Centenary University announced on Tuesday it has introduced a new Bachelor of Science degree in medical laboratory science — the only one of its kind in northwestern New Jersey.
The program was developed in response to the demand for these types of trained professionals in hospitals, forensic labs and medical research facilities.
“A large number of individuals working in labs are of retirement age,” Craig Fuller, director of the program, said. “Centenary’s program provides great opportunities for students who love medicine, but don’t necessarily want to be a doctor or treat patients.”
The Hackettstown-based private liberal arts school said it has already partnered with several regional health systems to provide training on related technologies.
“These clinical opportunities will provide our students the technical training needed to be ready to start working directly after graduation,” Fuller said.
“In addition to health care systems, New Jersey is home to the largest concentration of biotechnology and pharmaceutical labs in the country,” Krassi Lazarova, associate professor of physics and chair of the Centenary University Science Department, said. “These employers are struggling to find qualified employees.”
The university also has applied for initial accreditation with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science so graduates can earn a certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
