Constance Phillips, CLA Director

Boston University’s Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Sciences program grew out of a need in the late 1980s for laboratory technicians at local biotechnology companies and at our own medical center laboratories. Since its inception in 1987, the undergraduate program has expanded its offerings to include two certificate programs, a middle and high school program (CityLab), a post-secondary skills training program (CityLab Academy), and a graduate degree in clinical investigation. An integral part of the Biomedical curriculum is an externship in a laboratory or clinical research setting. This experiential aspect of the program enhances student’s skills and enhances their professional marketability.

My involvement with job training goes back to 1991 when BUSM partnered with Jobs for Youth – Boston, New England Medical Center and Boston Technical Center. We offered medical terminology basic laboratory skills and computer training. This original program continued for fifteen years, and in 1996 formally became CityLab Academy.

The program has strong ties to Massachusetts’ biotechnology industry. Indeed, most of our faculty is drawn from local biotechnology companies and our own medical school. Very often, students secure full-time employment at their place of internship. Boston is a great place to be part of the bioscience world and Boston University in its commitment to the community supports science education for all.

Connie Phillips is Research Assistant Professor of Biochemistry in Boston University’s Metropolitan College and School of Medicine, Director of Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Sciences, and Director of CityLab Academy. She holds a BA in Biology from Emmanuel College, an MA in Education from Suffolk University and an MPH from Boston University’s School of Public Health.