About the Profession
Clinical laboratory assistants (CLAs), also known as medical laboratory assistants, provide essential services for diagnostic laboratories. CLAs perform a wide range of tasks, including accessioning samples as they are delivered to the laboratory, operating instruments, and centrifuging, pipetting, and packaging samples. Some receive training to perform phlebotomy procedures.
About the Program
Earn while you learn! Not only will VUMC cover the cost of your tuition, you will receive an hourly wage throughout the program with the expectation that upon program completion, you commit to a full-time position as a CLA or phlebotomist at VUMC and continue in that role for 1 year.
Graduates will be eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam for Medical Lab Assistant after 6 months of full-time work in that position and/or the Phlebotomy Technician exam, if applicable.
The Vanderbilt CLA Program has 2 tracks: CLA and CLA with Phlebotomy. Both tracks prepare students for an entry-level position in a diagnostic laboratory. The full-time program includes both online courses and extensive clinical training on-site within VUMC's diagnostic laboratories. The CLA track is 10 weeks. CLA with Phlebotomy includes 2 additional weeks of coursework.
Watch our brief video to learn more!
Program Structure
- Online Coursework: 4 weeks
- Orientation
- Topics covered include safety, professionalism, ethics, communication, quality, resume writing, job interviews, and laboratory practices.
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Vocabulary
- Orientation
Clinical Rotations: 6 weeks
- Phlebotomy track: 2 additional weeks
Please note: For students currently employed at VUMC, clinical rotations will be performed outside of normal working hours.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Total GPA of 2.0 or higher
Preference is given to applicants with healthcare and/or higher-level science courses or experience.
Application Process
The CLA Program and CLA with Phlebotomy have biannual cohorts that begin in January and July.
Applications are accepted through the VUMC Human Resources Department. Please check the job search page for opportunities here.
Contact Info
Sylvia Verhoven, MLS(ASCP)CM
Program Director
sylvia.m.verhoven@vumc.org