The doctorate in clinical laboratory sciences: current status and outcomes

The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (DCLS) degree was implemented at the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2016 with the goal of training laboratory professionals who can improve patient outcomes by participating as part of the healthcare team, providing input regarding the use of laboratory testing in clinical decision-making, and optimizing the utilization of laboratory tests. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)-DCLS program presented data regarding the implementation of the program from 2016 to 2021. This follow-up study presents the DCLS program outcomes to date. A DCLS alumni, clinical supervisor, and employer surveys were distributed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and explore the role and patient-care impact of DCLS graduates. The majority of UTMB DCLS alumni secured employment before graduation or shortly thereafter and currently work in academic medical centers and reference laboratories as medical or laboratory directors. Clinicians rate the perceived contribution of DCLS graduates to clinical practice to be highly beneficial, and employers indicate a significant impact of DCLS graduates on patient outcomes. The results presented in this study demonstrate the active participation of DCLS in the healthcare team, thus supporting the need to invest in academic DCLS programs to further the growth of this advanced practice degree.