09/21/2026
Our Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Program was recognized at the County of Los Angeles Quality and Productivity Commissionβs 39th Annual Productivity and Quality Awards Program, βCatalysts for Innovation.β Cal State LA's College of Professional and Global Education program, in collaboration with the College of Natural and Social Sciences, led by Gloria C. Preza, Ph.D, MLS (ASCP)CM (pictured), partnered with LA Health Services to develop a multi-site, enterprise-based CLS training model focused on workforce sustainability, operational readiness, and standardized training across County hospitals. The award-winning collaboration has created an innovative, multi-site training model to address Californiaβs critical shortage of Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Across 14 cohorts, 125 students have completed the program; 81 graduates currently serve in the County workforce, including Los Angeles General Medical Center. Congratulations and thank you to Qichao Stephen Ji, MBA, MS, MSc, MLS(ASCP)SBB, CQA(ASQ), AHI(AMT), our LA Health Services partner, and Dr. Preza for building this vital healthcare workforce pipeline!