University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in biological and chemical sciences and then focuses on clinical laboratory disciplines and diagnostic techniques. Early years typically cover general biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Core clinical modules include clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology and serology, clinical microbiology, blood banking/transfusion science, molecular diagnostics, laboratory instrumentation and quality assurance.

Practical skills are developed through extensive laboratory courses on campus and through supervised clinical practicum placements in affiliated hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. Students also complete coursework in laboratory management, professional issues and ethics, and a capstone or senior practicum that integrates clinical problem solving, laboratory data interpretation and professional communication.

Entry requirements

• Secondary school completion or equivalent with a strong emphasis on science and mathematics (biology and chemistry recommended).
• Typical successful applicants will have completed courses in biology, chemistry and algebra/pre-calculus; placement or introductory university-level courses may be required if these are incomplete.
• A minimum overall academic standing as specified by the University; competitive applicants usually present solid grades in prerequisite science subjects.
• Programme admission often involves a separate application to the clinical major in addition to university admission; selection may consider prerequisite completion, references and a personal statement demonstrating interest in laboratory medicine.
• Before clinical placements, students are usually required to meet health and safety conditions such as immunisations, a criminal background check and any clinical competency requirements dictated by placement providers.
• Transfer students with relevant completed coursework in the sciences are considered; exact transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as clinical laboratory scientists (also known as medical laboratory scientists/technologists) working in hospital laboratories, private diagnostic centres, public health laboratories, blood banks and research facilities. Common job functions include performing and interpreting diagnostic tests, managing laboratory quality systems, supervising testing areas and supporting infection control and epidemiology efforts.

Other career pathways include specialised roles in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, transfusion medicine, laboratory management, sales or technical support for diagnostic equipment manufacturers, and positions in public health or biomedical research. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study or professional programmes in allied health fields, medicine or biomedical sciences.

Why study at University of North Dakota

• Hands‑on training in purpose-built teaching laboratories combined with supervised clinical placements gives practical experience with contemporary diagnostic technologies and workflows.
• Close links with regional hospitals and clinical laboratories provide varied practicum sites and exposure to real-world diagnostic practice across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Smaller cohort sizes allow for close faculty mentoring; teaching staff typically have clinical backgrounds and maintain links to laboratory practice and research.
• The programme is structured to meet professional educational requirements that enable graduates to pursue national certification and licensure pathways where applicable.
• Opportunities exist to combine the clinical major with electives in public health, research methods or management to tailor study toward career goals such as leadership or specialised technical roles.