Curriculum & Competencies

General:

Demonstrate commitment to the role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist as part of the medical team by professional conduct and relationships to patients, peers, coworkers, supervisors and other members of the health care team.

Specific:

1. Demonstrate a professional attitude and conduct.
2. Advocate the ethical and legal responsibilities of the laboratory and its personnel.
3. Value his/her position in the health care team and exhibit empathy and understanding in the care of the patient.
4. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

General:

Demonstrate knowledge of biology, physiology, chemistry, and other vital sciences by being able to select, perform, and evaluate basic and complex automated and manual techniques according to norms of a quality control program.

Specific:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the methodology of collection and handling of physiological specimens for evaluation by the laboratory.
2. Apply the principles of clinical laboratory methodology by performing simple and complex procedures with precision and accuracy.
3. Correlate principles of manual methods with those of automated methods when necessary in the practice of laboratory technology.
4. Validate patient results, evaluating for possible errors and performing corrective action if necessary.
5. Relate the effects of disease on the patient through the correlation of the basic sciences and the pathologic process and incorporate this knowledge into laboratory medicine.
6. Evaluate data (test results) as they relate to normalcy and disease.
7. Demonstrate the ability to organize and perform multiple procedures in routine and non routine (stressful) situations.
8. Establish and monitor quality control systems utilizing statistical method.
9. Follow governmental, hospital, laboratory and departmental safety guidelines and regulations.

General:

Exhibit an ability to keep adequate and accurate records having a working knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities toward privileged information, by proper handling and disposition of such information.

Specific:

1. Utilize the principles of effective communication in professional relations, both inside and outside the laboratory and between laboratory departments.
2. Support teamwork among the members of the laboratory in both personal and professional arenas.
3. Participate in the interaction of the laboratory with other units of the hospital.
4. Exhibit care and compassion in direct and indirect contact with patients.

General:

Demonstrate a practical knowledge of instrumentation by competent use, care, and minimal basic repair of all types of laboratory equipment. Utilize the laboratory information system for the reporting and manipulation of results.

Specific:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the mathematical computation of laboratory methodology.
2. Apply the principles of clinical laboratory instrumentation, including performance of preventative maintenance.
3. Identify and solve technical problems relating to troubleshooting clinical laboratory instrumentation and/or methodology.
4. Participate in the evaluation, recommendation and validation of new laboratory instrumentation and/or procedures.
5. Record laboratory results accurately and timely, maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to laboratory policy.
6. Utilize computer information system in the ordering, completing, reporting and querying of laboratory results, including providing patient results to qualified and eligible personnel.

General:

Demonstrate through performance of class assignments, a working knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the administrative aspects of the hospital laboratory.

Specific:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and skills of management to effectively supervise a laboratory, its budget, equipment and personnel.
2. Develop a quality assurance program to help guarantee excellence and continue improvements in a hospital laboratory.
3. Utilizing management skills, identify an area within a laboratory for a potential problem or concern and formulate a potential solution.
4. Evaluate the necessity and comply with the guidelines of the government and private regulatory and accrediting agencies.

General:

Demonstrate the basic principles of education including the development of a lesson plan, measurable behavioral objectives, and student evaluation. Evaluate the professional organizations pertinent to the advancement of medical laboratory scientists and the importance of staff development and continuing education. Possess skills necessary for independent inquiry and research, including the means for verbal, written and audiovisual presentation of conclusions.

Specific:

1. Research and present pertinent educational information in an organized, practical manner, utilizing behavioral objectives and assessment tools. Tailor presentation to the audience’s knowledge level.
2. Demonstrate the principles of laboratory research through identifying the study, obtaining data, trouble-shooting issues, performing appropriate statistical analysis, writing a scientific paper, performing an oral presentation, and supporting the laboratory in any changes due to the results of the research.
3. Support and seek continuing education and professional development.