessions through the College of Professional & Global Education.
First Semester
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLS 701 | Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis | 4 |
| CLS 706 | Contemporary Clinical Science Issues | 2 |
| CLS 731 | Clinical Hematology and Laboratory Application | 4 |
| CLS 753 | Clinical Microbiology for the Clinical Laboratory Science Intern | 4 |
| CLS 790 | Clinical Serology and Immunohematology | 4 |
Total Units First Semester: 18
Subsequent 40 Weeks
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLS 702 | Clinical Laboratory Science Internship I (4 units taken twice) | 8 |
| CLS 705 | Clinical Laboratory Science Internship II (3 units taken twice) | 6 |
| CLS 709 | Clinical Laboratory Science Internship III | 3 |
| CLS 707 | CLS Bridge to Clinical Practice | 3 |
Total Units Subsequent 40 Weeks: 20
Total Units for Entire Program: 38
English Proficiency Requirement
Level One
Students complete a proctored essay at the time of their application interview. If necessary, remediation will be fulfilled by successful completion of SCI 614 or equivalent.
Level Two
Successful completion of written professional documents as required for a leadership role in professional environments.