Indiana University

What you'll study

The programme provides a blend of core biological science, specialised clinical laboratory subjects and supervised clinical practica. Early semesters focus on foundational courses such as human anatomy and physiology, general and organic chemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and microbiology. Building on that base, students study clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, medical microbiology, blood banking (transfusion medicine), and molecular diagnostics. Coursework emphasises laboratory methods, quality management, instrumentation, laboratory safety, and data interpretation.

Practical learning is delivered through on-campus laboratory classes and off-campus clinical placements with hospital and reference laboratories. Students gain experience with routine and advanced diagnostic techniques, point-of-care testing, specimen processing, laboratory information systems, and regulatory/compliance issues. Many programmes include a capstone or practicum sequence in which students complete supervised shifts in accredited clinical laboratory settings.

• Core laboratory sciences: clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology
• Supporting sciences: anatomy & physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology
• Professional topics: laboratory management, quality assurance, ethics and regulation
• Skills development: instrumentation, laboratory techniques, data analysis
• Clinical practicum: supervised rotations in hospital or reference labs

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma, with strong preparation in the sciences. Recommended subjects include biology and chemistry; mathematics (algebra, statistics or precalculus) is also recommended. Typical successful applicants will have competitive grades in science and maths courses.

Additional selection elements may include prerequisite college-level courses, a personal statement describing interest and experience in clinical laboratory work, and letters of recommendation. Because clinical placements require compliance with healthcare standards, admitted students must be prepared to meet health and immunisation requirements, background checks and any site-specific onboarding checks prior to practicum placement.

Career prospects

Graduates work as clinical/medical laboratory scientists (also called medical technologists), performing diagnostic testing that supports patient care in hospitals, independent laboratories and public health facilities. Other common roles include laboratory specialist or technologist in blood banking, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and clinical chemistry. Many alumni move into supervisory or quality management positions within laboratories, or into roles in laboratory information systems, industry support and sales, or regulatory compliance.

The degree also provides a foundation for further study: graduates may pursue postgraduate qualifications in laboratory medicine, public health, physician assistant programmes, biomedical research, or specialised certifications administered by professional bodies. Public health laboratories, pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, academic research groups and forensic laboratories are additional career destinations.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University offers clinical science programmes with close ties to regional hospitals and healthcare systems, providing structured clinical placements and exposure to a broad case mix. Students benefit from experienced faculty who are active in laboratory practice and research, modern teaching laboratories and access to clinical training sites across the IU Health network and partner institutions.

The university emphasises interprofessional education, allowing clinical science students to learn alongside nursing, radiography and allied health colleagues, which mirrors collaborative practice in healthcare settings. Support services — including academic advising, career services and preparation for professional certification exams — help students transition from the classroom to clinical roles and further study.