What Is a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS)?

In many ways, laboratory professionals are the unsung heroes of patient care. Clinicians rely on them to correctly interpret lab test results, provide accurate diagnoses, and offer guidance on what laboratory results mean for patient treatment. Unsure about the next step in your lab scientist career? Look no further than the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) program.

Geared toward current lab professionals, the University of Cincinnati’s online DCLS program will prepare you to be a leader—in both the lab and in the constantly evolving field of health care. At UC, we understand how difficult it can be to juggle your education, work, and family. That’s why the DCLS program combines asynchronous and 100% online coursework with in-person clinical experience, allowing you to balance your day-to-day life with your professional aspirations.

Key Takeaways

• The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) is an emerging doctoral program that prepares students for advanced roles in the laboratory profession.
• DCLS professionals primarily focus on improving lab efficiency and patient outcomes through their expertise in diagnostic management and laboratory utilization.
• With a DCLS, laboratory professionals can advance their careers in a variety of settings, including hospital laboratories, pharmacies, and public health/government agencies.

Overview of the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS)

The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science is a professional doctoral degree that shapes you into an advanced practitioner and a leader within the laboratory science field. Though DCLS is one of UC’s newer laboratory science programs, those with this qualification are making a huge impact on laboratory utilization and diagnostic management.

As a DCLS student, you’ll gain the tools you need to increase lab efficiency, minimize improper diagnosis, and ultimately streamline patient care. Our broad curriculum emphasizes laboratory diagnostics, pathophysiology, and effective laboratory leadership.

Alongside your coursework, you will also complete a three-semester clinical experience. Rather than having to uproot your life and move to a new city, you can complete this clinical requirement at your local hospital or lab. It’s our belief that hands-on, real-world experience is key to success in a clinical setting; you’ll become even more well-versed at working within a health care team and improving patient outcomes, all while you’re still a student.

Role of DCLS in Healthcare

Lab professionals play a vital, and often unrecognized, role in medical decisions. When physicians have questions about lab testing, clinical lab professionals must have the necessary education and knowledge to point toward the patient’s next steps. This is where the DCLS comes in.

As a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science, you’ll build a variety of core competencies, such as conducting research and providing consultation services to bed-side clinicians and trainees. From interpreting test results to acting as a resource to other laboratory professionals, you will serve as a beacon of laboratory leadership. For example, a DCLS is one of several eligible pathways to earn your certification as a High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD), a common leadership role in the laboratory setting.

Monitoring laboratory utilization and diagnostic management are other areas of expertise for the DCLS. You will make evidence-based decisions within these areas, ensuring that patients are receiving the correct tests at the right time. This improves patient outcomes while also optimizing the use of your laboratory’s budget and resources. The mission of DCLS is simple: improving clinical laboratory science and patient care as a whole. 

Why Pursue a DCLS?

A doctoral-level education in clinical laboratory science sets you apart, and the DCLS program paves the way for numerous benefits:

• Career advancement: Your employment options with a DCLS are as broad as the degree itself. DCLS professionals work as laboratory directors, consultants, educators, and more. In fact, an early study found that 57% of DCLS graduates assumed a new job within 6 months of graduation, and 33% of graduates were promoted at their current place of employment.
• Leadership opportunities: Your advanced education and experience will equip you to excel—and lead other lab scientists to do the same. DCLS professionals thrive in leadership roles, and they accomplish this through a mixture of laboratory expertise and their aptitude for interprofessional communication across different teams.
• Influence on patient care and policy: A crucial aspect of being a DCLS practitioner, as outlined by the ASCLS, is playing an active role in “public and private health policy decision-making at all organization and government levels.” If your interest in laboratory best practices goes beyond your own workplace, a DCLS will allow you to enact improvements to health care at every level.

Educational Requirements for a DCLS

The DCLS is a terminal degree and demonstrates mastery of clinical laboratory science. If you hold either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in medical laboratory science (or a related field), you can apply for the DCLS program!

You’ll also need to:

• Provide verification of a Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification or certification from a qualified organization (ASCP, ASCPi, AMT, or equivalent)
• Show at least two years of prior clinical, industry, or research experience related to laboratory science
• Have a 3.0 GPA (B average) in all prior college coursework
• Submit a 1,000-word statement of purpose regarding your personal, professional, and academic goals

If you don’t have a master’s degree, don’t be deterred. While it may take you longer to complete the program, you will still satisfy all doctoral requirements when starting with a bachelor’s degree. The DCLS program webpage includes a section dedicated to all admission requirements.

Want to Learn More about UC’s Online DCLS Degree?

More questions? We have answers on the DCLS program page. You can also watch a video Q&A with our program director, Dr. Patricia Tille. The video description includes timestamps for easy navigation.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward earning your DCLS, contact your Enrollment Advisor today. Please note that enrollment for the DCLS program is open every fall semester—program spots are limited, so begin your application today!

How UC Sets Itself Apart with Full Pathway Education

Through the University of Cincinnati, it’s never been easier to balance an online education with your busy life.

Full pathway education means that you can complete your laboratory science education all through UC and all online. Beginning with the Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science, you can continue your education through the Master of Science in medical laboratory science leadership or go directly into the DCLS.

Through full pathway education, you never have to worry about transferring to another institution or even navigating a new class portal. Additionally, because the DCLS is a terminal degree, you will have the highest recognized credential in the laboratory science field upon completion.

The University of Cincinnati is here to help you every step of the way. From enrollment to graduation, we want your online education to be as seamless as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a DCLS and other doctoral programs?

As opposed to a PhD, which tends to prioritize research, the DCLS emphasizes research alongside extensive clinical training. DCLS programs also stress the importance of diagnostic management team (DMT) leadership and other practical laboratory skills.

How long does the DCLS program take to complete?

A full-time student can complete the program in as little as three years. Not able to attend as a full-time student? No problem. A part-time student can complete the program in as little as six years. 

How will my program differ if I have a bachelor’s degree vs. a master’s degree?

If you already hold a master’s degree, you will only need 60 credits to complete the DCLS program! If you hold a bachelor’s degree, the program will take 81 credits to complete.