The doctorate in clinical laboratory science (DCLS) program is an advanced practice doctoral degree for certified medical laboratory scientists. The program prepares certified medical laboratory scientists as advanced healthcare practitioners dedicated to increasing the value of diagnostics through consultation on interprofessional healthcare teams, promoting evidence-based practice and conducting outcomes and quality research focused on evidence of the impact of diagnostics on healthcare outcomes. The DCLS emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice through courses, an advanced clinical practice residency, and a practice-based research project.
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the practicing MLS professional pursuing an advanced degree and continues professional develop with experiences as a working MLS. The program is 80 credits. All advanced theoretical courses are offered online and require a time commitment of 9-12 hours per week with online and off-line work. Pre-clinical practice residency-advanced theoretical courses in the Part-time plan is 2 courses per semester (6 credits), and the full-time plan is 3 courses a semester ( 9 credits).
DCLS Clinical Practice Residency Year
The program culminates with a full time Clinical Practice Residency - one-year, full time, 3 consecutive semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring) at an affiliated clinical site (Monday-Friday, full time). This is hybrid with on-site clinical practice and online weekly didactic webinars.
Rutgers offered the first doctorate in clinical laboratory science (DCLS) and graduated the first DCLS in the nation. Our graduates are advanced practitioners with expert knowledge, skills and are critical thinkers. They are prepared to be effective leaders in many facets of the clinical laboratory science profession, particularly in advanced practice roles. They contribute to the interprofessional health care team as an expert in clinical laboratory testing, consulting with clinicians regarding laboratory test ordering and interpretation, and with patients on understanding laboratory tests. They participate on inter-professional healthcare team conferences, on clinical rounds and conduct outcomes studies that benefit patients, patient safety, and the institution. They are promoters of quality health care through appropriate and cost-effective utilization of clinical laboratory services, and advocates of patient safety.
Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences 
