Michigan State University CLS/MT Program

Comparison of the Clinical laboratory Sciences (CLS) major,
the Medical Technology (MT) major, and the Diagnostic Molecular Science (DMS) major.

Medical Technology Major	Clinical Laboratory Science Major	Diagnostic Molecular Science Major
Academic Component
Open admission to all students in good academic standing	Formal application and competitive admission process	Formal application and competitive admission process
Flexible course sequencing and content	Structured course sequencing and content	Rigid course sequencing and content
120 credit program	136 credit program	120 credit program
19 elective credits—can include premedical requirements	10 elective credits	9 elective credits; 6 selective credits
19 elective credits—can include premedical requirements	16 credits in clinical experience	10 credits in clinical experience
Education focuses on general preparation for laboratory science	Education focuses on general preparation for laboratory science with emphasis on laboratory courses	Education focuses on biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and statistics and applications in clinical lab
4 year program	4 + ½ year program	4 year program
*Clinical Component for Certification*
Completed after graduation	Included in the degree	Included in the degree
Modest tuition may apply Stipends may be available	Tuition applies	Tuition applies
9-12 months (no tuition assistance)	6 months (financial aid applicable)	4 months (financial aid applicable)
Michigan: Beaumont, DMC, Hurley, and St. John’s Available nationwide at over 200 sites	Available at seven sites in Michigan: Covenant, Henry Ford, Ingham, Lakeland, Mercy, Munson, Sparrow, and St. Joseph	Limited availability: MDCH, Cytogenetics Lab at MSU, Tissue Typing Lab at MSU, DNA Lab at MSU
Student arranges clinical experience independently; assistance provided	Clinical experience guaranteed through Biomedical Lab Diagnostics Program	Clinical experience guaranteed through Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program
Lectures provided by hospital staff and cover material similar to campus courses	No formal lectures: Students must retain and review material from campus lecture	No formal lectures: Students must retain and review material from campus lecture
Certification
Eligible after clinical experience	Eligible after graduation	Eligible after graduation

Employment Opportunities

Entry level career opportunities are the same whether a student completes the CLS program or the MT major followed by an accredited clinical education program. Entry level career opportunities for DMS students are directed towards areas of the laboratory employing molecular technology.