Frequently Asked Questions

What coursework must be completed before applying?

Applicants should be within 1-2 semesters of completing pre-requisite coursework before applying. Courses in progress can be listed on the application form and must be completed prior to enrollment. The following pre-requisite coursework is necessary before enrolling: 16 semester hours of biology, including one course in microbiology and one course in immunology, 16 semester hours of chemistry, including one course in either biochemistry or organic chemistry, and one college level math course. These courses must qualify toward degrees in either chemistry or biological science. Science courses for non-science majors are not acceptable. All courses in progress must be successfully completed (grade of C or above)prior to enrollment.

If I am taking coursework in chemistry or microbiology to meet the admission requirements, do I need to take a lab course in addition to the lecture course?

Because the focus of professional practice is laboratory science, taking laboratory coursework is a way for applicants to demonstrate strength in the pre-requisite curriculum. There is not a specific number of pre-requisite laboratory credit hours that applicants are required to take. The expectation is that applicants will have a strong background in the sciences. Applicants who have not recently taken coursework in the sciences or those who have minimal laboratory credit hours can strengthen their pre-requisite background by taking both lecture and laboratory courses. It is recommended but not required that courses in biochemistry and/or organic chemistry, microbiology, and immunology include both lecture and laboratory components.

Does The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science(TCCMLS)grant the baccalaureate degree?

Students that attend TCCMLS either enter the professional curriculum after completing the baccalaureate degree (post-baccalaureate students) or are in their 4th (senior) year  in an affiliated university  (pre-baccalaureate students). Upon successfully completing TCCMLS curriculum, pre-baccalaureate students receive the baccalaureate degree from their university, and professional certificate from TCCMLS.  Post-baccalaureate students receive the professional certification from TCCMLS.

If I make application, will I be admitted?

Making application is a 2 step process:   1) submission of required documentation by the applicant, and   2) invitation for formal interview by the Admission Committee.   Applicants should review the "Minimum Application Requirements" before submitting documentation for application. Only eligible applicants - those who meet the minimum application requirements and have submitted all the required application materials - will be invited for interview.  The application process is competitive. There are more applicants than class positions; application does not guarantee admission. The Admission Committee advises applicants to apply early and to give close consideration to the admission requirements.

Do I need to complete a particular major before attending the professional curriculum at The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science?

No, but all applicants must complete the required pre-requisite coursework.  Most applicants have degrees in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or chemistry. Occasionally, we receive an application from a student with a degree in another discipline who has completed the pre-requisite coursework for admission.

If I have been out of college for several years, do I need to take updated coursework?

Applicants must update coursework by taking one upper division chemistry course and one upper division microbiology course, if previous coursework was completed more than 7 years prior to enrollment. The update courses must qualify toward a degree in either chemistry or biological science. 

With what universities is The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science currently affiliated and which colleges offer the pre-baccalaureate option?

• Colorado State University – Ft. Collins
• Colorado State University – Pueblo (offers pre-baccalaureate option)
• Metropolitan State College of Denver
• Montana State University and University of Montana (offers pre-baccalaureate option)
• North Dakota State University (offers pre-baccalaureate option)
• South Dakota State University (offers pre-baccalaureate option)
• University of Northern Colorado

*See your college advisor for degree requirements if you are considering the pre-baccalaureate option

The Center also admits baccalaureate degreed students from other colleges and universities and is willing to explore pre-baccalaureate affiliations with colleges in which students are seeking the professional certificate during the senior year.

Does The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science offer on-line courses?

As of summer 2008 TCCMLS is not offering a full on-line curriculum. The Colorado Center is currently working with innovative curriculum components. Students interested in curriculum options should look for current updates under "The Student Center" page of this website.

Am I able to advance place out of coursework offered during the professional curriculum by TCCMLS since I have taken many science courses?

The CLS/MT curriculum is very specialized. Science courses taken at a university are required prerequisite courses and do not substitute for professional courses. Applicants with phlebotomy certification or experience may place out of the phlebotomy portion of the curriculum. Individuals with previous CLS/MT coursework in a NAACLS approved professional curriculum may be eligible for advanced placement as determined by the course instructor. 

Is there an application deadline?

There is no application deadline. Applications are accepted year round. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply one year prior to the August start date.

When do classes begin?

Classes begin in  early August and continue through the following July. One or two positions are occasionally available for a March start date.

The curriculum consists of classroom, student laboratory and clinical experiences. How do these experiences all fit together?

In the fall and spring terms students enroll in lecture and laboratory courses.  These are held in the school classroom and student laboratory facilities. Lecture and student laboratory courses are preparatory for clinical coursework which occurs during the winter and summer terms. Students are assigned to clinical rotation experiences in one of our partner clinical affiliate laboratories. During clinical coursework the knowledge and techniques learned during classroom courses are further developed in preparation for entering the workplace upon graduation. 

What is the salary range for clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists?

In the Denver-metro area, the average-starting salary for clinical laboratory scientists is approximately $40,000-50,000 depending upon the facility and the shift worked. Some graduates receive sign on bonuses. In this geographic area, staff technologists with experience can earn up to $62,000. The salaries of supervisors and managers range from $48,000 to $75,000 depending on the size of the facility they manage and the level of responsibility of the manager.  The American Society for Clinical Pathology at  http://www.ascp.org,  and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science at http://www.ascls.org  both publish national statistics on salaries for the nation’s CLS/MTs.

Exactly what are the job responsibilities of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist?

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) works in hospital laboratories performing diagnostic laboratory testing in Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), and Molecular Diagnostics. Laboratory procedures provide physicians with accurate, reliable data necessary for medical diagnosis. Certified CLS/MT professionals are also employed in reference laboratories, physician offices, research facilities, clinics, public health facilities, business, education and industry.

Does The Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Science have a job placement service?

Because there is a serious shortage of CLS/MT professionals, there are many job opportunities in the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Most Colorado Center graduates have multiple job offers by graduation. Students make employment contacts through the Center's clinical affiliates and during clinical rotation experiences.

Are there jobs available for clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists?

The need for certified laboratorians is great throughout Colorado and the United States. There are more CLS/MT jobs than educated  practitioners to fill these positions.

What type of financial aid is available to students?

Information on the following types of financial aid are made available to admitted students:

• Tuition support programs  offered by area hospitals
• Stafford loans
• National scholarships  opportunities as available