Clinical Lab Scientist looks into a microscope in the lab

Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science (Pre-CLS)

Program Type

  • Single Course

Format

  • Online
  • Hybrid
  • In Person

Area of Study

Cost

$800 to $925 per class

Average Completion Time

One Semester or Session

When to Start

Fall, Spring, Summer

About this program

Prepare for a career in clinical laboratory science with SFSU’s Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science (Pre-CLS) courses. Complete the required prerequisites for the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program while building a strong academic foundation. You do not need to be an admitted SFSU student to enroll in Pre-CLS courses. With flexible scheduling and supportive advising, you can move forward with confidence toward your next step in the field.

Why Take Pre-CLS Courses at SFSU

Medical diagnostics screen
  • Courses meet California Department of Public Health requirements for CLS and Limited CLS Trainee Licenses
  • Get hands-on experience with our in-person lab practicum
  • Meet one-on-one with CLS faculty each week
  • Small class sizes with personal support
  • Career advice and professional networking opportunities

 

Pre-CLS Class Schedule

Please Note: Standalone lab classes and combined lecture/lab classes (BIOL 625) include in-person lab components on the SFSU campus.

Fall 2026

Course Title Class Number Meeting and Location Term Fee Refund Code
Refund Information
Refund CodeFull RefundNo Refund
CEL_2Class dropped before last day to addClass dropped after full refund deadline
CEL_ACSLClass dropped before last day to add for Session 1Class dropped after full refund deadline
CEL_ACSUClass dropped before last day to add for R4 SessionClass dropped after full refund deadline

 

How to Register

Step 1: Create your SFSU ID

Create an SFSU ID using Quick Admit and follow the instructions to create your SFSU Password and set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Quick Admit

Step 2: Request a permission number

Complete a course permission number request form, using your personal email. After you submit the form, you will receive your permission code by email on the date listed in the form. Codes are sent in the order your submission is received.

Permission Number Request

Step 3: Log in to your Student Center.

Log in to Gateway and select Student Center in the LaunchPad.

SFSU Gateway

Step 4: Register and pay

To register in your Student Center, have your course, class number and permission number ready.

  • Select Academics > Enroll
  • Select Career Postbaccalaureate or Undergraduate
  • If you see an error that says “This class falls outside of the career of study,” use your permission number to bypass it
  • Follow instructions to pay

Need help? See Gateway Instructions.

Step 5: Create SFSU email

Once your registration is confirmed, wait up to 24 hours for the system to update before setting up your SFSU email account.

Email Account Services

Questions

Email precls@sfsu.edu.

Step 1: Request a permission number

Complete a course permission number request form. After you submit the form, you will receive your permission code by email on the date listed in the form. Codes are sent in the order your submission is received.

Permission Number Request

Step 2: Register and pay

To register in your Student Center, have your course, class number and permission number ready.

  • Select Academics > Enroll
  • Select Career Postbaccalaureate or Undergraduate
  • If you see an error that says “This class falls outside of the career of study,” use your permission number to bypass it
  • Follow instructions to pay

Need help? See Gateway Instructions.

Questions?

Email precls@sfsu.edu.

Contact Us

Online

Fill out the enrollment request form. We will enroll you.

By Phone

Call (415) 405-7700
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

About Pre-CLS Courses

Cost

  • $925 lecture-only courses
  • $800 standalone lab courses

Course Length

  • Fall and spring: One semester (4 months)
  • Summer: One session (1 to 2 months)

Financial Aid

Financial aid is not available.

Payment Plan

This program gives you an option to split the cost for one semester into smaller payments.

Payment Options

If you are taking CLS prerequisite courses through the SFSU CLS department, you may apply while coursework is still in progress. Classes scheduled to finish in the same semester as your application will be accepted as pending.

This policy helps you move forward without delay and stay on track for the CLS program.

For questions about alternative prerequisites or course requirements, please contact us at mailto:precls@sfsu.edu.

If you need help with Canvas, contact Academic Technology. Please do not reach out to instructors or Enrollment Services.

Contact Academic Technology

Support Hours

  • Fall and spring: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Winter and summer: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

News

All News
ASCP Board of Certification

Clinical Lab Science Students Excel on National Certification Exam

CLS students and faculty at CAMLT

Clinical Lab Science Students Present at Statewide Conference

CLS student working with a computer and a microscope

Clinical Laboratory Science – Apply by Nov. 16

Contact

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