For Immediate Release                               Date:  June 11, 2007 Contact: Diane Buzick, diane.buzick@llcc.edu SPRINGFIELD – Addressing one of the current critical skill shortages in health care, Lincoln Land Community College and the University of Illinois at Springfield are offering a new “2 + 2” program in clinical laboratory science. Students who earn their two-year associate degree in pre-laboratory science at LLCC with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher will be guaranteed admission to the clinical laboratory science program at UIS, where they will complete the final two years of their bachelor’s degree. The clinical laboratory science degree equips graduates with skills to work in hospital and physician office laboratories or as forensic scientists, lab supervisors, medical researchers, medical and pharmaceutical sales representatives, and other related occupations. “There is currently 100 percent job placement in this field for graduates seeking employment,” said Bill Callaway, chair of the allied health and emergency services department at LLCC.  “Lab science is one of the areas identified as a critical skill shortage in health care.” “Clinical lab science is a great ‘behind the scenes’ health care career for those who prefer a minimum of patient contact,” said Linda McCown, chair and associate professor in the UIS clinical laboratory science program. She added that lab scientists analyze blood, tissue and other body fluids, with 70 percent of all medical decisions based on the information they provide.  In addition to lab work crucial to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, clinical laboratory scientists may also be involved in test development, teaching, consulting and supervision/management. “CLS is also an excellent pre-professional program, providing a background for studies in pre-med or pre-dental, and students have a marketable profession while they are waiting to get into professional programs,” said McCown.  More information on enrollment in the new 2 + 2 program is available from Mr. Callaway at 217.786.2408 or Ms. McCown at 217.206.7550.
Posted on Monday, June 11, 2007
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