UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2009-2010

College of Health Sciences

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

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• Admission and Course of Study

• Courses: Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Clinical laboratory scientists can apply a strong educational background in basic and medical sciences to a variety of career options.

Medical Technology. Medical technologists are trained in the theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory medicine, which are critical to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Medical technology offers a wide variety of career options, including hospitals, clinics, independent laboratories, public health facilities, business, industry, research, sales and marketing. Students also may use this major to prepare for medical or graduate school. Students successfully completing this program are eligible to sit for national certification exams. The UWM Medical Technology Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), www.naacls.org; located at 8410 W. Bryn Maur Ave., Suite 670, Chicago, IL 60631.

Cytotechnology. Cytotechnologists examine human cells under the microscope, looking for early signs of cancer or other diseases. When abnormal cells are detected, the cytotechnologist works with a pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis. The Cytotechnology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), www.caahep.org; located at 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Students successfully completing this program are eligible to sit for a national certification exam.

Biomedical Science. This submajor provides excellent preparation for medical, physician assistant, dental, or veterinary school, biomedical research, forensic science, or employment with pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.

Radiologic Technology. Radiologic technologists, or radiographers, may use x-rays or administer contrast media to produce images of the human skeleton and chest or digestive tract and urinary system. The radiographer works closely with the radiologist or physician. Students complete the first two years on campus before applying to progress through the clinical or professional training. The last two years of professional training (24 months) occur on site in the hospital. Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree, students are eligible to write the national registration exam offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.arrt.org). The Radiologic Technology clinical training programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), www.jrcert.org; located at 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography. By using high-frequency sound waves or ultrasound, sonographers produce images of soft tissue and blood flow to assist with the diagnostic process or administration of therapeutic application. Sonography is used to examine the abdomen, breast tissue, female reproductive system, urinary system, heart, and blood vessels. In addition, sound waves are used to guide fine-needle biopsy. Diagnostic Medical Sonography students complete the first two years of course work on campus before applying to progress through the professional (clinical) training, which takes two years (24 months) and is completed at one of the clinical training sites. Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science degree, students are eligible to write the national board exam offered through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.ardms.org). The Diagnostic Medical Sonography clinical training programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), www.jrcdms.org; located at 2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125.

Public Health Microbiology. Public health microbiology prepares students for a career in the laboratory disciplines of public health. Specifically, students will be educated in a broad range of the sciences in order to perform investigatory and laboratory-based analysis of environmental samples for microbial contaminants of interest. Emphasis is placed on pathogenic disease and the human populations that they affect. Students successfully completing this program may sit for national certification exams.

ADMISSION AND COURSE OF STUDY

Students in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences major are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion of all requirements. Students choose one of the following six areas or submajors: Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Cytotechnology, Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or Public Health Microbiology. All CLS students will be required to comply with a background check and maintain health insurance during the professional training experience.

Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Cytotechnology, or Public Health Microbiology. For students pursuing Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, or Cytotechnology, the junior year consists primarily of pre-clinical courses, and the senior year is a 12-month professional training experience. Students in the Public Health Microbiology submajor complete an eight-week internship with City of Milwaukee Health Department. The process of application to the professional training occurs at the end of the first semester of the junior year.

Entry into professional training or internship is competitive and dependent upon:

Students who meet these minimum requirements for entry into professional training will be evaluated on the basis of their science GPA for placement at one of the training sites.

To remain eligible to continue in the professional training, students must earn a grade of C or better in all senior-level courses. Medical technology and cytotechnology students must be prepared for full-time study (40 hours per week) that could also require additional study time at night and on weekends.

Curriculum for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Major
(Medical Technology, Cytotechnology, Biomedical Sciences)

Medical Technology Submajor

Cytotechnology Submajor

Biomedical Science Submajor

¹ Prereq. for Chem 102 is Math 105 (Intermediate Algebra) and Chem 100 (Chemical Science
or appropriate placement test score.
² Strongly recommended, not required.
³ Or equivalent computer course or competency exam.* General Education Requirements must be satisfied using elective credits.

Curriculum for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Major (Public Health Microbiology)

*Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in these required
science courses. Electives must be used to satisfy the GER distribution requirement of 3 cr. fine arts,
6 cr. humanities, and 6 cr. social science.

Radiologic Technology. Students pursuing Radiologic Technology complete the freshman and sophomore years on campus. Students accepted into the professional training component complete the junior and senior years at a hospital site off campus. Entry into professional training is competitive and dependent upon:

Additional requirements vary by clinical training site and program. Please contact Susan Gruzis at (414) 229-2758 for specific information.

Students who meet minimum requirements for entry into professional training will be evaluated on the basis of their science GPA for placement at one of the training sites. To remain eligible to continue in the professional training, students must earn a grade of C or better in all junior and senior level courses. Currently, the College of Health Sciences is affiliated with St. Luke’s Medical Center, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, and Columbia-St. Mary's Hospitals as sites for those considering Radiologic Technology. The professional training is very time intensive, requiring students to commit to a 40+-hour week. Clinical admission is competitive, and final admit decisions rest with the program directors at the training sites.

Prior to the start of the professional training, students will be required to comply with a background check. In addition, all Clinical Laboratory Sciences students are required to maintain health insurance during the professional training experience.

*The 9 cr of GER electives must be distributed as 3 cr GER Humanities, 3 cr GER Arts,
and 3 cr GER Social Science. See GER Distribution Table in the Schedule of Classes.

Curriculum for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Major (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
General Option

Curriculum for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Major (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
Echocardiography Option

Certificate Program in Forensic Sciences

The Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program in the College of Health Sciences cooperates with the departments of Anthropology and Chemistry in the College of Letters and Science and the Criminal Justice Program in the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare to offer studies in forensic sciences. Certificates in Death Investigation, Forensic Sciences, and Forensic Toxicology are available. For more information, see the Forensic Sciences program description in the Inter-School/College section in this catalog.

Certificate Program in Nutrition

The Certificate in Nutrition may be awarded to eligible students concurrently with their bachelor’s degree, to students who have previously received a bachelor’s degree at UWM or another accredited institution, and to all other students who are eligible for admission to UWM.

The Nutrition Certificate Program offers students and human services professionals in the community a complement to their primary academic discipline. The nutrition certificate program will provide focused education on human nutrition and its relationship to wellness and the disease process. The application of this knowledge is designed to promote a healthier population in our community. The specialized study of human nutrition enhances the education of human service providers such as allied health professionals, nurses, social workers, health educators, public community & health specialists, as well as persons in the general public who have an interest in wellness and disease prevention.

To receive the certificate, students must complete all of the following courses and obtain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in these specific courses. At least one half of the credits must be taken at UW-Milwaukee.

Certificates are awarded upon completion of all requirements or at the time of graduation for students seeking a bachelor’s degree. Forms for declaring an intention to complete the Nutrition Certificate must be completed and are available in the Student Affairs Office, Merrill 115.

Certificate Program in Molecular Diagnostics

The certificate program in Molecular Diagnostics trains students in this newly emerging and rapidly evolving field of laboratory medicine. Students gain a solid foundation and basic skills necessary for professional employment in Molecular Diagnostic programs in university and hospital laboratories, in new test R&D applications, or in the biotechnology industries serving the Molecular Diagnostics communities.

The certificate is designed to augment the basic education and skills of students currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or Biological Sciences. With minimal additional courses, students will be able to complete a certificate in Molecular Diagnostics. Coursework will include lecture and laboratory courses that focus on application and preparation for a nationally recognized certification exam (NCA - National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel).

The certificate program will also be available to returning, non-degree students who wish additional credentials in Molecular Diagnostics for career development/enhancement.

Complete the following courses

Complete one of the following elective courses:

Although flexibility is built into this certificate program, students will be expected to have basic knowledge of microbiology and genetics and at least one advanced laboratory course (500 level or above) to qualify for the Molecular Diagnostics Certificate.

Courses

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Clinical Laboratory Sciences