Clinical Laboratory Science

Launch your career in medical diagnostics with SFSU's Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) post-baccalaureate certificate program. You’ll gain the hands-on skills and professional experience to work in hospital labs, public health labs and biotech settings across California. The CLS program has been preparing students for licensure and careers in clinical laboratory science since 1977.

Scientist looking into a microscope in a lab

Clinical Lab Science Curriculum

CLS program classes

CLS Curriculum

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Guidance for prospective students

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Apply

How to apply

How to Apply

Pre-CLS Courses

Prepare for the Clinical Lab Science Program

Get ready to apply to the Clinical Lab Science program by completing the required prerequisites. You don’t need to be an admitted SFSU student to take Pre-CLS courses.

Pre-CLS Courses

About the Clinical Laboratory Science Program

What You’ll Learn in the CLS Program

The SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) post-baccalaureate certificate and internship program is a 14-month, full-time program. You’ll begin with 16 weeks of lectures and lab work on campus, followed by a 40-week internship at one of our affiliated clinical lab sites.

After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take national certification exams and apply for a California CLS license.

You’ll gain hands-on skills to work in hospitals, clinics and research labs. CLS professionals also find careers in public health, private industry, education and lab management. Along the way, you’ll build critical thinking and decision-making skills for clinical and administrative roles in today’s healthcare field.

Why Choose the SFSU CLS Program?

The SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science program gives you a strong foundation and real-world experience to launch your healthcare career.

Comprehensive 14-month program
Start with four months of in-person coursework focused on core lab science skills, followed by a 10-month clinical internship.
Hands-on training with advanced equipment
Learn using the latest biomedical instruments, so you're ready for today’s lab environments.
Real-world lab skills
Build the practical skills employers look for. You’ll be prepared to work in clinical labs as soon as you graduate.
Smooth transition to clinical work
Enter your internship with confidence, backed by a strong foundation in lab science and hands-on experience.

You’ll graduate ready to take the state and national licensure exams and start your career as a clinical laboratory scientist.

Mission and Goals

Since 1977, the SFSU Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program has prepared students with the academic and hands-on training needed for entry-level careers in the field. The program blends a strong academic foundation with intensive technical development. You’ll also build skills in problem solving, evaluation, communication, research and leadership.

Our faculty take seriously the role CLS students play in patient testing and outcomes. To support this, the program has minimum technical standards you must meet, with or without documented accommodations, to participate and graduate.

The CLS program is committed to equal opportunity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.

Program Goals

Our goal is to prepare you to become a knowledgeable, skilled and respected clinical laboratory scientist. We also aim to support your growth as a lifelong learner with the potential to lead as a supervisor, manager or educator in the field.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Careers

Clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) are vital members of the healthcare team. You’ll perform lab tests on blood, body fluids and tissue samples to help doctors diagnose, treat and monitor disease. Your work supports patient care in areas like cancer detection, infection identification and chronic disease management.

As a CLS, you’ll use advanced lab instruments, microscopes and computer systems. You’ll work in fields like:

Clinical chemistry
Hematology
Immunology
Microbiology
Molecular biology

You’ll need strong problem-solving and communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

To succeed in the program, you must meet essential requirements, such as:

Strong reading, writing and communication skills
Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills
Visual ability to analyze samples and data
The ability to manage time, think critically and maintain emotional stability

If you have a disability, reasonable accommodations may be available. Contact us to learn more.

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Cost and Length

Cost
$22,800, 38 units at $600 per unit
Gator Pass: Receive a free transit pass while enrolled. (Fall and spring only. $130 value per term.)

Length
14 months

When to Apply
Spring: March 28 to July 1
Fall: October 1 to December 1

Financial Aid

The CLS certificate program does not lead to a graduate degree, so graduate-level aid (like Grad PLUS loans) is not available. You may qualify for undergraduate-level aid if you enroll in at least 6 units during the semester you're requesting assistance.

Financial Aid

Licensure Requirement before Admission

You must hold or have applied for a CLS Trainee License from California Laboratory Field Services (LFS) to be admitted to the program.

Pre-CLS courses meet California Department of Public Health requirements for CLS and Limited CLS Trainee Licenses.

Laboratory Field Services

The program meets California’s education standards for CLS licensure through the California Department of Public Health, Center For Laboratory Sciences, Laboratory Field Services (LFS).