About The Department

Welcome to the Clinical Laboratory Science Department (CLS) on the Jonesboro campus of Arkansas State University. The Clinical Laboratory Science Department has a responsible role in providing medical care information for a healthy Arkansas and nation. The two and four year graduates of the program enjoy 100% employment and the CLS Department has established a reputation of quality education and training by those who employ these clinical laboratory professionals.

If you have any questions about the Clinical Laboratory Science Department or your future as a clinical laboratory professional contact us by:

* Phone: 870-972-3073
* Fax: 870-972-2004
* Mail: P. O. Box 910, State University, AR 72467
* Personal Visits: 106 N. Caraway Road, Jonesboro, AR, Eugene W. Smith Hall Room 101

Sincerely,

John Landis, MS, MT(ASCP)
Acting Program Director
CLS Programs

Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Past & Present

In 1976, the Medical Technology Program at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center closed.  At that time, the program operated under a cooperative agreement between Arkansas State University and St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center. Arkansas State University and the Department of Biology assumed the responsibility for the program at that time and continued to provide laboratory professionals to the community and the area.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions was created in 1981 incorporating the Nursing, Medical Technology and Radiologic Programs as founding programs. In response to community needs and request, an Associate Degree in Science Program for Medical Laboratory Technicians was initiated in 1985 and in 1997 the degree was changed to an Associate of Applied Science.

Today, the AAS and BS Programs flourish, providing skilled and competent health care professionals who serve the needs of the citizens of the state of Arkansas and surrounding states. Graduates of the Clinical Laboratory Programs of ASU may be found across the country.

In 1997, a new curriculum was implemented which improved educational experiences for both programs. This curriculum is placed within the framework of four years, including two summer sessions, to permit students to achieve the status of Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MT). In addition students who complete the first two years, if they so desire, may achieve the same status of a Clinical Laboratory Technician (MLT). The curriculum is carefully articulated so that any student may proceed from the associate degree program, with continued education and demonstration of clinical competency, to complete the baccalaureate degree with no repetition of course work. Students who graduate from other institutions with an associate degree may continue their education to attain the baccalaureate degree with minimal repetition of courses.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Programs are fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 8410 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670, Chicago IL, 60631-3425. The telephone number is (773) 714-8886.  Successful completion of either program qualifies the graduate become certified through either of the following national certifying agencies:

Board of Registry
American Society for Clinical Pathology
P.O. Box 12277
Chicago, IL 60612-02277

National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
P.O. box 15945-289
Lenexa, KS 66285

Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

For questions concerning any of our degrees, please contact:
Valerie Long
Health Professions Academic Advisor
 870-972-3713
 vlong@astate.edu