Clinical Laboratory Science Admission Procedures
Admission to the program is competitive. Candidates are selected for a personal interview based on the following criteria:
- Bachelor's degree or college/university confirmation that a degree will be received upon completion of the program
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) overall and in the sciences; overall GPA and science GPA are based on all college course work, including any original grades for repeated courses
- Completion of the required prerequisite courses before the start of classes in August
Applicants who wish to apply to the program must submit a completed application, all official transcripts and three recommendation forms. The deadline for receipt of applications and transcripts is December 31 of the year prior to anticipated admission. All recommendation forms should be received by the time of interview. A letter of recommendation may be submitted in addition to but not in place of the required form. One class per year is accepted and classes begin the end of August. The interview date for the class of 2014-2015 is scheduled for January 8, 2014. Additional interview dates may become available if there are more than 16 interviewees.
Pre-requisites are:
| Biological Science | 15 total hours (to include) |
| General Biology or Anatomy & Physiology * | 8 |
| Microbiology * † | 4 |
| Immunology † | 3-4 |
| Chemistry | 16 total hours (to include) |
| Inorganic or Other Chemistry * | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry * † | 4 |
| Biochemistry or Quantitative Chemistry * | 4 |
| Mathematics | 6 total hours (to include) |
| College Algebra or higher | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Recommended Electives | 3 to 4 total hours |
| Genetics, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Virology, Mycology, Instrumental Analysis, Physics, Computer Science, Management, Accounting or Education courses (science courses should include a lab) | |
| * Must include a laboratory section † Must have been completed within the last seven years |
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Scott & White Program in CLS is affiliated with the following universities:
- Angelo State University
- Baylor University
- Louisiana Tech University
- Midwestern State University
- University of Mary Hardin Baylor
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas
Upon completion of the 12 month training program, credits earned (approximately 63) will be transferred to the student's university for completion of their degree.
Essential Functions
In addition to fulfilling the academic requirements, students accepted into the program should also be able to:
- Maneuver sufficiently to collect blood specimens and perform other work-related laboratory tasks in a timely manner
- Communicate effectively and professionally with peers, staff, faculty and patients
- Read and comprehend text, numbers and graphs displayed in print, on video and instrument display and printouts
- Demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language without assistance
- Interpret reactions on slides, media plates and in test tubes, etc., by visual characteristics and odor
- Exhibit the manual dexterity necessary to collect blood samples, process specimens, operate and repair laboratory instruments, equipment and computers, perform delicate procedures and all other aspects of laboratory testing that require eye-hand coordination
- Regularly meet the activity schedule of didactic and clinical instructors and supervisors to satisfy all performance requirements (objectives) of all clinical rotations and didactic instruction to include transportation to all clinical sites
- Carry or lift objects weighing up to 15 pounds
- Work quickly and accurately under stress, possessing the emotional and mental health to make sound judgments and complete all responsibilities
- Work in a thorough, careful, efficient, responsible and organized manner alone or as a laboratory team member
- Logically correlate information in order to solve problems
- Demonstrate ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, common sense and accountability in the clinical laboratory when dealing with peers, faculty, staff and patients
- Use interpersonal skills such as cooperation, confidentiality and attentiveness in a positive and tactful manner
- Measure, analyze, synthesize, integrate and apply information as it relates to laboratory testing and management
- Successfully complete written, oral or computer-based exams and assignments independently, perform required laboratory practice independently with and without supervision
- Follow verbal and written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform laboratory procedures.
More Information and Application
Request for Clinical Laboratory Science Information
Access Online:
Application for Admissions 
Note: Application and Essential functions only
CLS Recommendation Form
Note: Letter of Recommendation Form only
Request via mail
Mary Ruth Beckham M.Ed. MT(ASCP)
Director, Allied Health Education and Clinical Laboratory Science
Scott & White Program in Clinical Laboratory Science
2401 S. 31st St.
Temple, TX 76508
Phone: 254-724-5970
E-mail: mbeckham@swmail.sw.org 