Clinical Science College of Health and Human Services Division of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Cytotechnology Option
Medical Technology Option
Certificates
Clinical Science-Medical Technology
Master of Science
Cytotechnology Option
Medical Technology Option
Faculty
Cheryl Jackson-Harris, Program Coordinator
Ellen Hope Kearns, Paula D'Amore
Program Office: WH A-330, (310) 243-3748
Student Services Center - Advising:
(310) 243-2120 or (800) 344-5484
Regular and clinical adjunct faculty teach in the programs. This provides an excellent balance and mix of expertise. Each possesses the appropriate terminal degree, professional certification and clinical experience. Many of the faculty are nationally recognized leaders in their field. In addition to the program’s outstanding faculty, the clinical affiliates provide state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation, making the degree in clinical science one of the most sought after degrees in the health care professions.
Program Description
Undergraduate
The rapid expansion of basic medical information, methodology and technology in recent years has increased the demand for highly trained professional personnel in the clinical, research, and teaching laboratories. The training of such specialists as medical technologists, and cytotechnologists is all within the broad scope of the field of clinical science.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Science is designed to provide baccalaureate level didactic and clinical practica in the clinical science professions. A strong clinical experience is combined with a science base within the liberal arts and sciences focus of the University. Course work dealing with automation, management, laws affecting laboratory and health care services, and ethics of patient care are encompassed within the curriculum leading to professional certification. Graduates of the program, upon passage of the appropriate certification examination(s), are considered to be health professionals armed with the technical skills and knowledge theory necessary to meet current and future standards of quality laboratory and health care services practice.
There are two professional clinical options: Cytotechnology and Medical Technology. The clinical or internship components of all options are offered under the supervision of university faculty, in affiliation with approved, accredited health care facilities.
Graduate
For those who have a substantial clinical science undergraduate record, but do not have the appropriate training and certification, the Master of Science in Clinical Science provides an academic and clinical route to professional certification. This is accomplished through the Clinical Options. These options, Cytotechnology, and Medical Technology are composed of a 12-month clinical year or a clinical component. During this time, students are enrolled at the University but attend lectures and laboratory practica at the assigned clinical site. Students earn credit that apply to their selected option in the graduate program. Registration in all clinical courses in a given option may be necessary for the applicant to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination(s).
Students admitted to the graduate program and who are applying to a clinical option must meet the entry and prerequisite requirements specified.
Features
Accreditation: Each program (option) with clinical component is accredited or approved by the recognized national accrediting agency for that field. Thus, graduates are eligible to take the national certification and state licensure examination(s) appropriate for the profession.
CSU Dominguez Hills offers one of the few four-year curricula culminating with the baccalaureate degree with eligibility to take the professional certifying examinations. Programs at many other institutions are not accredited and require five or more years to complete.
Academic Advisement
Students applying to the University must meet with an advisor from the program at the time of application. Students are expected to work closely with their advisor. Students in their clinical year meet regularly with an assigned university education coordinator or liaison. Students in the clinical year meet periodically with the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience (CCLE) to monitor progress.
Careful and comprehensive advising is a key to student success in the University and entails student, faculty and University support services. Clinical Science majors are required to consult with an advisor each semester before registration. Students must provide the program with official copies of transcripts from all institutions attended. Each student should purchase the University Catalog and become familiar with the academic program and relevant policies and procedures before his/her first advising session.
Advisement
is available though the College of Health and Human Services Student Services
Center at (800) 344-5484.
Preparation
Undergraduate
High school students are encouraged to take chemistry, biology and physics in addition to English, a foreign language, fine arts and computer science courses.
College transfer students should contact their counseling office, the CSU Dominguez Hills’ Clinical Science Office College of Health and Human Services Student Services Center to identify appropriate lower division major/minor preparatory courses. Courses in general and quantitative chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, physics, general biology and mathematics are recommended.
Graduate
Students with foreign degrees who will not be receiving a baccalaureate degree from CSUDH upon completion of the clinical component must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved external foreign transcript evaluation service. That evaluation must document an acceptable baccalaureate degree before consideration for clinical placement may be made.
Graduation With Honors
An undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with Honors in Clinical Science provided he or she meets the following criteria:
1. A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in courses used to satisfy the upper division requirement in the major;
3. Acceptance into a clinical training program;
4. Recommendation by the Clinical Science faculty.
Students who achieve Honors in Clinical Science will have the information recorded on their transcripts and diplomas.
Career Possibilities
for the Clinical Options
Graduates of the program are considered clinical scientists in their professional health care specialization. They find positions in a variety of settings including university medical centers, acute care facilities, private clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, research facilities, colleges and universities, government and in industry, both in the United States and abroad.
In addition to practicing their profession, many clinical scientists find rewarding opportunities in administration, sales, research and teaching.
The employment of CSU Dominguez Hills’ graduates in the clinical sciences in full-time professional positions for which they are trained has been exemplary.
Practicing
Professionals in the Clinical Options
Cytotechnologists are skilled in examining human cellular material in search of abnormalities that are the warning signs of cancer. They perform a variety of diagnostic and research procedures in the cytology laboratory including basic cytologic examinations, staining and processing tissue specimens which have been removed by non-invasive techniques, surgery or fine needle aspiration. Advanced techniques include the use of the electron and immunofluorescent microscopy, cytogenetics and medical photography. The cytotechnologist is capable of developing a differential diagnosis based upon cellular evidence in conjunction with pertinent cognitive knowledge and other clinical data.
Medical Technologists perform or supervise the performance of clinical laboratory testing in the general and specialized areas of clinical biochemistry, hematology, medical microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, serology and clinical microscopy. Data collected is correlated to pathophysiology and used by health professionals in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Medical Technologists review and conduct research activities.
Student Organizations
All Clinical Science Majors and other interested students are encouraged to join and become active in the Clinical Science Club. Activities include visits to clinical affiliates and the Forensic Laboratory; and sponsoring guest speakers of noted expertise. The club also sponsors social events. For application and other information, contact the club president or advisor by calling the program.
Special Admission
Criteria
and Policies for Clinical Options
Two application procedures are required for students pursuing clinical year placement. Admission to the clinical science major is contingent upon admission to the University. However, admission to the University does not constitute admission to the clinical component. Refer to the section on admission requirements to the University. In addition, all Clinical Science applicants to the University must score 575 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for an applicant for which English is a second language, regardless of subsequent instruction in English.
Clinical Application Clinical
Component Dates Beginning
Cytotechnology March 1-31 Summer Class
Medical Technology October 1-31 Summer Class
Applications may be accepted after the deadlines if positions are available. Priority will be given to applications submitted by the deadline.
For all clinical training options, i.e. Cytotechnology and Medical Technology, Supplemental Admission Criteria apply.
Because clinical facilities in each of the options have a limited number of positions, a limited number of students are admitted to a given option. In addition, clinical positions may not be available to foreign student visa holders or students not proficient in English. For any clinical class there may be more qualified applicants than can be accommodated, thereby designating the program as “impacted”.
Applicants for clinical placement must have been fully admitted to the University and must have been in residence for two semesters prior to the beginning of the clinical component. Successful degree applicants must have completed all graduation requirements with the exception of clinical requirement.
From among the applicants for a Clinical Option, the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience (CCLE) will determine those applicants who are accepted to the clinical on the basis of the following Supplemental Admission Criteria:
1. Academic success as reflected by:
a) Grade point average in required “pre-clinical course work” (minimum 3.00 on a 4.00 scale).
b) desirable
“pattern” of academic performance
(i.e., consistency and/or improvement);
c) completion of the General Education Requirements.
2. Evaluation by the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience of the student’s potential to succeed in the program and the profession (appearance, attitude, interest, enthusiasm, poise, motivation, expectations, career planning, maturity, social understanding and involvement, flexibility, and stability).
3. Physical, professional and emotional fitness for the demands of the job as verified by a physician and three letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should validate relevant work experience and/or knowledge of the field. Accordingly, it is recommended that one be from an employer (if employed in a health related field) and the others from faculty teaching for the pre-clinical course work at CSU Dominguez Hills. Recommendations should address recent activities.
4. Completion of two semesters in residence prior to beginning the clinical training.
5. Clarity of expression (oral and written) and relevant extracurricular activity (e.g. active member or officer of a social club, Clinical Science Club, etc.) as revealed by an extemporaneous essay and in the application form.
6. Have no felony convictions.
7. Other factors that will be considered, but which will not guarantee selection are: prior qualified application, efforts to seek psycho-social balance in the program, and veteran status.
Applicants to the clinical who have repeated three or more designated pre-clinical classes may have their ranking reduced in the selection process. Repeating a single course more than once is discouraged.
The CCLE is composed of three university faculty and two adjunct faculty from each clinical facility. One or more oral interviews will be required on campus and/or at the clinical facilities.
The program director will notify the applicant of the admission decision in consultation with the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience (CCLE). Once an applicant has been admitted to the clinical year, the program coordinator, in consultation with the officials of the affiliated program, determine to which affiliate the student will be placed. Student preference is considered as one factor in the decision. In order to retain admission status, students must communicate their intention to the program coordinator, in writing, within 15 working days following notification of admission. Final placement assumes continued eligibility under supplementary and basic admission criteria. In some cases, the CCLE may require additional course work or performance levels prior to placement consideration. Failure to satisfy such requirements may disqualify the student from entering the clinical component.
Applicants not accepted into the clinical component may meet degree requirements in another major and complete a minor in clinical sciences that may lead to certification in the option. Alternate degree objectives should be determined after consultation with an advisor to avoid loss of credit or time.
Academic Regulations
For pre-clinical courses, a grade of “C-” is the minimum acceptable grade and a grade point average of 3.0 is the minimum acceptable grade point average.
In the clinical component, a grade of “C” is the minimal acceptable grade. Students who receive a grade or grades below the acceptable minimum or who show lack of reasonable progress may be requested to appear before the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience at the clinical affiliate. The committee also considers disciplinary cases. Continued lack of progress, in the opinion of the committee (and with the approval of the division chair), may result in Administrative or Academic Dismissal from the program.
Transportation
Students are required to furnish their own transportation to and from the clinical facility and in those pre-clinical courses that require field trips.
Uniforms
Uniforms or laboratory coats are required in the clinical and for most pre-clinical courses. This is the responsibility of the student.
Essential Functions
A combination of psychomotor and sensory abilities is needed by students to successfully achieve professional entry-level competencies in the clinical sciences. These “Essential Functions” fall into the categories of visual, motor, communications, behavior and computational:
Essential
Functions: Visual
The CLS student must possess
sufficient visual acuity to recognize, perform and analyze findings from
clinical procedures, including the necessary skills to:
• Observe clinical demonstrations.
• Differentiate color reactions.
• Characterize physical properties of biologicals and solutions.
• Distinguish numbers, characters, decimal points, and graphs on a CRT screen.
• Distinguish numbers, characters, decimal points, and graphs on a hard copy report.
• Identify stained and unstained structural features of specimens using a binocular bright-field microscope.
• Match figures, lines, structural and spatial configurations with or apart from each other.
• Read calibration marks on measuring devices.
• Observe signs of distress from clients during phlebotomy, injections, or imaging.
Essential
Functions: Motor
The
CLS students must possess sufficient motor ability to perform clinical
diagnostic tests and to manipulate laboratory equipment, including the
necessary skills to:
• Travel to numerous clinical sites for assigned clinical rotations.
• Position patients for diagnostic procedures.
• Deliver assistance to clients in distress during phlebotomy, injections or imaging.
• Control and adjust switches, dials, keypads, and/or touchpads on equipment used for laboratory tests and diagnostic procedure.
• Manipulate equipment used for phlebotomy, injections or fine needle biopsies.
• Control and adjust devices used for measuring biologicals, chemicals, or radiation.
• Move about a clinical facility in a safe manner.
Essential
Functions: Communications
• Read, write and verbalize in English.
• Read and comprehend technical policy and procedure manuals and test inserts.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Instruct clients prior to specimen collection, in preparation for and/or during diagnostic procedures.
• Take written, computer and practical examination.
• Investigate and prepare a research paper and/or project.
Essential
Functions: Behavior
The CLS student must possess sufficient behavioral skill to:
• Adapt to changes in schedule and/or assignments.
• Show flexibility and adjust to instruction from multiple clinical practitioners and Adjunct Faculty.
• Comply with the health, safety and liability policies listed in the University Catalog.
Essential
Function: Computational
The CLS student must possess sufficient computational skills to perform mathematical calculations needed for laboratory data analysis and quality assurance.
Volunteer Worker
Classification
Students placed in the clinical component must be designated by the University as Volunteer Employees for the purposes of Worker’s Compensation and state liability coverage. The appropriate forms must be completed and processed prior to the beginning of the clinical component.
Health Insurance
Student health and accident insurance is required during clinical training. It is the responsibility of the student to secure acceptable insurance and present evidence of health insurance before entering the clinical. For additional information, contact the Student Health Center or the affiliate.
Health Requirements
Immune Status
Students selected to train in phlebotomy and/or the clinical options will be required to demonstrate immunity to rubeola, rubella and mumps (MMR), must know their immune status to varicella (immunity is not a requirement), must show that they are free from tuberculosis by PPD or chest X-ray, and must know their immune status to hepatitis B. Students must provide proof of all the above to the Clinical Sciences office before beginning training at any affiliated facility.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Clinical Science students will be offered, at their own expense, vaccination against Hepatitis B in the CSU Dominguez Hills Student Health Center. Students may refuse the vaccine using the approved waiver form. The record of waiver or vaccination must be on file in the Clinical Sciences department. Students may be vaccinated by their own health care provider or by the Department of Public Health. All students are encouraged to consult with their health care provider for information on possible adverse affects before being vaccinated.
Liability Insurance
Clinical affiliates may require students to carry professional liability insurance during the clinical component. In those cases, it is the responsibility of the student to provide evidence of such coverage prior to entering the clinical class. An information packet on insurance requirements is included in the Application Packet for Clinical Placement.
Trainee License
For the clinical year in medical technology, students must obtain a California Clinical Laboratory Technologist Trainee’s license before entering the clinical year. Trainee licenses may be requested by writing to:
State of California
Department of Health Services
Laboratory Field Services Section
2151 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, California 94704
Physical Examination
Successful applicants will be required to obtain a physical examination including a tuberculin skin test. Additional information on these procedures may be obtained by contacting the program office. The physical examination may be done by the student’s family physician or, for a nominal fee, at the Student Health Center. An appointment is advised well in advance of the beginning of the clinical class.
General Objectives
for the Clinical Options
The goal of each of the programs, in addition to preparing clinical practitioners, is to produce clinical scientists who can research, develop, evaluate, and implement procedures utilizing a high degree of independent judgment and to consult where appropriate with other members of the health care team. More specifically, students will be able to do the following upon completion of the clinical option, as evaluated by the faculty:
1. Acquire and demonstrate knowledge of testing procedures and methodologies including the theoretical basis, applications and limitations of procedures in each area of the laboratory;
2. Perform and evaluate testing procedures with proficiency and accuracy in each area of the laboratory;
3. Calculate and interpret test results from laboratory data including statistical analysis for quality assurance;
4. Correlate laboratory findings with the pathophysiology of the patient;
5. Evaluate common laboratory problems and identify suitable solutions related to equipment malfunctions, unacceptable patient specimens, quality assurance, laboratory safety, management and testing in each area of the laboratory;
6. Display professionalism in personal conduct, membership in professional organizations, and participation in continuing education activities; and
7. Demonstrate concern for quality patient care and participate as a member of the health care team.
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science
Single Field Major - no
minor required
The major consists of 45 units in the core plus additional pre-clinical specialty courses for the option and the clinical courses. The B.S. requires 126-132 units including General Education and statutory requirements.
California
state licensure for medical technology requires that three (3) units in
physics, including light and electricity, be completed prior to issuing the
clinical trainee license. Each medical
technology student is required to consult with an advisor regarding this
regulation.
Common
Core Requirements for All Clinical Science Majors (45 units)
A. Lower Division Requirements (31 units)
BIO 120. Principles of Biology I (4)
BIO 122. Principles of Biology II (4)
BIO 250. Elements of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3)
CHE 110. General Chemistry I (5)
CHE 112. General Chemistry II (5)
CHE 230. Quantitative Analysis (4)
HSC 201. Health Perspectives (3)†
MAT 131. Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)
B. Upper
Division Requirements (15 units)
BIO 324. Microbiology (4)
CHE 316. Introductory Organic Chemistry (3)
CHE 317. Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
CLS 301. Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Procedures (2)*
CLS 306. Clinical Immunology and Immunohematology (4)*
Cytotechnology Option (88 units)
A. Common Core Requirements (45 units)
B. Pre-Clinical
Courses (13 units)
BIO 320. Cell Biology (3)*
BIO 422. Histology (4)*
CLS 307. Clinical Hematology (3)*
HSC 308. Pathophysiology for Health Professions (3)*
C. Clinical
Year: Laboratories (16 units)
CLS 450. Microscopy: Female Genital Tract (4)
CLS 451. Microscopy: Respiratory and
Gastrointestinal Tract (2)
CLS 452. Microscopy: Genitourinary Tract
and Body Cavity Fluids (2)
CLS 453. Microscopy: Fine Needle Aspirations (2)
CLS 454. Microscopy: Systems Overview (4)
CLS 455. Cytologic Preparation (2)
D. Clinical
Year: Lectures (14 units)
CLS 460. General Cytology, Cytogenetics,
Cytology of the Female Genital Tract (3)
CLS 461. Cytology of the Respiratory
and Gastrointestinal Tracts (2)
CLS 462. Cytology of the Genitourinary System
and Body Cavity Fluids (2)
CLS 463. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (1)
HSC 491. Management Skills in the Health Sciences (3)
HSC 492. Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)
Medical Technology
Option (94-96 units)
A. Common Core Requirements (45 units)
B. Pre-Clinical Courses
(21 units)
CLS 302. Clinical Practice (1)*
CLS 307. Clinical Hematology (3)*
CLS 401. Overview: Virology/Mycology (1)*
BIO 425. Medical Bacteriology (4)*
BIO 458. Human Parasitology (4)*
CHE 450. Biochemistry I (4)
CHE 451. Biochemistry Laboratory I (1)
CHE 456. Clinical Chemistry (3)*
C. Clinical Year: Laboratories (14-16 units)
CLS 430. Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (3 or 4)
CLS 431. Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (3 or 4)
CLS 432. Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory (4)
CLS 433. Clinical Immunohematology/Serology
Laboratory (3)
CLS 434. Clinical Special Procedures Laboratory (1)
D. Clinical Year: Lectures (14 units)
CLS 440. Correlations in Clinical Microbiology (2)
CLS 441. Correlations in Clinical Chemistry (2)
CLS 442. Correlations in Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis (2)
CLS 443. Correlations in Clinical Immunohematology/Serology (2)
HSC 491. Management Skills in the Health Sciences (3)
HSC 492. Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)
NOTE: *These are pre-clinical courses from which grade point averages are calculated to determine clinical placement eligibility. They must have been taken within the last five years in the United States. Exceptions may be granted by the Division Chair. However, adequate justification must be placed in the student’s file. Usually an exception requires validation and documentation of currency of the subject through credit by examination, independent intensive study, directed study or by documented clinical experience.
Other Trainee and
Internship Opportunities
Specialized Clinical Residencies are available for
students in
a variety of settings. Refer to the
course description section for Clinical Residence courses.
Certificate Program in Clinical Science - Medical Technology (29 units)
The Certificate in Clinical Science - Medical
Technology is awarded upon satisfactory completion of clinical training as a
California Licensed Clinical Laboratory Technologist Trainee in
an affiliated clinical facility.
Awardees are eligible to sit for the
state licensure examination for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and to sit
for the National Registry Examination(s).
Required
Courses
CLS 430. Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (4)
CLS 431. Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (3)
CLS 432. Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory (4)
CLS 433. Clinical Immunohematology/
Serology Laboratory (3)
CLS 434. Clinical Special Procedures Laboratory (1)
CLS 440. Correlations in Clinical Microbiology (2)
CLS 441. Correlations in Clinical Chemistry (2)
CLS 442. Correlations in Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis (2)
CLS 443. Correlations in Clinical
Immunohematology/Serology (2)
HSC 491. Management Skills in the Health Sciences (3)
HSC 492. Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)
Master of Science in Clinical Science
Admission Procedures
Students must submit an application to the University for admission (or readmission) with graduate standing and official transcripts of all previous college work in accordance with the procedures outlined in the “Admissions” section of the University Catalog. If the student is currently enrolled as a postbaccalaureate student, he/she must obtain a Graduate Change of Objective and submit it to the Graduate Studies Office.
Admission
Requirements
To be admitted into the Master’s Program in Clinical Science, students must:
1. have an earned Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Science or in a closely related healthcare field with a grade point average of at least a 2.5 in the last 60 semester units of upper division course work;
2. meet all other University admission requirements. If the applicant is deficient in specific course work or grades, he/she may be admitted conditionally upon approval of the program’s graduate admissions committee with favorable letters of recommendation from employers;
3. score 575 or above on
the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), for an applicant for which
English is
a second language, regardless of subsequent instruction
in English;
4. meet the specific requirements for the option in which the student wishes to study for the master’s degree (see requirements listed for the options). Admission is to an option and anyone wishing to change options must fulfill the requirements of the option into which they wish to transfer; and
5. meet with the Graduate Coordinator in Clinical Sciences. Applicants must present a successful interview.
Alternate
Admission Criteria for Graduates
of Non-Accredited Institutions or Graduates
with Non-Equivalent Baccalaureate Degrees.
When considering an application for admission to the
Master
of Science in Clinical Science program from an applicant who has received a
baccalaureate degree from a non accredited institution
or when the baccalaureate is not normally considered equivalent
by local standards, the following alternate admission criteria apply.
The applicant must:
1. possess state licensure and/or national certification in a health profession. Contact Clinical Sciences for a current list of acceptable fields;
2. have at least two years of work experience in one of the health professional fields subsequent to licensure certification. Contact Clinical Sciences for a current list of acceptable fields;
3. submit three acceptable letters of recommendation. One must be from the current or most recent supervisor. The letters must confirm the applicant’s “equivalent” abilities. The letters should support to a significant degree that the applicant’s abilities are equivalent to a co-worker who has graduated from a recognized degree program;
4. be interviewed and the application approved by the Clinical Sciences’ Alternate Admissions Committee; and
5. complete specific courses recommended by the committee (minimum of 12 semester units), which will make up deficiencies and/or assure success at the graduate level. These courses must be upper division and completed with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. During this time, the student’s status will be undergraduate. These courses may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.
Upon completion of the supplemental requirements listed above and all other admission requirements, the applicant may be granted conditionally classified graduate standing in the Master of Science in Clinical Science Degree Program.
Limited
Access/Professional Clinical Options:
Admission Requirements
Cytotechnology
Applicant must have completed course work equivalent to the Pre-clinical Cytotechnology Option in Clinical Science at CSU Dominguez Hills and be accepted for clinical training at an affiliated Cytotechnology Training Program.
Medical Technology
Applicant must have completed course work equivalent to the Pre-clinical Medical Technology Option in Clinical Science at CSU Dominguez Hills, possess a California license as clinical laboratory technologist trainee, and be accepted for clinical training at an affiliated Medical Technology Training Program.
Classified
Standing
By the end of the second semester after admission to the University, and before the accumulation of 15 units of course work, the student must submit an application for classified standing. To receive classified standing, the student must have:
1. selected a graduate advisor;
2. received approval of the capstone project and program of course work;
3. maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all course work taken at CSU Dominguez Hills; and
4. completed
the Graduation Writing Assessment
Requirement (GWAR).
Advancement to
Candidacy
The student must meet with the graduate coordinator and complete an application for Advancement to Candidacy when she/he has:
1. received classified standing;
2. completed a minimum of 12 units from the following core courses:
CLS 501. Clinical Sciences: Team Concept (3)
CLS 502. Management Concepts
in the Clinical Sciences (3)
CLS 503. Clinical Diagnosis (3)
CLS 504. Data Collection and Processing (3)
CLS 505. Statistical Analysis and Research (3);
3. maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all courses taken in the graduate program; and
4. selected a Capstone Advisory Committee with the assistance of his/her advisor if planning on satisfying the Graduate Capstone Activity through the thesis or project routes.
Graduation Writing
Assessment Requirement
All graduate students entering the University in the
fall
of 1983 and thereafter are required to satisfy the Graduation Writing
Assessment Requirement (GWAR) in accordance with the established policies of
the University. Students must satisfy the requirement before being Advanced to Candidacy.
(See Graduate Writing Assessment section of this catalog.)
Degree Requirements
(30 units minimum)
The Master of Science in Clinical Science Degree requires completion of a minimum of thirty (30 units) selected from the following listing. All students must take the core courses (17 units minimum) and one of the seven options. Additional units may be taken as necessary from the elective list or from courses offered in options other than the student’s own option. Prerequisites for all courses must be met.
A. Common
Core Requirements (17-19 units)
CLS 501. Clinical Sciences: Team Concept (3)
CLS 502. Management Concepts in the Clinical Sciences (3)
CLS 503. Clinical Diagnosis (3)
CLS 504. Data Collection and Processing (3)
CLS 505. Statistical Analysis and Research (3)
CLS 590. Graduate Seminar (1)
CLS 599. Graduate Capstone Activity (1-3)
NOTE: After satisfying the core and option requirements, the student will select in close consultation with the Program Coordinator, a Graduate Capstone Activity (thesis, project or comprehensive examination). Students selecting an activity other than the comprehensive examination must have received approval from the Program Coordinator in advance of enrolling in CLS 599. Such proposals must conform to the Thesis and Project Guide manual available through the University Bookstore. In order to receive credit, enrollment in CLS 599 is required. A student must receive approval to meet the capstone requirement through the thesis or project option in advance. In some cases such approval may not be possible and the student must then take the comprehensive examination. A student may take the comprehensive examination only two times.
B. Select
one of the options listed below:
Students are advised that there are restrictions in those options designated by an asterisk “*”. Consult an approved advisor or the program coordinator.
1. Cytotechnology
Option* (14 units)
CLS 460. General Cytology, Cytogenetics, Cytology of the Female Genital Tract (3)
CLS 461. Cytology of the Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Tracts (2)
CLS 462. Cytology of the Genitourinary System and Body Cavity Fluids (2)
CLS 463. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (1)
HSC 491. Management Skills in the Health Sciences (3)
HSC 492. Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)
2. Medical Technology Option* (14 units)
CLS 440. Correlations in Clinical Microbiology (2)
CLS 441. Correlations in Clinical Chemistry (2)
CLS 442. Correlations in Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis (2)
CLS 443. Correlations in Clinical Immunohematology/Serology (2)
HSC 491. Management Skills in the Health Sciences (3)
HSC 492. Research Methods in Health Sciences (3)
NOTE: Those options highlighted with an “*” are clinical options. Applicant must have completed appropriate preclinical course work. See program office for specific requirements before applying.
C. Electives: Select courses as needed or recommended to
total a minimum of 30 semester units.
A minimum of 30 semester units are required for the Master of Science in Clinical Science Degree. Courses may be selected from the other options, providing the prerequisites are met. Electives must be selected in advance of enrollment and with the approval of the program coordinator.
D. Capstone
Activity: Thesis, Project, Comprehensive
Examination
A student may request to do clinical research and writing of a thesis or select an individualized project culminating in a significant written report to satisfy the CLS 599 Graduate Capstone Activity requirement for the master’s degree. The topic of the research or the individualized project must be approved in advance and supervised by the chair of the thesis/project committee. Projects and theses must be approved in advance of enrollment in CLS 599. or
Candidates may elect to take the comprehensive examination to satisfy the CLS 599 requirement. This must be done within one semester of completing all other graduation requirements. The comprehensive examination may be taken only twice.
An oral defense of the capstone activity is required.
E. Master’s
Requirement
In addition to the major requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master’s degree. Students should consult the section of the catalog entitled “Requirements for the Master’s Degree.”
Course Offerings
The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. Departments may indicate the term in which they expect to offer the course by the use of: “F” (fall), “S” (spring) or “EOY” (every other year).
Course descriptions for HSC courses can be found in the Health Sciences section of this catalog.
Upper Division
CLS 301 Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Procedures (2) FS.
Prerequisite: BIO 122 required.
Demonstration and
practice of specialized techniques used in the clinical setting. Theory of arterial,
capillary and venipuncture including complications. Processing body fluids. Review of state/federal laws, biohazards and
quality assurance. Oral
and/or written reports/projects.
CLS 302 Clinical Practice (1) FS.
Prerequisites: BIO 122; CLS 301 or concurrent enrollment required.
Practice in clinical
laboratory techniques: phlebotomy; serum, plasma and whole blood preparation
for testing; Minimum 90 hours training at a clinical affiliate under University
Faculty supervision. Written report(s).
CLS 306 Clinical Immunology and Immunohematology (4) S.
Prerequisites: BIO 250; CLS 301 or concurrent enrollment required.
Theory
and practice of serologic techniques; nature of antigens, antibodies and the
immune response. Genetics of red cell antigens. Pre-natal, neonatal, and
pre transfusion testing. Cause, investigation and
prevention of HDNB. Compatibility testing and
investigation of transfusion reactions.
Case studies. Written
reports. Three
hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
CLS 307 Clinical Hematology (3) F.
Prerequisites: BIO 250; CLS 301 or concurrent enrollment required.
Hematopoiesis. Enumeration and
identification of blood cells. Coagulation and hemostasis. Theory and application of hematology procedures. Emphasis on detection of
abnormalities. Demonstration of special equipment and
techniques. Case
studies and written reports. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
CLS 401 Overview: Virology/Mycology (1) S.
Prerequisites: BIO 324 or concurrent enrollment; CLS 301 is recommended.
Brief
introduction to “special pathogens” for students preparing for the clinical
virology and mycology rotations in the clinical laboratory.
CLS 430 Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (3,4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Techniques and
practice in medical microbiology including parasitology,
mycology, and bacteriology at a clinical affiliate. Oral
and/or written reports/projects.
CLS 431 Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (3,4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Techniques and
practice in chemistry at a clinical affiliate.
Oral and/or written reports/projects.
CLS 432 Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory (4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Techniques and
practice in hematology and urinalysis at a clinical affiliate. Oral and/or written reports/projects.
CLS 433 Clinical Immunohematology/Serology Laboratory (3) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Techniques and
practice in serology, immunology and blood banking at a
clinical affiliate. Oral
and/or written reports/projects.
CLS 434 Clinical Special Procedures Laboratory (1) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Techniques and
practice in special procedures at a clinical affiliate. Oral and/or written
reports/projects. Repeatable course.
CLS 440 Correlations in Clinical Microbiology (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Theory
and correlations of pathophysiology in medical
microbiology including mycology, parasitology and
bacteriology.
CLS 441 Correlations in Clinical Chemistry (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Theory
and practical aspects correlating clinical chemistry with pathophysiology.
CLS 442 Correlations in Clinical Hematology/Urinalysis (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Theory
and practical applications correlating hematology and urinalysis to pathophysiology.
CLS 443 Correlations in Clinical Immunohematology/Serology (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Theory
and practical applications correlating serology, immunology and blood banking
to pathophysiology.
CLS 450 Microscopy: Female Genital Tract (4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Microscopic
examination of cytologic and histologic
material of benign and malignant disease processes from the female genital
tract, including microbiology, hormonal effects and response to therapy.
CLS 451 Microscopy: Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Tracts (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Microscopic examination
of cytologic and histologic
material of benign and malignant disease processes from the respiratory and
gastrointestinal tracts.
CLS 452 Microscopy: Genitourinary System and Body Cavity Fluids (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Microscopic
examination of cytologic and histologic
material of benign and malignant disease processes of the genitourinary system
and body cavity fluids.
CLS 453 Microscopy: Fine Needle Aspirations (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Microscopic
examination of cytologic and histologic
material of benign and malignant disease processes in aspirated material.
CLS 454 Microscopy: Systems Overview (4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Cytologic examination of gynecologic and non-gynecologic
material from all body sites for diagnostic purposes.
CLS 455 Cytologic Preparation (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Current
methods of processing and staining material for cytologic
study. Techniques utilized in obtaining
non-gynecologic material for cytologic evaluation.
CLS 460 General Cytology, Cytogenetics, Cytology of the Female Genital Tract (3) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
General
cytology, cytogenetics, and electron microscopy. Basic principles of pathology and cytology as they apply to
malignancy. Anatomy, histology, pathology and cytopathology of the female genital tract, including
microbiology, hormonal effects and response to therapy.
CLS 461 Cytology of the Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Tracts (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Normal
and abnormal cytology of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts with
emphasis on anatomical and histological pathology.
CLS 462 Cytology of the Genitourinary System and Body Cavity Fluids (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Normal
and abnormal cytology of the genitourinary system and body cavity fluids with
emphasis on anatomical and histological pathology.
CLS 463 Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (1) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year in cytotechnology.
Normal
and abnormal aspiration cytology of the major organs with emphasis on
anatomical and histological pathologies.
CLS 490 Seminar in Clinical Sciences (1) S.
Prerequisites: CLS 301 and CLS 306 required; and all lower division Clinical Science Program required.
Presentation
and discussion of pertinent topics from clinical science trade journals. Written and oral
presentations. One hour
of seminar per week.
Graduate
Graduate standing or consent of the program coordinator is prerequisite to enrollment in graduate (500) level courses.
CLS 501 Clinical Sciences: Team Concept (3) S.
Prerequisite: HSC 201.
Analysis
of the current status and problems in health care delivery including
management, staffing and health economics; development of a realistic model. Role of allied health professionals in health care delivery;
scientific medicine vs. holistic health; prevention and health education. Coordination of the
clinical sciences into an effective health care team. To successfully
complete this class, students must demonstrate proficiency to the satisfaction
of the instructor in oral and written communication skills in the English
language. Oral and/or
written reports/projects.
CLS 502 Management Concepts in the Clinical Sciences (3) F.
Prerequisite: HSC 201.
Managerial
function, organization, and structure.
A pragmatic approach to the strategies and tactics available
to the professional manager. Special projects in work
sampling, workload recording and time management for health care professionals. Oral and/or written reports/projects.
CLS 503 Clinical Diagnosis (3) F-EOY.
By use of case
studies, interpretation of clinical data, correlation of history and physical
to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up protocols. Student case
study investigation. Two hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.
CLS 504 Data Collection and Processing (3) S.
Prerequisite: CSC 111 or equivalent.
Collection,
storage and retrieval of data, with emphasis on clinical applications. Modern
information systems and evaluation of such systems from the clinical science
management view point. Oral and/or written reports/projects. Two hours of lecture and
two hours of activity per week.
CLS 505 Statistical Analysis and Research (3) F.
Prerequisite: MAT 131.
Application of
statistical analysis in the clinical and health sciences, including normal and
binomial distribution, t-tests, chi square tests, analysis of variance, linear
regression and correlation. Student
project required. Two
hours of lecture and two hours of activity per week.
CLS 590 Graduate Seminar (1-2) S.
Prerequisites: CLS
501, CLS 502 and CLS 503
or consent of instructor.
Seminar
methods and use of the literature in the clinical sciences. Faculty and
student directed discussions of contemporary clinical science issues.
Participants present and interpret recent publications. Written abstracts. Repeatable up to 6 units. One hour of seminar per week.
CLS 594 Independent Study in Clinical Sciences (1-3) FS.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and advisor.
Independent
and original laboratory or field investigation under supervision of a faculty
member.
CLS 595 Special Topics in Clinical Sciences (1-3)
Prerequisite: Health Care Practitioner.
Advanced
topics of special interest to Clinical Science majors possessing health care
credentials. Topic and content will vary as announced.
CLS 596 Internship in Clinical Sciences (1-6) FS.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; CLS 501 and 502 recommended.
Students will be
directed to health care facilities to serve as interns within their chosen
specialization. Teaching opportunities
may be available in a variety of settings.
Regular meetings are scheduled with a faculty internship supervisor to
assess student progress. Written report
required. Course designed for graduate
students in the Clinical Sciences. Repeatable course.
CLS 599 Graduate Capstone Activity (1-3).
Prerequisites: Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement; advancement to candidacy, and completion of all required core courses.
Department
approval of advisor and project. Students will choose either
a thesis, project or comprehensive examination in consultation with
their advisor.
CLS 600 Graduate Continuation Course (0) FS.
Graduate students who
have completed course work but not their thesis, project, or comprehensive
examination, or who have other requirements remaining for completion of their
degree, may maintain continuous attendance by enrolling in this course. Signature of graduate program coordinator
required.
Infrequently Offered
Courses
The following courses are scheduled only on a "demand" basis. Students should consult the department office for information about the next scheduled offering.
CLS 303 Radiation Science (3) S.
Prerequisites: MAT 171 and HSC 201.
Overview of radiation
science: history, radiation physics,
instrumentation, protection and safety. Applications to clinical procedures utilizing radionuclides.
Problem solving.
CLS 305 Radiation Biology and Protection (1) F.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Modes
of radioactive decay, photon radiation, interaction of radiation with matter,
biologic effects of radiation, decontamination techniques, government
regulations. Problem
solving. Report writing. Oral and/or written
reports/projects.
CLS 410 Nuclear Medicine Laboratory: Imaging Techniques (5,6) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Use of nuclear
medicine equipment in a clinical setting to visualize organs,
determine function of organs and organ systems.
CLS 411 Nuclear Medicine Laboratory: Radiopharmacy and Radioassay (4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Preparation
of radionuclides for administration in diagnostic
testing including radio- chemical purity, quantitative assay and sterility. Radioassay techniques:
calibration and use of instruments, specimen collection. Quality assurance.
CLS 412 Nuclear Medicine Laboratory: Instrumentation and In-vivo Techniques (4) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Performance
of procedures utilizing radionuclides for in-vivo
studies. Instrument
calibration, preventive maintenance. Computer
applications.
CLS 413 Nuclear Medicine Laboratory: Special Studies (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Practicum in special
studies of interest related to nuclear medicine. Project and
written report. Repeatable course.
CLS 420 Correlations in Nuclear
Medicine: Imaging Techniques (3) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Principles
of stationary and moving imaging with correlations to pathophysiology
in human organs and systems.
CLS 421 Correlations in Nuclear Medicine: Radiopharmacy and Radioassay (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Theory of
radiopharmaceutical applications: radionuclides, dose
calibration. Principles of saturation analysis and
competitive protein binding, correlations of biochemistry, pathophysiology,
radioassay techniques, principles and applications to
individual techniques. Quality assurance.
CLS 422 Correlations in Nuclear Medicine: Instrumentation and In-vivo Techniques (2) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Instrumentation
including Geiger-Mueller tubes, rectilinear scanners, scintillation
spectrometers and gamma cameras. In-vivo
techniques including Schilling test, blood volume, time dependent studies, erythrokinetics, gastrointestinal loss studies.
CLS 423 Correlations in Nuclear Medicine: Special Studies (1) FS.
Prerequisite: Admission to the clinical year.
Special
studies including ultrasound, radiotherapy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Repeatable course.