Is a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) Worth It?

After you’ve decided to pursue a career in clinical lab sciences, it’s easy to panic over what comes next. Whether you’re a current student or already working as a medical laboratory scientist, you can level up your skill set through the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science program. However, this begs the question: is a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) degree worth it?

With an emphasis on both research and practical clinical experience, a DCLS prepares you to be a leader in a variety of laboratory and clinical settings. The career outlook for clinical laboratory professionals remains steady, with employment projected to grow 5% by 2033. Individuals with an advanced degree have an even greater advantage, yet the question remains: is a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) worth it?

Key Takeaways

• A Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science holds immense value for clinical laboratory scientists looking to advance into higher-level roles.
• Career and leadership opportunities, increased earning potential, and influence in health care policy make a DCLS degree an excellent choice.
• You can earn your DCLS through 100% online coursework and flexible in-person residency requirements, making the degree perfect for working laboratory professionals.

What Is a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science? 

The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science degree is a terminal credential in the laboratory science field. DCLS professionals provide invaluable insight into laboratory utilization, diagnostic management, and other best practices within the laboratory environment that improve overall patient care. Most commonly, graduates of this program assume roles in laboratory leadership, research, and advance practice.

Though DCLS is a newer doctoral program within the clinical laboratory field at UC, practitioners with this degree have brought immense value to the health care settings they serve. They possess the education and knowledge needed to eliminate unnecessary laboratory test orders and reduce diagnostic errors, which ultimately cuts down on health care costs and results in better patient outcomes. A combination of research and experience-based coursework ensures that DCLS graduates are not only effective in the lab but also in improving the quality of health care overall.

A DCLS demonstrates your expertise and allows you to advocate for the importance of clinical laboratory work in policy-making—in your organization and beyond!

5 Reasons a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) Is Worth Pursuing

Now that you know the role a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science plays within the clinical space, how does this benefit you? It turns out that if you already hold a Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science or a Master of Science in medical laboratory science leadership, a DCLS allows you to advance even further in your career.

Here are five reasons it’s worth it to pursue your DCLS:

1. Greater career advancement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology’s 2022 Vacancy Survey demonstrated an across-the-board increase in laboratory vacancies compared to their 2020 survey. There’s never been a better time to enter the clinical laboratory field, and a DCLS gives you a competitive edge in the current job market.
2. Leadership opportunities: A DCLS degree opens doors for high-level laboratory director positions. It also provides an eligible pathway toward earning the High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD) certification.
3. Potential for higher earnings: While the 2023 annual median pay for a medical laboratory scientist (MLS) was $60,780, a DCLS greatly increases your earning potential by qualifying you for director and other leadership positions in labs.
4. Increased credibility: Your DCLS establishes you as an expert in the field of clinical laboratory science. DCLS professionals are quickly gaining recognition for their expertise in clinical research, lab testing, and interprofessional communication.
5. Influence patient care and policy: If you are interested in improving health care at a broad level, a DCLS positions you to play an active role in decision-making. You can act as a voice for laboratory professionals at all organizational and governmental levels of health care policy.

Career Outlook with a DCLS

Armed with a DCLS, you gain access to a wide array of high-level career opportunities inside and outside the laboratory setting. These include positions within private and public hospital laboratories, academic medical centers, public health and government agencies, biotechnology companies, and more.

Here are some common positions that DCLS professionals hold upon graduation:

• Laboratory directors
• Consultants
• Quality assurance specialists
• Research scientists
• University faculty and educators

Who Should Consider a DCLS Degree?

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in medical laboratory science (or a related field) and an MLS generalist certification, a DCLS can take your career to the next level. Visit our DCLS program webpage to review the program admission requirements.

Enrollment for the DCLS program is only open every fall semester. Since program spots are limited, begin your application today!

What Sets UC’s Online DCLS Program Apart

The University of Cincinnati’s online DCLS program is geared toward working laboratory professionals. All coursework for the DCLS program is asynchronous and 100% online, and you can complete your in-person clinical residency at a local facility. These flexible requirements take the weight off as you further your education while still prioritizing your job and family.

It can be overwhelming to even consider pursuing a doctoral degree alongside your full-time job, but our online programs make it more than possible—we make it easy! You don’t have to worry about a busy in-person class schedule. Instead, you can focus on making a difference in the lives of patients.

Want to See if a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) Is Worth It for You? Let UC Help You!

Still unsure if a DCLS is right for you? Don’t just take our word for it. Check out our video Q&A with the DCLS program director, Dr. Patricia Tille.

And if you’re ready to take the first step toward earning your DCLS, contact your Enrollment Advisor today! At the University of Cincinnati, earning a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) is more than worth it: it’s invaluable to your career in lab science.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I need work experience to apply to the DCLS program?

Yes. You must have at least two years of prior clinical, industry, or research experience in laboratory science to apply to the DCLS program.

Are clinical laboratory scientists in demand?

Yes! The current shortage of clinical laboratory scientists means there’s never been a better time to jump into the field. With a DCLS, you’ll be at the top of the applicant pool for these open positions.