Laboratory Science Programs in New York State

In addition to the links below, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has a search tool for programs leading to Professional Licensure.

Please note:  Educational programs may change over time.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their program of choice is registered with the NYSED as leading to meeting the licensure requirements.

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

2-YEAR COLLEGE PROGRAMS

4-YEAR COLLEGE PROGRAMS

POST-BACHELOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

FAQ

Careers in Clinical Laboratory Sciences have many job titles including:

Medical Technologist, Laboratory Scientist, Cytotechnologist, Histological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, and others.  In New York, some laboratory personnel require licensure by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

More information about these professions and instructions for obtaining licensure can be found on the NYSED website Office of the Professions

What is a Lab Assistant?

A Lab Assistant is an important laboratory employee. They work with other laboratory professionals performing routine and special duties associated with medical testing. They may be responsible for many different functions including preparing patient testing samples, using and maintaining different types of lab equipment, managing and organizing lab records, checking work logs, maintaining and ordering supplies, preparing reagents, and storing and discarding specimens.

What is a Phlebotomist?

A Phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, is a healthcare professional who draws blood, ensuring that the proper amount is taken in the correct tubes. A phlebotomist is responsible for verifying the patient’s identity, labeling the blood samples, and entering the patient information into a computer. Phlebotomists may work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, or physician offices.

What is a Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

A Clinical Laboratory Technologist is a healthcare practitioner who performs complex tests and procedures that help other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, detect, diagnose, and treat diseases. They often provide direct supervision to subordinate staff and are responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and records and Insuring adherence to proper quality assurance standards all of which requires the exercise of independent judgment and responsibility.

What is a Cytotechnologist?

A Cytotechnologist is a highly skilled laboratory practitioner who, using a microscope, examines human cells for the presence of cancer, viral and bacterial infections, and other abnormal conditions. Cytotechnologists work independently with minimal supervision and refer slides with unusual findings to a pathologist for further examination.

What is a Specimen Processor?

A Specimen Processor is a key member of the laboratory team. They are primarily responsible for handling laboratory samples from patients as they come into the lab. This usually includes checking a specimen’s information for accuracy, entering specimen information into the computer, and ensuring the right department receives the specimen and necessary information to perform testing. Specimen processors most commonly work with blood but may also work with other body samples and fluids. Some may even draw blood in certain situations.

What is a Histological Technician?

A Histological Technician, or histotechnician, is a skilled laboratory practitioner who prepares tissue samples for microscopic evaluation by a surgical pathologist. Responsibilities include describing and dissecting tissue samples, embedding samples in paraffin wax, cutting thin sections of tissue, creating slides and staining samples for pathological review.

What is a Clinical Laboratory Technician?

A Clinical Laboratory Technician is a healthcare practitioner who performs clinical procedures and examinations to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and may set up lab areas and check, calibrate and maintain complex clinical equipment. Laboratory Technicians do much of the same work as Laboratory Technologists but are required to work under the supervision of a clinical laboratory technologist, laboratory supervisor, or director of a clinical laboratory