Clinical Laboratory Assistant

College Events

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) program, which consists of both classroom and clinical education, prepares students for entry-level positions in clinical laboratory settings such as medical centers, outpatient laboratory facilities and research laboratories. Trained in all aspects of the Medical Laboratory, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control and laboratory orientation and regulation, Clinical Laboratory Assistants serve a diverse role assisting other laboratory personnel, physicians, and often patients. Duties may also include computer skills, laboratory billing practices, and the performance of assistant level testing according to standard operating procedures.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economic outlook for Clinical Laboratory Assistants is good; employment in this field is expected to grow by 14% between 2008 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The job outlook for these positions is increasing due to population growth and expanding medical technology. Pay varies by experiences, employer and locality. For current available jobs and pay information in Washington, visit www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com.

CLA Program Requirements

Completion of prerequisites, transfer students can see which prerequisites transfer here
Completion of immunizations record

CLA Curriculum

The CLA program, after completing your prerequisites, has a total of 22 credits and is usually completed in three (3) quarters; typically two (2) quarters of educational courses and a 66 hr. clinical practicum at an approved affiliate. Review our CLA Planning Sheet to help you map out your plan.

Informational Session

For your convenience, our informational session is online. Our presentation provides information for all Medical Laboratory Science programs, click here.

Advising

If you would like to set up an advising appointment, please contact Enrollment Services. For additional CLA program information and questions please contact our CLA Advisor:

Erika Ferreri: erika.ferreri@edcc.edu

Get started today, take these steps!

Toni Okada, MT, Program Director for CLA