Hi Everyone,

Has anyone in this group pursued a PhD program related to blood banking, if there is any. After getting my SBB and MS, I still want to pursue a more advanced degree, but the options seem to be very limited. I considered the DCLS program (The Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science), but not sure how the new graduates of this program are fitting into the clinical laboratory practice. Thanks everyone in advance for any insights. 

17 hours ago, Jsbneg said:

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone in this group pursued a PhD program related to blood banking, if there is any. After getting my SBB and MS, I still want to pursue a more advanced degree, but the options seem to be very limited. I considered the DCLS program (The Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science), but not sure how the new graduates of this program are fitting into the clinical laboratory practice. Thanks everyone in advance for any insights. 

I would argue that the DCLS program is probably your best route. Here in Texas, UTHSCSA (University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio) has a PhD Clinical Laboratory Sciences program but it is residential only. The tricky part to any of these programs is how they will fit into clinical laboratory practice. It is unlikely that hospitals will want to pay laboratory experts to consult with physicians on appropriate lab orders, which is the main described goal of the DCLS program. However, perhaps both the DCLS and PhD CLS candidate could fill the role of Medical Director for a clinical laboratory? That is another goal of these programs. DCLS, like MD, is a practical doctorate. An argument could be made that either of these professional degrees could qualify the individual for the Medical Director role.

Just a few thoughts of mine. I am finishing up my PhD dissertation in Biblical Studies. I have been contemplating doing the DCLS or PhD CLS afterward. I love both lab and ministry. 

Edited February 8, 20232 yr by jayinsat
edited for clarity

Thank you Jayinsat. This was very helpful and I wish you the best of luck with your PhD dissertation.

I hope we can see in the near future a more substantial change in the scope of practice of DCLS or PhD CLS graduates in the clinical laboratory. But I'm sure the path won't be without resistance as pathologist's interest will be at stake.