The Laboratory
The Laboratory at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is licensed by the State of California and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the College of American Pathologists, The Laboratory offers over 800 procedures, with 97% of those procedures performed in-house. The laboratory provides services to an extremely busy emergency department/trauma service, a critically ill inpatient population, and a growing outpatient service by performing over one million tests per year.

The School
The philosophy of Cottage Hospital School of Medical Technology is to provide students with exemplary training and the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. This goal is achieved by providing didactic instruction to students in the theory and clinical application of laboratory tests and emphasizing hands-on experience in all of the clinical departments. By rotating through Chemistry, Blood Bank, Microbiology, and Hematology, students experience all aspects of the daily operation of Cottage Hospital’s state-of-the art clinical laboratory. Students will have access to resources provided by the School library, as well as Reeves Medical Library.

The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the State of California. The program culminates in the awarding of a certificate of completion. The certificate is granted only after the completion of all program objectives with successful clinical rotation and lecture examination scores. The granting of this certificate is not contingent upon the student passing any type of external certification or licensing exam.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are then eligible to take the California State licensing exam for Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and the certification exams given by the Board of Registry (ASCP) and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).

Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Clinical Laboratory Science is to provide the highest quality of science education to future laboratory professionals through a commitment to continuous improvements in training, education, professional development, competency assessment, and student and employer satisfaction.

Goals and Objectives
The goal of the School of Clinical Laboratory Science is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop and establish procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances. Properly collect specimens and maintain their integrity for quality results.
• Perform analytical tests on body fluids, cells, and other substances.
• Integrate and relate data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments while making decisions regarding possible discrepancies.
• Confirm abnormal results, verify quality control procedures, execute quality control procedures, and develop solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data.
• Make decisions concerning the results of quality control and quality assurance measures, and institute proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision.
• Establish and perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments as well as identify appropriate sources for repair.
• Develop, evaluate, and select new techniques, instruments, and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of the laboratory’s personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources.
• Promote professional conduct through interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.
• Establish and maintain continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
• Provide leadership in educating other health personnel and the community.
• Exercise the principles of management, safety, and supervision.
• Apply the principles of educational methodology.
• Develop skills for use of current information systems.

Benefits and Expenses

Students participating in our program receive a $1,000 per month stipend. Students sign an Agreement for Services Contract during orientation which distinguishes them as students, not employees, of the institution. Because of this, we cannot offer paid work hours in addition to the formal training program at any Cottage Health System hospital.
Additional benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• 10 discretionary days off
• Lab coats
• Hepatitis B vaccine is offered to students free of charge
• Student expenses are estimated to be approximately $300, and include:
• Required textbooks
• Exam fees for licensing/board exams
• Minor expenses incurred in connection with field trips and seminars

Contact Information

Medical Director: Peter L. Morris, MD
Program Director: Lynette Hansen, EdD, MHA, CLS (ASCP)

For more information, please call, write, or e-mail: