Application and Admission Process

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements in order to qualify for admission to the program. Those applicants who wish to count college credit from a foreign university, who have completed the academic requirements prior to seven years ago or who wish to seek advanced placement for prior education or experience, should contact the Program Director concerning additional requirements

1. A recommended science/math and overall cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Individuals with grade point averages between 2.50-2.75 may apply for admission and will be considered on an individual basis.

2. A minimum of 90 semester hours (or equivalent) to include the following prerequisites.

• Biology: A minimum of 16 semester (24 quarter) hours to include the following

  • General Biology

  • Microbiology with lab experience

  • Immunology

  • Parasitology with lab experience

  • Genetics, Physiology, Anatomy and Molecular Biology are strongly recommended

• Chemistry: A minimum of 16 semester (24 quarter) hours to include the following

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Quantitative analysis is strongly recommended and some laboratory experience must be included

• Mathematics: A minimum of one college level course. Statistics is strongly recommended

• Clinical Laboratory Science:

  • Hematology with lab experience

  • Immunohematology with lab experience

  • Urinalysis with lab experience

  • Instrumentation

The courses acceptable toward meeting the above requirements would be any courses applicable toward a major in the above fields or in clinical laboratory science. Survey courses do not qualify as fulfillment of the biology or chemistry prerequisites. Remedial math courses will not satisfy the mathematics requirements.

1. Applicants must possess, or be eligible for, a baccalaureate degree from their college or university upon satisfactory completion of the professional program.

2. Pre-tests will be administered covering the prerequisite courses during the first week of clinical orientation. A score of 60 percent on each test will be necessary to continue in the program.

NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must demonstrate physical, emotional and mental well being to successfully participate in the program, become employable and not endanger other students or the public, including patients.

2. All applicants are expected to meet the following criteria.

• Possess sufficient vision to easily read charts, graphs, instrument panels and printouts.

• Be able to discriminate colors in order to identify reagents, media, stained cell preparations and physical properties of various body fluids, as well as delineate fine details of cellular structure and morphology when using a microscope.

• Be able to read, write and communicate in the English language to facilitate effective communication with patients, physicians and all other members of the health care team.

• Possess enough hearing ability with or without auditory aids to understand the normal speaking voice and discern audible instrument alert signals and timing devices.

• Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity to perform such required tasks as: performing phlebotomy safely and accurately; operating delicate instruments; manipulating tools; handling small containers of potentially biohazardous specimens; utilizing sample measuring devices; and adequately focusing and manipulating a microscope.

• Be sufficiently mobile to traverse about the laboratory and hospital corridors including patient rooms (minimum width: three feet).

• Demonstrate sufficient psychological stability to effectively problem solve and to react effectively in stressful situations. Must be able to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate action. In general, the student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities.

• Corrective devices and reasonable accommodations may be utilized to satisfy these technical standards.
  

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must be enrolled in a Medical Lab Science / Clinical Lab Science program at one of the following affiliate locations:

1. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

2. University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse

3. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Applicants must meet and abide by the Occupational Health Clinic policies and must submit documentation to the Occupational Health Clinic that they have met the minimum health screening requirements. Qualified students should submit the following materials prior to Oct. 1, for entry into the class beginning the following August.

1. A completed application form

2. Official transcript of grades from all colleges and universities attended, including junior colleges.

3. Letters of recommendation from two college science instructors and the director/advisors of the Clinical Laboratory Science program at the college or university for currently enrolled applicants. References from health related employers are also encouraged. 

Once all the required materials have been received by the Program Director, the qualified applicant will be contacted to schedule a personal interview. The interview process with the Program Director takes about 30 minutes. A laboratory tour of the facility must also be completed as part of the interview process or prior.

STUDENT SELECTION

All applicants who meet the requirements for admission and have completed the application process will be considered for admission into the program. The selection committee will rank applications, taking into consideration grades, including withdrawals and failures, interview comments and letters of reference. Applicants from affiliated institutions will be given selection preference over equally qualified candidates from other institutions. Student acceptance notices will be given by Dec. 1, prior to the next September class. Admission to the Ascension Health System Clinical Laboratory Science Program is competitive, with a limited number of student positions available annually.  Attendance at an affiliated institution does not guarantee placement in the program. The Ascension Health System Clinical Laboratory Science Program admits students without regard to age, race, religion, sex, national origins or marital status.

TUITION AND FEES

Undergraduate students from the University of Wisconsin system pay tuition to their school (the school pays the hospital). Other students pay an amount equal to the program reimbursement. In the event of withdrawal, Ascension will make an appropriate pro-rated refund.

GRADUATION

Undergraduate students who successfully complete the program receive a baccalaureate degree from their respective college or university. All graduates of the program receive a certificate and school pin and are eligible to take a national certification examination in the clinical laboratory sciences.

TERMINATION

Students may face termination prior to graduation for one of the following reasons:

• Failure to maintain a grade level of 70 percent in classroom and practical instruction

• Inability to perform the work of the department according to the established standards

• Failure to comply with program or hospital policies