Salisbury University
Medical Laboratory Science Program
Clinical Microbiology
MINOR AND CATEGORICAL CERTIFICATION
The Salisbury University Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program educates students in an array of clinical laboratory disciplines to include microbiology, biochemistry, hematology, transfusion services (blood bank), immunology, molecular diagnostics and urine/body fluid analysis. In order to complete their degree, MLS students must complete on-campus classes and off-campus clinical internships in all the clinical laboratory disciplines. Since the number of off-campus internships (rotations) is not under SU’s control, students must apply for admission into the major in their sophomore year so that no students are enrolled in the Junior/Senior courses unless clinical internships are available. Students who want to earn a minor in one of the MLS disciplines can apply for the remaining seats in the on-campus courses. If there are remaining clinical internship slots, students can apply for those in order to become eligible to sit for the certification examination in a single discipline.
Minor in Clinical Microbiology
MLS minors can be completed in clinical microbiology, clinical biochemistry, hematology and transfusion services (blood bank) simply by taking the appropriate on-campus courses. Since there is an admissions process for the MLS majors, the number of seats available for students taking minors is predictable in each cohort, so students beginning a minor in a given cohort should be able to complete it. Students interested in taking a minor should apply for a slot in the sophomore year in order to begin in the fall. Minor slots will be awarded once all the needs of the MLS majors are met. Students requesting minors would be notified after
July 1 if minor slots are available.
Categorical Certification in Clinical Microbiology
MLS graduates earn national certification as “generalists” by taking exams that encompass all the disciplines listed above. The certifying agencies have developed prep aration routes and “categorical” examinations for graduates who wish to become certified only in one discipline. Students who earn a minor are not eligible for these exams as there is a clinical internship as well as additional coursework required. If clinical internship slots are available once all the needs of the MLS majors are met and minors students meet the appropriate criteria, the MLS faculty will facilitate providing the appropriate courses/internships in order for students to sit for categorical exams. It is important to note that while the SU MLS faculty has prior experience in evaluation of the coursework necessary to take these exams, the certifying agencies are independent of SU and make the final determination as to what is acceptable. Certifying agencies change their requirements infrequently, but students should still always make sure they have accessed the most current requirements prior to embarking on an academic program of study. Current examination requirements are at http://www.ascp.org/PDF/BOC-
PDFs/procedures/Examination-Procedures.aspx
Per the certifying agencies, mere completion of a checklist of courses does not meet the requirements for exam eligibility. Students must meet admission criteria and must not have a history of behavior that contraindicates effective, safe clinical practice. Students who want to take a categorical examination must be approved and complete a “structured program” (see below) in the discipline of their choice, so an application process is required which closely mirrors that for the full MLS major. Students who are admitted as full MLS majors, therefore, are not simultaneously enrolled in any of the structured programs for the categorical exams and will not automatically be eligible retroactively for enrollment in a categorical program if they cannot complete the MLS program. Similarly, per the certifying agencies who wish to prevent “double dipping”, students who choose to earn the categorical exams are not automatically eligible to sit later for the MLS generalist exams.
Approval information, the request to pursue a minor or categorical, and the course checklist are attached. An outline of the structured categorical program in Clinical Microbiology is also attached.

Name
Gull Net ID (7 digit number, no letters)
Permanent
Address
Street:
City, State, Zip
Phone:
Local Address
E-mail
Street:
City, State, Zip
Phone:
Cell Phone:
Campus:
Personal:
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION STATUS
Are you currently enrolled at Salisbury University?
_____ yes. _____ no. If not currently enrolled, have you been admitted to the university?
_____ yes _____no
If no, your request will not be processed until you are admitted to the
University and eligible to register for classes.
EDUCATION:
In order to be eligible for Medical Lab Science professional classes, you must have earned a C or better in the classes
below. If grades were earned outside of Salisbury University, official transcripts must be sent two places:
1. Cynthia Cowall, Chair of the Admissions Committee, MLS Program, Salisbury University, and
2. Admissions Office at Salisbury University to guarantee processing of this application.
Timely submission of transcripts is the applicant’s responsibility. Requests will not be processed without receipt of transcripts.
Please indicate below which courses you have completed and which are in process.
COURSES SALISBURY UNIVERSITY EQUIVALENT ENROLLED NOW
English Composition ENGL 103 (HONR 111 if in Honors Program)
DATE
COMPLETED
General Chemistry CHEM 121 General Chemistry I
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II
Human Anatomy and Physiology BIOL 215 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 216 Anatomy & Physiology II
General Microbiology
Math Statistics
BIOL 211 Microbiology
MATH 155 Modern Statistics
The semester-by-semester plan below shows how you will complete your minor or categorical if approved for the fall of 2012. If you are approved for this program as a minor or categorical student, a slot will be designated for you as indicated below. This slot and

only this slot will be designated for you. If for any reason (illness, withdrawal, academic issues, etc.) your course plan changes, a replacement slot cannot be guaranteed, because the next cohort of students might already have taken all the slots for that year. In specific circumstances, you would be able to reapply for approval. However, you will be considered on the same basis as other first time applicants. Regardless of the situation, approval will not be granted into a cohort in which all slots are already filled.
You must, therefore, consider the plan you submit in this application carefully. For example, if the only way you can complete courses in time for a particular graduation date is to take very heavy course loads, you could be in jeopardy of not passing or having to withdraw from one or more courses, which would require you to reenroll in a minor or categorical plan. Also, realize that courses are typically only offered once a year during the terms indicated below, so you should plan accordingly. Clinical internships typically are conducted 5 days per week for 3 to 4 weeks. This typically requires winter enrollment with tuition payment if the student is going to take day classes in other departments in the spring semester.
MDTC 300
MDTC 331
MDTC 101
Prin. of Med. Lab Science
Diagnostic Immunology
Lab Safety
4
4
1
First Professional Year
MDTC 311
4
MDTC 411
Second Professional Year
Winter
MDTC 412
Clinical
Microbiology
Rotation 3
MDTC 461
MDTC 413
Organization. &
Management:
2
In order to sit for a categorical examination, additional courses outside of the Medical Laboratory Science Program are required. See additional details below regarding categorical certification.
Please be sure to read the Approval Policy and the list of Essential Functions and sign below:
I have read and understood the “Approval Policy” and the “Essential Functions” such that:
I am informed of the demands and expectations of the program and attest that I am able to meet these expectations.
I understand that meeting the Essential Functions of the program is required to continue and complete it successfully and that if my situation changes and I can no longer meet program requirements that I need to inform the Program Director.
I understand that if I am approved, that I must complete all requirements (finishing pre-requisite courses, submitting acceptance forms, etc.) by due dates or the approval will be rescinded.
I understand that if I change my plans from the semesters indicated above, I am not guaranteed space in any Medical Lab
Science courses in a subsequent cohort.
_____________________________________________________
Signature
______________________________________
Date
Mail your completed application to:
Cynthia C. Cowall, Chair, Admissions Committee, Medical Laboratory Science Program, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801

If you are approved you will be notified by email and in writing and you will receive a copy of the MLS Student Handbook for guidance on the courses in the professional program.
Introduction
Enrollment in a minor or categorical program in Medical Lab Science is a two-step approval process including:
1. Admission to Salisbury University and
2. A separate and competitive approval process to the upper division program.
A student cannot be approved for a minor or categorical program in the MLS Program until admitted to the University. Admission to
Salisbury University does not guarantee approval for the upper division program. Students completing admission requirements must then be approved by the MLS Program Admission Committee in order to begin the upper division program. Space in the upper division program is limited each year, and slots are only released after admission of students seeking the generalist MLS degree is completed. Due to course sequencing, students must begin the upper division program in the fall semester.
The applicant should carefully review the Essential Functions (see below) for program completion and ask questions if not familiar with the activities or functions listed. Applicants must decide if they have any limitations that could restrict or interfere with satisfactory performance of any of the requirements. It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet these Essential Functions if admitted
5.
2.
3. to the program.
In addition, in order to complete the categorical program, students will have to attend clinical rotations at various laboratories within the region. Students are responsible for tuition and fees, transportation, physical examination fees, meals, lodging and other expenses related to these rotations and must make financial plans accordingly if approved.
Approval Criteria and Procedures:
1. Each applicant must be admitted in good standing to Salisbury University and eligible for registration before being approved for the upper division program. Students are responsible for ascertaining that official transcripts from other institutions have been received at SU and the course work evaluated in writing by the Admissions Office. No student can be considered for the upper division program until the university admission process and transcript evaluation process are
complete. Duplicate transcripts must also be sent to the Chair of the Admissions Committee (see below). Applications from students who are not admitted to SU in good standing will be archived and processed upon completion of SU admission in next available cycle.
All students must complete English 103, with a grade of “C” or better, before beginning the program.
In order to be eligible for approval for the upper division program, each applicant must have a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average for all undergraduate course work taken at any institution and a 2.0 science/math grade point average in the MLS course prerequisites (see below). Prior to the fall semester in which students plan to begin the upper division course work, applicants must successfully complete all prerequisite course work with the grade of C or better in the following courses: Composition and Research (ENGL 103), General Chemistry I and II (CHEM 121 and 122), Anatomy and
Physiology I and II (BIOL 215 and 216), General Microbiology (BIOL 211), and Modern Statistics (MATH 155). In addition, students must acknowledge that they can meet program Essential Functions.
4. Approval can be granted after July 1 annually. All applicants must file a Request to Pursue a Medical Laboratory Science
Minor or Categorical Program by July 1 and document satisfactory performance in academic course work completed up to the time of application. In all cases, applications may be deferred until the next cycle if documentation is incomplete, admission to the university is not complete or the student is ineligible to register for classes. The applicant must also document on the application where and when all prerequisite course work will be completed.
Any students who are not offered approval will be placed on a waiting list based on their ranking. Rankings will be adjusted each time new grades are earned. In the event that any admitted student decides not to enroll or does not meet requirements outlined below, the next eligible candidate will be offered a seat in the class immediately.

6. All students must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended to BOTH the Salisbury University Admissions
Office and the chair of the Admissions Committee of the Medical Laboratory Science Program in order to be eligible for approval. In addition to sending transcripts to the Admissions office, please submit duplicate transcripts with the application for admission to:
Cynthia Cowall, Chair Admissions Committee, Medical Laboratory Science Program
302 Devilbiss Hall, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801
7. The decisions of the Admissions Committee will be based on: a. satisfactory completion of pre-requisite course work to include English/science/math (see 3 above). Applicants who do not have pre-requisite course work completed will still be considered and evaluated with respect to
(1)
(2)
Pre-requisites courses currently in progress during the application semester
The number of outstanding pre-requisites and the feasibility of the plan to complete the courses by the first day of classes in the fall (number of courses, course availability over the summer, documentation of b. c.
(3) successful matriculation in summer courses, etc.)
The number of occurrences of the grades of W, R, D, and F on the academic record scholastic aptitude as evidenced by cumulative and science/math grade point averages and grades in pre-requisite courses applicant acknowledgment of ability to perform Essential Functions
8. Applicants approved for the upper division program will be notified via email and in writing. Students offered approval must meet the following requirements or the offer will be rescinded. Following receipt of the approval letter, the student must communicate in writing the acceptance of the position in the incoming class by completing all of the following: a. Students must document completion of any requirements listed as outstanding in the approval letter by
(1) earning a C or better in all pre-requisites that were in progress when the application was submitted. The offer of approval will be rescinded if the student withdraws or earns a D/F in these courses or if b. c.
(2)
(3) transcripts for these courses are not submitted by July 1. providing written documentation of ENROLLMENT in any course(s) to be completed during the spring and summer terms by July 1.
Providing written documentation of successful COMPLETION ( C or better) of all pre-requisite courses by
August 15. Students must provide an additional official transcript/s for any courses taken outside of
Salisbury University by August 15.
The student must declare the relevant Medical Laboratory Science minor.
Students must sign and submit an acceptance of approval form by August 15 and maintain eligibility to enroll for fall semester.
If the acceptance of the position offered is not completed as outlined above by all the dates indicated, the position in the class will be immediately released to the next applicant on the waiting list. In the absence of extenuating circumstances, the applicant who did not meet the deadlines above but still requests admission will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.
9. Salisbury University and the Medical Laboratory Science Program recognize numerous mechanisms for advanced placement. Please see the SU catalog or consult with program faculty for more information. Applicants completing course requirements over seven years ago must be evaluated on an individual basis, to assure adequate preparation for the professional portion of the program. Equivalent credit earned by challenge examination is acceptable.
NOTE: Although criminal background checks and drug tests are not required for admission as if this writing, students should be aware that many employers will require these prior to employment.
Salisbury University has a strong institutional commitment to diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all those qualified without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or sexual orientation.
Approval policies may change between production of course catalogs sometimes due to factors beyond the university's control such the ability of clinical affiliates to accept students. Students should always contact the department and/or visit the department's website for most current version of policies.
October 2011

The accrediting agency for the Medical Laboratory Science Program (the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences or NAACLS) mandates that students be informed of essential functions necessary to perform activities related to the major and the
2.
1. practice of medical laboratory science. Students who seek entry into the program must affirm they have these abilities, and in order to progress and complete the program, these abilities must be evident and applied successfully to activities in the curriculum. They are:
Visual/Observational Skills (with corrective lenses as needed) such that students will be able to: a. read laboratory procedures, clinician orders, regulatory information and other documents associated with b. c. d. medical lab practice view and interact with a computer keyboard and screen use a microscope to distinguish elements in blood and body fluids (whether stained or unstained) as to size, structure, color and intensity observe and participate in laboratory activities and clinical experiences which require the functional use of smell, vision and tactile sensation.
Physical Mobility Skills/Eye-Hand Coordination (with assisting device if needed) such that students will be able to: a. b. c. d. e. f. access all parts of the laboratory environment and relevant materials to include laboratory shelves, fire alarms, bedsides, and telephones. travel to various clinical sites. perform moderately taxing physical work, often continuously, with prolonged sitting and/or standing on occasion. maneuver culture and phlebotomy supplies to safely collect specimens from patients. safely control and manipulate laboratory devices (pipettes, syringes, test tubes, keyboards) and instruments to perform analyses with materials which may be hazardous (blood, body fluids, chemicals and others). provide reasonable care and emergency treatment to patients, as appropriate.
3.
4.
Manual dexterity skills such that students will be able to safely hold and manipulate laboratory devices as small as a sewing needle and thread.
Communication skills, using oral and written standard English, such that students will be able to: a. b. c. d. e. f. both give and receive verbal and nonverbal communications from coworkers and patients in a confidential, effective, efficient and sensitive manner. Verbal and nonverbal communications must be clear, easily understood and concise enough for the situation. Giving and receiving instructions must result in actions that are appropriate, especially in critical situations. use the telephone and other devices effectively and appropriately, especially in an emergency. read and comprehend technical and professional materials such that they are translated to appropriate actions. follow both oral and written instructions in the correct order to independently perform laboratory analyses or other activities associated with medical lab practice such as phlebotomy. independently write papers, laboratory reports and other forms of professional communication that are legible and grammatically correct. Punctuation and spelling errors must not interfere with adequate communication of information in the classroom or in the clinical environment. complete practical and paper examinations, often using a computer.
NOTE: A hearing impaired applicant should be aware that most medical laboratory environments require candidates for employment to demonstrate hearing ability with any type of auditory aid so that a normal level of speaking voice could be heard without viewing the lips of the speaker.

5. Intellectual capacity to be able to comprehend, calculate, measure, synthesize, integrate, analyze, and apply all aspects of the body of knowledge necessary for a medical laboratory scientist. Students must also be able to compare and analyze, to accept criticism and to alter performance if necessary.
Behavioral skills, such that students will be able to: 6. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. complete tasks within a realistic time frame and with adequate quality and quantity. maintain emotional health conducive to the application of intellect and good judgment. complete tasks, often multiple in nature, even in a stressful, critical, unusual, dangerous and/or distracting environments. maintain composure such that tasks may be performed at appropriate speed and with sustained attention in difficult situations. respond to professional situations, even difficult ones, in an ethical, compassionate, flexible and creative manner. recognize safety hazards and situations and respond accordingly to minimize risk to self and others. cooperate with students, faculty and other professionals toward an accepted goal of patient care. conduct interactions with people from a diversity of backgrounds, including other students, faculty, clinical affiliate staff, patients and the public, that are professional, appropriate, considerate and tactful. maintain standards of ethics, compassion, honesty, and responsibility without compromise. This applies to the student = s own as well as others = responsibility to be forthright concerning possible errors, to evaluate behaviors, to maintain confidentiality and to improve or help others to improve. Criminal behavior is inadmissible in any j. academic setting, including classrooms, laboratories, and clinical settings. refrain from use of alcohol and other substances of abuse. Alcohol or other substance abuse is not tolerated within the medical laboratory science field. Likewise, use of any alcohol/drugs is inadmissible in any academic setting, including classrooms, laboratories, and clinical settings. Use or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in any of these settings is grounds for dismissal from the program.
NOTE: Applicants for the MLS program should note that as of this writing drug tests and criminal background checks are not required for acceptance into the program but that many employers in the profession will require them.
7. Sufficient health such that participation in program activities does not endanger self or others. Students accepted into the program will be required to obtain a physical examination from a health care provider at their own expense and receive the appropriate vaccines before being permitted into the clinical experiences.
Applicants should carefully review the Essential Functions for program completion above and ask questions if not familiar with the activities or functions listed. Applicants must decide if they have any limitations that could restrict or interfere with satisfactory performance of any of the requirements. It is the applicant’s responsibility to meet these Essential Functions if admitted to the program. It is also the student’s responsibility to inform the Program Director immediately if s/he can no longer perform these functions.
October 2011

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY CATEGORICAL CHECKLIST
Salisbury University Medical Laboratory Science Technology Program
Description:
Students who (1) are approved for the Clinical Microbiology categorical track (minor is in Clinical Microbiology), (2) complete the
Board of Certification (BOC) requirements specified below, and (3) complete the required courses, will be eligible via ASCP Route 3 to sit for the M(ASCP) examination. Students should always consult the current M(ASCP) examination routes prior to embarking on an academic program to confirm the information below.
ASCP Route 3 states:
“Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry, AND successful completion of a structured program in Clinical Microbiology under the auspices of a
NAACLS accredited Medical Technology Program. The structured program in Clinical Microbiology must be at least one academic year in length and equivalent to the curriculum for Clinical Microbiology in the Medical Technology Program.”
All courses listed below must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. S, F and W designations indicate when the courses are offered - spring, fall or winter, respectively. Students with international education or degree may need to consult the certifying agents directly for assistance on eligibility.
Pre-Requisites For MLS Courses Below (must be completed for minor and categorical, before taking required curriculum)
COURSE TITLE
ENGL 103
BIOL 211
BIOL 215/216
Composition and Research
General Microbiology
Anatomy and Physiology I and II
CHEM 121/122 General Chemistry I and II
MATH 155 Statistics
SEMESTER HOURS
4
4
8
8
3
Additional Required MLS Clinical Microbiology Curriculum for Minors and Categoricals
MDTC 101
MDTC 300
MDTC 331
MDTC 311
MDTC 411
Laboratory Safety
Clinical Microbiology I
Clinical Microbiology II
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science
Clinical Immunology
Additional Required MLS Clinical Microbiology Courses for Categoricals Only
MDTC 412 Clinical Microbiology Rotation
MDTC 413 Clinical Immunology Rotation
MDTC 461 Organization and Management of the Laboratory
1, F/S
4, F
4, F
4, S
4, F
3, W/S
1, W/S
2
Additional Eligible Non-MLS Courses to Complete 30 (ASCP) Hour Requirement for categorical certification
BIOL 333
BIOL 334
BIOL 350
BIOL 360
BIOL 370
Immunology
Pathophysiology
Cell Biology
Genetic Analysis
Molecular Genetics
4
4
4
4
4