The Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science: An Executive Summary

Elizabeth Kenimer Leibach

doi:10.29074/ascls.21.3.134

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Elizabeth Kenimer Leibach⇑
1. is professor and chair in the Department of Biomedical and Radiological Technologies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA

Address for correspondence: Elizabeth Kenimer Leibach EdD MS CLS MT(SBB), professor and chair, Department of Biomedical and Radiological Technologies, EC 2437 Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA 30912-0500. (706) 721-3046, (706) 721-7631 (fax). ekenimer{at}mcg.edu.

Extract

This article describes, in informational bullets, the concept of the doctorate in clinical laboratory science. The intent of the article is to support the marketing of these new practitioners and to provide the conceptual frame and links to data for proposals required to implement educational programs for them.

DCLS PURPOSE The aim of the profession, as expressed in the position statement of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, is the “creation and implementation of a doctorate in clinical laboratory science (DCLS), an advanced degree that requires comprehensive knowledge of test methodologies, their limitations, pre- and post-analytical and patient circumstances that could invalidate test results; and knowledge of healthcare policy and delivery systems, principles of education, research and management.”¹

The position statement regarding the doctorate in clinical laboratory science (DCLS) continues:

Missing within the continuity of healthcare are enough scientists and physicians within the clinical laboratory or elsewhere on the healthcare team who are totally dedicated to and who have the breadth of knowledge and assigned authority essential to the ordering of appropriate laboratory tests, the effective use of laboratory test information, effective consultation with other healthcare team members, direct communication with patients, review of patient records, and interpretation/application of laboratory generated information in reference to clinical signs and symptoms. A clinical laboratory science professional holding a doctoral degree (DCLS) is needed to provide the critical interface across the healthcare system in order to assure improved patient outcomes and cost…

ABBREVIATIONS: ASCLS = American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science; CLS = clinical laboratory science; DCLS = doctorate in clinical laboratory science; NAACLS = National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences; PDTF = Professional Doctorate Task Force.