The School of Medical Technology

The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's School of Medical Technology is dedicated to graduating highly qualified Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS). Our graduates possess the academic and applied science education necessary to provide essential diagnostic services and research within the clinical laboratory and across various healthcare settings.

The Role of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientists are critical members of the healthcare team, using critical thinking skills to manage the entire laboratory testing process.

Their core responsibilities include:

• Test Management: Developing, performing, analyzing, interpreting, and troubleshooting a wide array of laboratory tests.
• Quality Assurance: Evaluating and assuring the accuracy and validity of laboratory information throughout all testing phases: pre-analytical (specimen collection), analytical (testing), and post-analytical (reporting).
• Operational Oversight: Participating in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and performance improvement processes.
• Education: Training and educating fellow laboratorians and other healthcare professionals.

Impact on Patient Care

CLS professionals analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids to detect abnormal results that are vital for diagnosis. This work directly assists clinicians in identifying and managing diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases.

Specific patient care activities include:

• Disease Diagnosis: Performing tests that help clinicians diagnose various illnesses.
• Infection Control: Culturing samples to identify bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, and determining the most effective antibiotic treatments.
• Reporting: Confirming the accuracy and sensitivity of all results before reporting findings to pathologists and other healthcare providers.

Laboratory Disciplines: Clinical Laboratory Scientists are trained to work across the following specialized areas of the laboratory: Blood Bank (Transfusion Service), Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Immunology, and Microbiology.

Clinical Training at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

Extensive Clinical Experience: Students benefit from a robust educational experience provided by the hospital’s Clinical Laboratory, which performs millions of procedures annually. This high volume ensures diverse and comprehensive practical training.

Program Structure and Details: The training program is an intensive 12-month commitment (40 hours per week) that integrates both lectures and hands-on clinical training. Students receive rotational experience through all areas of the laboratory.

Key program features:

• Tuition-Free: The program does not charge tuition.
• Completion: Students who successfully complete the program receive a certificate.
• Career Advancement: Successful completion qualifies graduates to sit for a certification exam and/or pursue California state licensure.

Accreditation: The program maintains full accreditation from both the California Department of Public Health and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), affirming the quality and standards of the education provided.

For complete transparency regarding graduation rates, certification pass rates, and placement data, please access our Program Outcomes document.

Eligibility Requirements to Apply: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a biological science from an accredited U.S. college or university. Alternatively, applicants with a degree from an international institution must provide approved, evaluated transcripts.

All applicants must also have successfully completed the specific coursework required by the State of California for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Trainee's License, and additionally satisfy any academic requirements of ARMC School of Medical Technology and NAACLS.

Prospective Student Info: For details about our program requirements and how to apply, please click Prospective Student Information. Application packets can be requested ONLY during the application period May 1 – October 31 by email.

To get in touch, e-mail May Orf at orfmay@armc.sbcounty.gov or call 909-580-0069.