Curriculum

Curriculum

Instruction is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of clinical laboratory science, with the ability to grow and adapt to a rapidly developing field. Attitudes of responsibility and integrity are stressed and an appreciation of the intellectual, moral and ethical commitments of a professional are cultivated.

The regular course of study follows the standard curriculum recommended by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and includes both lecture and individualized laboratory instruction in the following subjects: Bacteriology, Parasitology, Mycology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, Urinalysis, and Phlebotomy, Cytogenetics, Molecular Diagnostics, and Laboratory Management.

We believe it is important to actually practice what you learn in the classroom. That’s why we mix the classroom instruction with real laboratory experiences. Having the opportunity to perform procedures in the lab not only reinforces your education, but provides you with a sense of what the real professional environment is like. Formal three hour lectures are given three days a week. The remainder of the time is spent in the various sections of the lab on an individual scheduled rating basis. Examinations, evaluations and grades are given in each subject. You are required to pass each course with a C or better to continue the program.

Courses

All courses include pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting and quality assurance assessment components of laboratory service. This includes principles and methodologies, performance of assays, techniques and interpretation of clinical procedures and results. Contact the university affiliate for course credit hours.

Orientation

An introduction to basic laboratory method, procedures, terminology, ethics and safety. Application of safety and governmental regulations. Principles and application of ethics and professionalism to address ongoing professional career development. During orientation, students are provided with their own orientation manual. There is focused emphasis on Program policies, schedules and expectations. 

Clinical Microbiology

Study of microorganisms, fungi and parasites found in human infection, principles of isolation and identification. Correlation of findings with human physiology and disease. Laboratory methods, procedures, and instrumentation to correlate with Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology lectures. 

Clinical Immunohematology

Theory of human blood groups, compatibility testing, detection, and identification of antibodies. Correlation of findings with human physiology and disease. Laboratory methods and instrumentation to correlate with lectures. 

Clinical Immunology

Theory of information and detection of antigens and antibodies in disease states, both in vivo and in vitro. Correlation of findings with human physiology and disease. Laboratory methods and instrumentation to correlate with lectures. 

Clinical Hematology/Coagulation

Theory of hematopoeisis, cell morphology, blood dyscrasias, hemostatis mechanisms and abnormalities. Correlation of findings with human physiology and disease. Laboratory instrumentation and procedures to correlate with lectures. 

Clinical Chemistry

Theory of chemical constituents of body fluids in normal and disease states. Includes General Chemistry, Toxicology, Instrumentation, Statistics and Quality Assurance. Correlation of findings with human physiology and disease. Laboratory instrumentation and procedures to correlate with the lectures. 

Clinical Urinalysis

Physiology of urinary system, related diseases and correlation to disease states. Laboratory methods and instrumentation to correlate with lectures. 

Laboratory Management

Theory and discussion of supervision and management to include: Critical pathways and clinical decision making; performance improvement; human resource management and financial management and dynamics of healthcare delivery. Acquisition and use of a Laboratory Information System and personal computers.

Educational Methodology

Effective teaching of students/patients and public including formulation of behavioral objectives and evaluations. Principles in interpersonal and interdisciplinary and team-building skills. Knowledge of research design sufficient to evaluate published studies as an informed consumer. 

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Principles and practices of quality control and quality improvement, including regulatory issues. 

Phlebotomy Lecture and Clinical Experience

Phlebotomy principles and procedures including equipment, execution of venipuncture and capillary sampling on all ages/types of patients. 

Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics

Study of chromosome structure, identification and defects. Laboratory techniques of chromosome analysis including karyotyping and FISH analysis. Study of structure and function of DNA. Application of molecular methods for amplifying a DNA sequence.