The Development of the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science in the U.S.

In the United States, a new post-baccalaureate degree has been introduced in the medical laboratory sciences profession whose hallmark is advanced clinical practice beyond that of the entry level generalist. After more than a decade of exploring the most appropriate level of education and training in laboratory medicine to meet the demands of a changing health care system, the first Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) program is now offered. This article discusses the collaborative effort among professional organizations and stakeholders to develop the framework for the DCLS degree. In addition, the roles, responsibilities and justification for need of the DCLS are presented along with accreditation standards for DCLS programs and future challenges for this new member of the health care delivery team.