About Us

The Profession

Clinical Laboratory Scientists are skilled professionals who perform and analyze laboratory tests used to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders. In addition to performing the many types of important laboratory tests, clinical laboratory scientists interpret data, analyze results, develop new procedures, manage information, and communicate with other members of the health care team. Specific knowledge and skills include culturing and identifying bacteria, using a microscope to differentiate cells, microorganisms, and crystals; and operating complex electronic instruments to analyze blood for the presence of normal, abnormal and malignant chemical elements, cells, and components. Clinical Laboratory Scientists determine drug levels to assess treatment and to detect drugs of abuse; prepare and select blood for transfusion; and evaluate the chemical, cellular, and immune composition of blood, and other body fluids. Other skills include operating sophisticated computerized instruments, data management, inventory control, and quality assurance.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists share certain characteristics: they share a strong desire to help others, they are problem solvers who enjoy challenge and responsibility, they have a high degree of commitment to their profession and a strong interest and ability in science. For those who choose a career in clinical laboratory science, the exploration never ends.

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities are excellent in this versatile profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that hospitals will need nearly 10,000 new clinical laboratory scientists each year. There is a critical shortage of clinical laboratory personnel and this shortage will likely become more acute in the near future. Clinical Laboratory Scientists have many choices for practice: in hospitals, physician’s office laboratories and reference laboratories. They can work in each of the major areas of the clinical laboratory: blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. In medical manufacturing and supply companies, clinical laboratory scientists develop, market, and sell products; conduct research; and monitor quality assurance. Additionally, graduates of the WVU Division of Medical Laboratory Science have the professional competence to work in public health, forensic, research, and fertility laboratories.

In addition, our graduates firmly believe that a degree in medical laboratory science from WVU is an excellent preparation for graduate school in the medical or dental professions or in the basic sciences.

History

The Medical Laboratory Science Program is the oldest allied health program at West Virginia University and was founded in 1945 by Dr. Edward J. Van Liere, the Dean of the School of Medicine, and Dr. G. G. Dodds as a 2 + 2 curriculum. The original curriculum was designed by Dr. Van Liere, Dr. Dodds, Dr. C.C. Fenton, the Head of the Department of Pathology, and Miss Mary Jo Henn, a registered technologist at the University Hospital Laboratories.

The first class of three students graduated with a B.S. degree in 1947. Since that time, the program has graduated nearly 1000 clinical laboratory scientists. Our graduates live and work throughout the United States and the world.

Miss Betholene F. Love became the Technical Director of the program in 1955. At that time the program was located in the Health Services Building on the Main Campus of the University. The program moved to the new Medical Center Campus in 1957. In 1960 with the completion of the new University Hospital, it was no longer necessary to send the students to the various laboratories in West Virginia and moved all clinical experiences to the new hospital. Kay Lawson Nichols was the first student to receive all of her clinical experience at WVU Hospital. Enrollment grew to over 20 students per class in the mide-60s to 30 students per class in the 70's.

In 1984, Dr. Betholene F. Love retired after 29 years as head of the clinical laboratory science program. Jean Holter became the interim program director in 1984 and program director in 1988 and served in that capacity until 2002. Karen Long was appointed as the interim program director while a search was conducted for a new director. In September 2003, Martha J. Lake, Ed.D. became the program director and she continues in that role today.

From the History of Medical Technology at West Virginia University Vol. 1 & 2, 1984.

Accreditation

West Virginia University Clinical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) through October 31, 2009.