Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) Certificate Program

Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) Certificate Program

Clinical Laboratory Assistants (CLAs), also referred to as Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs), are essential members of the diagnostic healthcare team. CLAs work in hospitals, physician office laboratories, reference laboratories, public health departments, and research institutions. They perform critical pre-analytical and limited analytical tasks that support the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results used in patient care. Working under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Technologists, or Pathologists, CLAs serve as a vital link between specimen collection and laboratory testing. Key Responsibilities of a CLAs include:

  • Specimen Collection and Processing (blood, urine, and other specimens; labeling; centrifugation)
  • Pre-Analytical and Analytical Support (basic procedures, instrument operation, LIS data entry)
  • Quality Assurance and Safety (OSHA, CLIA, HIPAA compliance; quality control documentation)
  • Communication and Collaboration with healthcare teams
  • Administrative and Logistical Support (records, inventory, compliance documentation)

ASCP Certification Eligibility: Completion of this program does not guarantee eligibility for national certification. Graduates may be eligible for the ASCP MLA Certification Exam (Route 3) if they meet the required experience criteria.

Program Overview

The CLA Certificate Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health prepares students for immediate employment in clinical laboratories. The curriculum includes specimen collection, laboratory techniques, instrumentation, quality control, safety, and professional communication. Course delivery format includes:

  • Online asynchronous lectures via Blackboard Ultra
  • Scheduled Zoom review sessions
  • In-person student laboratory sessions (Saturdays at FDU Metropolitan Campus)
  • Full-time, four-week clinical internship

Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from FDU’s College of Nursing and Allied Health.

Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Attendance at a mandatory Information Session
  • Completed FDU application
  • Interview with program director or coordinator

Post-Acceptance Requirements

  • Health clearance (physical exam, immunizations, communicable disease clearance)
  • Background check and drug screening prior to clinical placement

Program Cost

Total Program Cost: TBA (Tuition due at registration; non-refundable)

Estimated Additional Fees (Approximate: $370)

  • CastleBranch/DISA Background & Drug Screening: $175
  • Trajecsys (Clinical Documentation System): $75
  • Required Textbook: $97
  • FDU Technology Fee: $15

Summer Session Registration Coming Soon!

Didactic & Student Laboratory (May 18, 2026 – August 31, 2026) – Three mandatory in-person lab sessions (Tentative dates: August 1, 8, and 15, 2026)

Clinical Internship (September 1, 2026 – October 1, 2026) – Full-time, four-week unpaid internship at an FDU-affiliated laboratory site (Dates subject to change based on site availability.)

Application Portal to Open: March 15, 2026
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026