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.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
I.
j.
k.
l.
developing and establishing procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing
clinical specimens
performing analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other materials
integrating and relating data produced by various clinical laboratory departments
and make decisions regarding discrepancies.
recognizing abnormal results and taking measures for confirmation and
verification of such results.
making decisions concerning quality control and quality assurance to assure
accurate and precise results.
preventative and corrective maintenance of clinical instrumentation.
developing, evaluation and selection of test procedures, instruments in the context
of the facilities capabilities, including space, budget, and personnel.
demonstrating proper conduct and interpersonal skills with physicians, nurses, other health care
professionals, patients and their family members, and the public.
maintaining continuing education for growth and professional competence.
participating in educational activities for other health care professionals and the
community.
applying the principles of management, supervision, and laboratory safety.
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 the University 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
read and write English
Manipulate a microscope
a.
physically adjust the instrument properly
b.
Posses visual acuity to locate specimens of a slide
Discriminate between colors on special stains
Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
communicate effectively with peers, other health care professionals
exhibit manual dexterity to perform phlebotomy (venipuncture), slide preparation, and culture
isolation techniques
manipulate automatic pipetting devices and other standard laboratory glassware and equipment
Accurately transcribe information from computer generated or other written forms to other
formats
transport low to medium weight objects from one point to another
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.