Institution The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley State Texas Academic Level Baccalaureate Issue Area Academic Program Website http://www.utrgv.edu/hbs/undergraduate-programs/cls/index.htm Key Personnel Dr. Daniela Gill Program Focus Health Overview Established in 1976, the mission of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program is to provide a quality educational experience, which prepares clinical laboratory scientists for leadership roles in a multicultural health care system. Our goals include: increasing retention rate of students starting the program, increasing number students pursuing master's and doctorate degrees in clinical/medical laboratory science, keeping a pass rate above 90% on the national certification exam and maintaining a career placement rate above 95%. Program Description The Clinical Laboratory Science Program students are predominantly Hispanic, first-generation, and college students. Many are migrants, single parents or recent immigrants with a strong commitment to remain in the area. The program helps students succeed academically by providing orientation, peer mentoring, and faculty mentoring. The support system developed for students includes former students, current seniors, as well as laboratory managers. When students graduate, a White Coat Ceremony is hosted, symbolizing the code of ethics and responsibility students will assume as members of the health care team. Outcome Since 2010, the program has had a first-time pass rate of 94% success rate on the national certification exams.Since the inception of the program, there have been approximately 508 graduates and 418 identified as Hispanic.The December 2015 cohort won 2nd place at the Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science Student Bowl competition and had 8 out of 21 (38%) students graduate with honors.For the December 2019 cohort, certification pass rate was 93.1%, job placement rate was 100% and graduation rate (those who complete the second half of the program) was 100%. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Texas Return to Growing What Works Database
