WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM

WEST LIBERTY, WEST VIRGINIA

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, ESSENTIAL FUCNTIONS, OUTCOME MEASURES, SUGGESTED CURRICULUM GUIDE, AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

A.Description of the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science

A medical laboratory scientist is an allied health professional who is qualified by academic and clinical training to provide varied services in the clinical laboratory. The MLS is also responsible for acting in a professional manner. The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a commitment to the patient are essential qualities for a MLS. In addition, a MLS must demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes that are necessary for interacting with professional colleagues and gaining the support and trust of the patient, the patient’s family and the community.

As students of clinical laboratory science/medicine, you are expected to be competent in:

a.developing and establishing procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing clinical specimens

b.performing analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other materials

c.integrating and relating data produced by various clinical laboratory departments and make decisions regarding discrepancies.

d.recognizing abnormal results and taking measures for confirmation and verification of such results.

e.making decisions concerning quality control and quality assurance to assure accurate and precise results.

f.preventative and corrective maintenance of clinical instrumentation.

g.developing, evaluation and selection of test procedures, instruments in the context of the facilities capabilities, including space, budget, and personnel.

h.demonstrating proper conduct and interpersonal skills with physicians, nurses, other health care professionals, patients and their family members, and the public.

I.maintaining continuing education for growth and professional competence.

j.participating in educational activities for other health care professionals and the community.

k.applying the principles of management, supervision, and laboratory safety.

l.applying the principles of educational methodologies and information systems.

adopted from the preamble of the Essentials of Accredited Educational Programs at the Baccalaureate CLS level, NAACLS, 1995

B.Description of the Program at West Liberty University.

Faculty:William C. Wagener, M.S., Ph.D., MT (ASCP), Professor, West Liberty University, Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science Program.

Bonnie Porter, BS, MT (ASCP), Lecture in MLS

West Liberty University, Medical Laboratory Science Program.

Mary Louise Joseph, B.S., MT (ASCP), Clinical Coordinator, OVMC.

The Medical Laboratory Science Program at WLU is a 2+2 program. The freshman and sophomore years are devoted in studying basic science and general study courses. Near the completion of the sophomore year students may apply for admission into the Program. The faculty may schedule an interview with a potential student, or the student may request an interview. After consideration of course grades and faculty recommendations, the candidate is offered acceptance into the program beginning in August of the next academic year. Progression through the program is contingent upon the student passing all required course work in general studies and clinical laboratory science, and successfully completing the clinical practicum (or rotations) at Ohio Valley Medical Center /East Ohio Regional Hospital, and Reynolds Memorial Hospital. Minimum standards for passing individual courses are outlined in each course syllabus, which includes the course goals and objectives, schedule of lectures and/or laboratories, and expected competencies. Your instructors will review each course syllabus with you during the first week of classes. Student evaluation tools are also included on the syllabi and include the use of examinations for didactic work and practical examinations for laboratories or other assignments as stated. In addition, students are evaluated on the basis of the affective domain behavioral objectives (see below). Successful progression through the Program depends upon meeting the minimum standards for passing each course as outlined in each course syllabus and in the University catalog. Minimum standards for successful passage of the clinical rotation courses are detailed in the Senior Handbook that each student receives upon entering the rotation. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, as outlined in theUniversity Bulletin students are awarded the BS degree in Medical Laboratory Science. The Medical Laboratory Science Program at WLU is nationally accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL., 60018-5119, 773-714-8880)

C.MISSION STATEMENT OF THE PROGRAM

The Medical Laboratory Science program at WLU strives to educate and train students to become competent, career-entry level Medical laboratory Scientists.

D.GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

1.To provide a contemporary and comprehensive nationally accredited curriculum that provides the students with a solid knowledge base in the field of laboratory science.

2.To provide students with the clinical and didactic training required to be effective workers, both technically and as problem solvers.

3.To provide an environment that promotes and encourages professional development and ethics.

4.To instill in the students an appreciation of the role of a MLS as part of the health care team.

E.EXPECTED AFFECTIVE DOMAIN BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES.

Affective Domain Objectives: Characteristics needed by a MLS professional

  1. Dependability. The student attends every class. Rare, unavoidable absences are called or e-mailed to the instructor in advance.The student arrives, leaves and hands in assignments on time. The student follows through on commitments.
  2. Communication Skills. The student displays appropriate nonverbal and verbal communication. The student uses effective written communication.
  3. Organization Skills. The student manifests skill in prioritizing work under time constraints. The student keeps an orderly notebook. The student keeps an orderly work area. The student follows written and verbal directions.
  4. Safety Awareness. The student follows established safety rules.
  5. Teamwork. The student cooperates with others to reach group goals. The student deals with conflict in a professional manner.
  6. Character. In hypothetical and real situations, the student uses independent judgment to make decisions based on moral and ethical implications. The student shows respect for others regardless of culture/religion/race/sex.
  7. Positive Attitude. The student displays initiative. The student seeks help when needed, accepts constructive criticism and attempts to improve professional skills. The student stays alert, gives the task at hand his/her full attention and participates in class.

F.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (TECHNICAL STANDARDS)

Essential functions are important technical requirements that are critical for completion of the MLS Program and employment in the field. These are provided to you before entering the Program so you may understand the technical skills necessary for success. Please review these standards and confirm that you are able to meet them. Failure to meet one or more of the standards does not necessarily exclude you from entering the Program. If you are not able to meet one or more of the standards, you must schedule an appointment with the Program Director to discuss the issue. The essential Functions: the student must be able to:

  1. read and write English
  2. Manipulate a microscope
  3. physically adjust the instrument properly
  4. Posses visual acuity to locate specimens of a slide
  5. Discriminate between colors on special stains
  6. Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
  7. communicate effectively with peers, other health care professionals
  8. exhibit manual dexterity to perform phlebotomy (venipuncture), slide preparation, and culture isolation techniques
  9. manipulate automatic pipetting devices and other standard laboratory glassware and equipment
  10. Accurately transcribe information from computer generated or other written forms to other formats
  11. transport low to medium weight objects from one point to another
  12. Bend, stretch, reach, or stoop within reason to obtain materials or to operate equipment

G.STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO)

SLO’s are statements of what we want a student to be able to do upon graduation. Progress in meeting these is part of the Program and University Assessment Program. Students will be evaluated via several methods during the junior and senior year to assess progress in each SLO. University tools and Program specific tool are used. The results of these evaluations do not affect course grades but are used for assessing Program and University effectiveness. The following are the MLS student learning outcomes:

  1. Students will be able to apply diagnostic critical thinking skills in evaluation of test results.
  2. Students will be able to analyze and interpret laboratory data to suggest a presumptive diagnosis and additional confirmatory laboratory tests.
  3. Students will be able to evaluate and critique written scientific research.
  4. Students will be able to evaluate and employ basic administrative laboratory management styles.

H.OUTCOME MEASURES

All graduates of the MLS Program at WLU find employment in the field, often jobs are offered before graduation. Some have continued to graduate or professional school as well. Most graduates pass the Board of Certification examination and score as well as or higher than the national average overall and in sub-content areas.

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION DOCUMENTATION

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the WLU MLS Program Description document containing the program description, including criteria for progression in the Program, the mission statement and goals of the Program, the Program faculty, the essential functions, SLO’s, and the expected affective domain behavioral objectives. This document was reviewed with me on:

Date of review: ______Signed: ______

In addition, review the Essential Functions of the Program and sign below:

I have received a copy of the MLS Program Description with the essential functions. Furthermore, I have read and understand them. To the best of my knowledge:

_____ YES, I am able to meet the essential functions as outlined

Signature: ______Date: ______

_____ NO, I am unable to meet one or more of the essential functions as outlined. Indicate which standard(s): ______

Signature: ______Date: ______

Sign and date both copies of this document that were given to you. Return one copy with your completed application form to Dr. William Wagener, Program Director, M325B. Keep the second copy for yourself.

Students must realize that consistent, documented violations of the affective domain objectives, poor technical skills, or repeated demonstration of poor judgment or decision making skills may prevent them from passing a course, didactic or clinical, thus impeding progression in the curriculum and delaying graduation, or being dismissed from the program. See the University Bulletin.