Frequently Asked Questions

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) and Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) professions are both licensed laboratory careers in California, but they differ in scope of practice and training focus.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) professionals are trained to perform testing across multiple areas of the clinical laboratory, including:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Medical Microbiology
• Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank)
• Molecular Diagnostics

CLS licensure provides the broadest scope of practice within the clinical laboratory and allows individuals to work in a wide variety of laboratory settings.

Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) professionals specialize in molecular and genetic testing, including:

• Molecular diagnostics
• Genomic testing
• Genetic analysis
• Precision medicine applications

CGMBS licensure is more specialized and is focused on molecular biology and genetics-based laboratory testing.

Applicants interested in a broad clinical laboratory career with flexibility across multiple laboratory disciplines may find the CLS pathway more aligned with their goals. Applicants whose primary interests are molecular diagnostics, genetics, genomics, and biotechnology may find the CGMBS pathway a better fit.

Prospective applicants should review the admission requirements, curriculum, and career outcomes for both programs before deciding which pathway best aligns with their professional interests.

Yes. Clinical Laboratory Scientists remain in high demand throughout California and the country, and graduates have excellent employment opportunities in hospitals and academic medical centers, clinical reference laboratories, biotechnology companies with CLIA labs, and specialty generics laboratories. Typical starting pay for a new CGMBS is approximately 50 dollars an hour.  

You must have a CGMBS Trainee License issued by California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services (LFS) at the time of application. No exceptions will be made to this requirement.

It can take a month or more for your training license application to be processed and a license granted. To be eligible for a CGMBS Trainee License, you must have grades for all prerequisite courses and a bachelor's degree posted to your transcripts. It is up to you to plan your application accordingly. 

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application well before the deadline. Early submission provides additional time to resolve issues related to transcripts, letters of recommendation, trainee license verification, or other required documentation. 

Early submission also allows the Selection Committee to begin reviewing applications sooner. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials as soon as their application is complete rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

No. Only three letters are accepted. See Application Instructions for complete recommendation letter policies.

"Overwrite" means to replace the existing information in a field with updated information. Applicants should not add a second entry, create a duplicate row, or leave the original text in place.

Our program is highly competitive. 

The selection committee scores candidates with a standardized rubric, and each candidate is ranked by score. The selection committee will then invite the highest ranked candidates to tour the participating training sites and interview with our education coordinators. Ultimately we match and train approximately 10 - 15 students each cohort based on application scores, candidate preference, and training site education coordinator preference.

To be a competitive candidate, we suggest that you:

• Have a high overall GPA, as well as a high Science and Math GPA, and a high last 60 semester units GPA
• Have letter grades of B or higher in key coursework
• A well-written personal statement that thoughtfully addresses all application prompts and follows all instructions.
• Strong letters of recommendation that provide meaningful insight into the applicant's academic, laboratory, and professional abilities.
• Meaningful laboratory experience gained through coursework and/or employment. In-person laboratory courses are preferred when available.
• Provide evidence of relevant lab skills through work experience
• Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to carefully read and follow application instructions. This is a critical skill for the CGMBS profession.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission to the program.

Applicants whose terminal GPA falls below the minimum 2.8 requirement are not automatically ineligible for admission. However, they must demonstrate successful GPA remediation by completing the program's GPA Calculator and providing all required supporting documentation with their application.

Carefully review the GPA Remediation section of the Admission Requirement page before applying.

Experience with molecular techniques, either through hands-on work (at least 500 work hours) or through classes (at least 9 semester units of laboratory credits in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology or genetics related labs) 

No. There is no limit to the number of times an applicant may apply to the program.

However, reapplicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate meaningful improvements to their application before reapplying. Examples of improvements may include additional laboratory work experience, completion of relevant coursework, GPA improvement, stronger letters of recommendation, enhanced leadership or professional experiences, or a more compelling personal statement.

Applicants who reapply with substantially the same academic record, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement should not expect a significantly different outcome. Because admission is competitive and each application cycle is evaluated independently, previous applicants are reviewed alongside the current applicant pool.

Reapplicants who were previously invited to interview are not guaranteed a subsequent interview invitation. Likewise, applicants who were not previously invited to interview may become competitive if they have strengthened their application since their last submission.

Reapplicants should use their personal statement to highlight any significant updates, accomplishments, and improvements made since their previous application.

No. Each application cycle is evaluated independently. Reapplying does not improve an applicant's chances unless the application itself has been meaningfully strengthened.

Regarding specific coursework questions, the requirements listed in the Admission Requirements section of this website reflect the State of California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services requirements for a CGMBS Trainee License. While the license is required to participate in our program, they are the governing body that approves coursework. We suggest you contact them directly regarding their acceptance of specific coursework at LFSscientist@cdph.ca.gov .

The requirements and instructions for how to obtain a CGMBS Trainee license are all on this LFS website.  

1. Only selected candidates will be invited to tour and interview with representatives of our participating clinical sites. 
2. Candidates will be ranked and matched per our matching protocol outlined in the Scoring and Matching Process Document.
3. Candidates who are matched with clinical sites will be given an invitation code to apply to Cal State Apply for admission to SJSU. Do not apply to Cal State Apply without this invitation code.
4. When requested, candidates will be asked to provide official transcripts in support of their application to Cal State Apply. Do not send these transcripts to admissions and records until you are requested to do so.

The cost of the program is spread out over three semesters, with students taking 3 units each semester for a total of 9 units. Current tuition information is available on theFederal Gainful Employment Disclosure page. Tuition is subject to change. Federal student loans may be available, subject to maximum eligibility for the school year. Other private loans may also be available.  

Additional expenses may include required health clearances, transportation to the assigned clinical affiliate, textbooks, and other program-related costs. Students must have a computer with a webcam and microphone, as well as reliable Wi-Fi. This is necessary for Live Zoom based lectures as well as our testing platforms that resemble the experience one would expect at a modern testing center. 

No. Applicants may have only one active application at a time.

Many of our clinical affiliates provide some form of financial support to trainees during the clinical training year. Support may include monthly stipends, hourly wages, housing assistance, or other employment-related benefits. However, compensation varies by affiliate, and some training sites may not offer financial support.

Any stipend, salary, or other compensation arrangement is established directly between the clinical affiliate and the student trainee. Applicants should discuss and confirm the availability, amount, and terms of any stipend or benefits with the clinical affiliate during the interview process.

No. The SJSU CLS Program and its training affiliates do not sponsor visas

The CLS Training Program at San José State University is designed to meet the licensing requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientists seeking long-term employment within the State of California. Clinical training affiliates generally do not provide visa sponsorship for trainees, and applicants should not expect sponsorship as part of the training program. Individuals seeking licensure or employment opportunities outside California should carefully evaluate whether the program aligns with their professional and immigration goals.

Applicants must independently possess and maintain the appropriate immigration status and employment authorization required to participate in the program and any associated clinical training experiences.

Applicants seeking biotechnology careers may also wish to consider the San José State University Master of Biotechnology program, which accepts international students and provides advanced training in biotechnology. Additional information is available here: Master of Biotechnology

Yes. Students with International degrees may apply to the program if they meet all program admission requirements, including eligibility for a California CLS Trainee License and the legal right to work in the United States throughout the training year.

Applicants who completed coursework or earned degrees outside the United States must obtain a course-by-course transcript evaluation from an approved credential evaluation agency. Additional information is available on the Admission Requirements page.

International applicants are responsible for determining their own eligibility for admission, licensure, and employment authorization.

No. However, applicants must independently possess and maintain the legal authorization required to complete the clinical training program and to work in the United States throughout the training year. The program does not sponsor visas.