Biology, Clinical Sciences Concentration, BS
The Biology, Clinical Sciences Concentration, BS program allows you to enter a clinical program in medical technology, histotechnology, cytotechnology or respiratory therapy. After completing three years of coursework at Shippensburg University, you will receive one year of clinical education at one of our affiliate schools. Once you have finished your clinical education, you can transfer your credits back to Ship to earn your bachelor of science in biology degree.
What Will I Learn?
You will have a strong core in biology and other sciences, but the main focus of this concentration at Ship is for you to take foundational courses (e.g., immunology, pathogenic microbiology, hematology, histology) that you will build upon in your clinical program.
Ultimately, clinical programs in medical laboratory science (medical technology) and histotechnology lead to your ability to provide critical information about a patient's health that a physician then uses to make decisions on treatment.
Meet Rosalia Cappadora '20
"The Biology Department is full of very knowledgeable professors. You will be challenged and helped every step of the way."What are the requirements for this degree?
An overall GPA of at least 2.5 is required to be eligible for this concentration and application to clinical sites is required one year in advance of the professional program starting date.
The clinical year may be taken at any of the hospital schools affiliated with Shippensburg University or any other hospital program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. Although hospitals give preference to their affiliates, admission is on a competitive basis and Shippensburg University cannot guarantee admission to a hospital program for the clinical year.
The following is a list of current hospital affiliations for Shippensburg University (or non-affiliated but approved sites):
- Medical Technology
- Altoona Hospital, Augusta Health (Fishersville, VA)
- Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA)
- Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
- Reading Medical Center
- Rockingham Memorial Hospital (Harrisonburg, VA)
- Saint Vincent Health Center (Erie, PA)
- Williamsport Hospital Histotechnology
- York Hospital
- Histotechnology
- Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA)
- Cytotechnology
- Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia)
- Magee Women's Hospital (Pittsburgh; non-affiliate)
- Respiratory Therapy
- Lancaster Regional Medical Center (via Millersville University)
What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?
After the clinical year is completed, jobs are plentiful in both medical laboratory science (medical technology) and histotechnology. Most positions are in hospital laboratories, but positions are also available in reference laboratories, research labs and small clinics. Some students make a lifelong career of the discipline, whereas others use their experience as a stepping stone to other healthcare fields or perhaps a Ph.D. education.
What Career Outcomes Do Alumni Have With This Degree?
What Kinds of Experiences Could I Have?
Ship offers several courses that are are not typically seen in similar programs at other colleges, such as pathogenic microbiology, histology and hematology. Classes and laboratory sessions are small, leading to personalized attention from faculty. The health sciences advisor visits clinical sites regularly to stay updated on the programs and work closely with students.
Many students in this program engage in research to expand their ability to solve problems, collect and analyze data and present the results of their findings in a formal presentation. Most students are also members of the Health Sciences Club which sponsors a blood drive each semester in addition to hosting speakers and conducting social events.