Students who graduate from the CLS Program at Illinois State have found opportunities in a wide range of health related industries ranging from patient care to research.
Improvements and changes in health care delivery, information technology, medical technology and federal regulations make this an exciting and ever-changing profession.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of CLS professionals is expected to grow about as fast as average (10-20 percent) for all occupations through 2010.
Average starting salaries for CLS graduates are in the low $30,000s. After five years on the job, program alumni report an average salary in the lower $40,000s. Health care organizations offer excellent employee benefits packages including health insurance, retirement and continuing education opportunities.
Many CLS graduates have continued their education by pursuing a master degree in microbiology, chemistry, education, business administration and healthcare administration. Others have entered professional schools of medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.
As a CLS professional you can become a member of the following organizations:
These provide avenues for continuing education and networking with other professionals in the field.