Evidence based practice and advanced competencies in a MHS-CLS program

The goals, curriculum, implementation, and immediate impacts of an entry-level Master of Health Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (MHS-CLS) degree are described as compared to the baccalaureate program (BS-CLS) in the same institution. The MHS-CLS program was instituted in fall semester, 2008; the inaugural class graduated in spring semester 2010. To document the need for the MHS-CLS, program statistics, such as the number of students entering the current BS-CLS program with previous baccalaureate degrees, numbers of students graduating with biology and chemistry degrees in the United States, CLS workforce shortages and pending retirement statistics were used. The shortage of CLS practitioners able to perform and publish evidence-based practice research also supported program need. The MHS-CLS curriculum includes advanced courses, advanced competencies incorporated into existing BS-CLS courses, and a capstone research project in evidence based practice.