UofSC Aiken Students Prepare for Healthcare Careers

Three UofSC Aiken students recently completed the clinical laboratory science degree's internship and practicum.

Aiken, SC (09/03/2021) — Three University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) students: Emily (Bush) Aldrete, Shekinah Hampton, and Joe Legare, recently completed the clinical laboratory science degree program's internship and practicum. These students can now be employed as clinical lab professionals and sit for the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certification.

The bachelor's of science in clinical laboratory science (CLS) is offered through the Department of Biology and Geology. An important element of the degree program is the professional clinical component offered through the university's partnership with the University Health Care System in Augusta, G.A.

"Our local healthcare providers have shared with us the growing need for clinical lab science professionals that work in the hospital setting. These scientists provide essential functions and testing capabilities for our healthcare partners. We can offer this degree through our partnership with University Hospital," said Dr. Chad Leverette, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering. "This program equips graduates to enter this unique job field while meeting the workforce needs of our area's hospital systems. We are very proud of these most recent graduates."

Graduates with a degree in clinical laboratory science are prepared to perform, develop, evaluate, correlate, and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information, direct and supervise clinical laboratory resources and operations and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Dr. William Jackson, chair of the Department of Biology and Geology, explains, "The UofSC Aiken CLS degree was created in response to the real need for clinical laboratory scientists in the CSRA and to provide a great option for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The CLS degree provides students the biological and clinical training necessary to be successful clinical laboratory scientists. We are very proud of Emily, Joe, and Shekinah and know they will be successful in the path they have chosen."