Apply to the CLS Program

To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree in any field. Preference is given to those with a background in biology, chemistry or health-related areas. You must also complete the following coursework:

Biology (18 semester units / 27 quarter units)
Required:

• Immunology (lab strongly recommended)
• Hematology (lab strongly recommended)
• Medical Microbiology (lab strongly recommended)

Recommended:
Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Anatomy/Physiology

Physics, Math or Statistics (3 semester units / 4.5 quarter units)

Chemistry (16 semester units / 24 quarter units)

• Quantitative Analysis or Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Chemistry or Biochemistry

Chemistry Course Requirements
Effective January 1, 2025

To meet the chemistry requirement for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) program at SFSU, you must complete 16 semester units / 24 quarter units of chemistry. These must include:

• Quantitative analysis or analytical chemistry, and
• Clinical chemistry or biochemistry

Course titles on your transcript must clearly show these topics. We follow California Regulations Section 1030.7 and do not accept substitutions.

Important: The CLS program does not review supplemental documents like letters, syllabi or course descriptions. Only official course titles on your transcript are used to verify requirements.

To apply to the SFSU CLS Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (required by Graduate Studies)
• Recent Coursework: Core prerequisite courses (Hematology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology and Quantitative Analysis) must be completed within five years of the application deadline
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Additional Requirements

• Your bachelor’s degree must appear on official transcripts
• You must hold or have applied for a CLS Trainee License from California Laboratory Field Services (LFS)
• All required coursework must be complete by the application deadline
  • If you're taking pre-CLS courses through SFSU, you must submit grade reports each semester and unofficial transcripts within two months of course completion

For questions, contact clsadvising@sfsu.edu.

If you completed your degree outside the U.S., follow these steps to apply:

1. Laboratory Field Services (LFS) Requirements

• Submit a credential evaluation to verify U.S. degree equivalency
  • Use a current NACES or AICE member agency
  • AICE evaluations must be dated after August 15, 2016
• Apply for a CLS Trainee License through LFS

2. English Language Proficiency Requirements

If your native language is not English, you must show English language proficiency to apply to the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program. This applies to all post-baccalaureate and graduate applicants, no matter your citizenship.

Submit an official English test score report to the Division of Graduate Studies. Test scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

If you earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a country where English is the native language, this requirement may be waived.

Be sure to follow each testing service’s instructions to send scores directly to SFSU.

Accepted English Tests and Minimum Scores

For questions, contact clsadvising@sfsu.edu.

To strengthen your application:

• Aim for high grades, especially in science, math and your last 60 semester units
• Earn B grades or higher in key courses like Quantitative Analysis, Biochemistry, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology and Medical Microbiology
• Get hands-on lab experience in biology and chemistry courses, preferably in person
• Additional lab work or clinical experience is a plus
• Follow all application instructions carefully to show your attention to detail and professionalism

1. Go to Cal State Apply
2. Click Add Program and select CLS Program and the term
3. Click the plus sign to begin your application
   Note: You can only upload four transcript files. Combine multiple transcripts into one file before uploading.

The application fee is $70.

• GPA: You must have a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate degree or in your last 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units after earning a post-bac degree).
• Essential Course Grade Sheet: Upload the Essential Course Grade Sheet (PDF) form to your Cal State Apply application. Applications without it will be denied.
• Statement of Interest: Upload a 500-word PDF explaining why you're pursuing CLS and how the program fits your goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters through Cal State Apply.
  • Letters must be from university instructors or workplace supervisors.
  • Only one may be from an online instructor.
  • Letters must be submitted by the recommender and received by the deadline.

Interviews are by invitation only for selected applicants. Dates may change without notice.

• Faculty Interview
  • Fall admission: Third week of August
  • Spring admission: Second week of January
• Clinical Affiliate Interview
  • Fall admission: Third week of October
  • Spring admission: Second week of March

You must submit proof of your CLS Trainee License or proof that your application is in process. Final admission is conditional on holding a valid license throughout the program.

• Must hold a California CLS Generalist Trainee License
• If your degree is from a country where English is the native language, TOEFL may be waived
• If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a degree from a non-waivered country, TOEFL scores are required

You must reapply through Cal State Apply. You can apply up to five times. Log in with your previous account, select the correct term, and re-add the CLS program if needed.