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Pre-Clinical Laboratory Sciences

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Program Information

The curriculum in Pre-Clinical Laboratory Sciences meets the minimum academic requirements for admission into the Bachelor of Science degree program in clinical laboratory sciences. Students intending to apply to a professional program at another institution should consult that institution's bulletin for specific pre-requisite courses. VCU offers Virginia's only Bachelor of Science degree program.

Admission to and satisfactory completion of the two-year preparation program offered by the College of Humanities and Sciences does not constitute admission to the professional program on the MCV Campus. In the fall of the year preceding the year of desired admission, the student must apply separately to the professional program on the MCV Campus through Undergraduate Admissions.

Admission into the program is based on scholastic record, demonstrated aptitude and interest and a personal interview conducted by the departmental admissions committee.

Advising Information

Prerequisite course work for students entering VCU before fall 2007

Prerequisites for students entering VCU in fall 2007

Additional requirements

Application information

Letters of recommendation

Pre-Clinical laboratory sciences listserve

CLLS 201- Introduction to Clinical Lab Sciences

Prerequisite course work for students entering VCU before fall 2007

To enter VCU’s traditional clinical laboratory science program, students take pre-requisite courses for a minimum of two years in the College of Humanities and Sciences and then, if accepted into the program, spend two years in the School of Allied Health Professions. Students who wish to enter the clinical laboratory sciences program during their third year should complete the necessary 60 hours of pre-requisites as first- and second-year students. The required course work and necessary pre-requisites can be found on the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences' web site. Course descriptions and their prerequisites are available in the undergraduate bulletin.

Prerequisites for those entering before fall 2007 are available on the graduation worksheet.

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Prerequisites for students entering VCU in fall 2007:

English Composition - three semesters

Mathematics (Additional mathematics or physics recommended) - one semester

Introductory Chemistry - two semesters (with laboratory)

Organic Chemistry or Quantitative Analysis - one semester

General Biology - one semester

Science Electives (anatomy and physiology recommended) - two semesters

Humanities or Visual and Performing Arts (select from courses in history, philosophy, political science, religion, foreign languages, literature, art history, or art appreciation) - one semester

Social Sciences (select from courses in anthropology, economics, geography, psychology, or sociology) - one semester

CLLS 201 (highly recommended) - one semester

Electives - Credits to make a minimum total of 60 credits.

Graduation worksheet

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Additional requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, there are "essential functions" (non-academic requirements) of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program that students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable. The following is a list of the essential technical abilities and skills applicants for admission must possess:

Manual Dexterity: Ability to use hand(s) or prosthetic devices with coordination.

Fine Motor: Ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices.

Mobility: Ability to maneuver in the laboratory and around instruments and in patient-care settings.

Vision: Ability to distinguish red, yellow, and blue colors; distinguish clear from cloudy and distinguish objects through a microscope.

Hearing: Ability to adapt with assistive devices (i.e., phone receivers, hearing aid, etc.).

Speech: Ability to verbally communicate in English.

Writing: Ability to communicate effectively in written form in English.

Reading: Ability to read, understand and follow directions printed in English.

Emotional Stability: Ability to work accurately and safely under stress, adapt to changing environments and prioritize tasks.

Personal Attributes: Must demonstrate integrity, responsibility, tolerance and respect.

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Application Information

Students should apply to the clinical laboratory sciences program by May 1, provided that all pre-requisite coursework can be completed by the beginning of the following fall semester. Admission is granted on a rolling basis after receipt of application materials. Applications received after May 1 will be considered if space is available.

The undergraduate admissions process is self-managed. Students are encouraged to obtain the applications and reference forms online. Applications also may be obtained from the office of undergraduate admissions in Sanger Hall on the MCV Campus, (804) 827-0152. P.O. Box 980632, Richmond, VA 23298-0632.

Competing the application process involves filling out the paper application, collecting two letters of recommendation, which must come from math or science faculty, writing a personal statement, collecting transcripts from high school and all college-level course work and completing the essential functions and program information sheets.

The Department of Clinical Lab Sciences offers open house, application information sessions on a monthly basis. Students are encouraged to contact the department at (804) 828-9469 to find out more information about the open house program.

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Letters of recommendation

The Office of Pre-Health Sciences advising does not collect letters of reference for pre-clinical laboratory science students. Students should collect the letters themselves and submit them, along with the application, transcripts and personal statement.

Provide a copy of the recommendation form and an envelope to individuals who will be writing your recommendations and ask that they return it by a specified date.

Further advice for collecting letters of recommendation is available here.

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Pre-Clinical laboratory sciences listserve

The pre-clinical lab sciences listserve is owned and maintained by the director of pre-health sciences advising. The purpose of the list is to publicize all activities that are relevant to the academic advising and application processes to the clinical lab sciences program. All students who have VCU e-mail addresses and have declared pre-clinical laboratory science concentrations are automatically added to the list each semester. Anyone is welcome to self subscribe to the list at: http://lists.vcu.edu/archives/index.html

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CLLS 201- Introduction to Clinical Lab Sciences

Each fall and spring semester, the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences offers a one-credit course, CLLS 201 Introduction to Clinical Lab Sciences. The course introduces undergraduates to the field and helps them gain practical exposure to the field while pursuing pre-requisite course work. It is recommended that pre-clinical lab sciences students take this course in their freshman year or the semester directly after transfer into VCU.

Interviewing Procedures and Suggestions

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