Program Highlights
The Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) in Clinical Lab Science program aims to prepare students for entry-level mid-level clinical laboratory positions in the healthcare industry by providing extensive knowledge ranging from phlebotomy to clinical laboratory practices.
- About the program: WUST will prepare students to collect blood specimens from patients for the purpose of laboratory analysis for medical testing and processing. Students will become familiar with all aspects related to blood collection and develop comprehensive skills to perform venipunctures completely and safely. Classroom and lab work includes terminology, anatomy and physiology, blood collection procedures, hands-on specimen practice, training in skills and techniques to perform puncture methods and a focus on safety standards.
- Name of the Degree: Associate of Occupational Science (A.O.S) in Clinical Lab Science
- Number of Credits Required: 90 credits to complete the program= 2 years and can be completed less than 2 years depending on evaluation transfer credits.
- Delivery Modality: Classes are delivered online and campus/Hybrid program
Skills You Will Learn
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Records and HIPPA/Privacy laws
- Understanding of the Body Systems
- Basic Clinical Procedures and Infection Control Standards
- Cell and Tissue Anatomy & pathalogy
- Electronic Health Record Systems and Documentation
- Preparing patients for exams
- Vital Signs
- Medical Equipment and Supplies
- Drawing Blood and Blood Testing Process and Procedure
- Patient Preparation and Exam
- Laboratory Tests and Processes
- Providing healthcare industry support
- Blood draws/venipunctures
- Urinalysis
- Medical records handling and compliant documentation
- Medical Laboratory specimen processing
- Interdisciplinary Communication
- HIPPA
- Critical Thinking
- Clinical Laboratory Operations
Career Paths & Certifications
American Medical Technologist (AMT) certifications are industry recognized credentials. AMT has over 100,000 AMT members, accepted in 50 states and abroad.
Certificates:
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
- Registered Phlebotomy Technician
Upon completion, graduates of Medical Lab Assistant could pursue entry-level mid-level career opportunities such as the following:
- Medical Lab Assistants
- Phlebotomists
- Traveling phlebotomists
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapist
- Donor Center Technician
- Diagnostic Lab Technician
- Research Institution Technician
- Clinical or Research Labs
- Physician offices
- Clinics
- Related Healthcare settings
- Medical Sales
Experienced Medical Lab Assistants may function in supervisory or managerial capacities including personnel selection, hiring, and evaluation. As a member of AMT, graduates have access to their job boards.
Virginia’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program
The Virginia Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program is the Commonwealth’s statewide workforce development system, now unified under Virginia Works — the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. It was created to connect people to careers and employers to skilled talent by consolidating 11 separate programs into one streamlined agency.
Purpose and Goals
WIOA is a federal-state partnership designed to:
- Increase employment, job retention, and earnings.
- Improve occupational skills for job seekers.
- Match employers with the skilled workers they need.
- Serve diverse groups including adults, dislocated workers, youth, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and new entrants to the workforce.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility depends on meeting WIOA requirements, which vary by program. Common categories include:
- Adults (18+), including veterans, low-income individuals, and those with basic skills gaps.
- Dislocated workers (laid off or receiving unemployment benefits).
- Youth (16–24) facing barriers to employment.
- Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Associates of Occupational Science in Clinical Lab Science is approved and listed on the Virginia ETPL.