Medical Laboratory Science Student Handbook Department of Biological Sciences

http://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/underg raduate/Medical_Lab_Sciences.aspx

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Table of Contents

Welcome Purpose of this Handbook Program Mission Goals Agency Accreditation Medical Laboratory Science Faculty Advisory Board Equal Opportunity and Diversity Regulation ADA Policy Academic Integrity Admission Policy at UNF Admission Criteria for MLS Essential Functions Tuition Fees Incidental Program Fees Tuition Refund Courses Required for MLS Concentration Core Competencies MLS Curriculum Required Textbooks Laboratory Safety Rules and Procedures Safety in Microbiology Laboratory Dress Code Name Tag Blood Borne Pathogens Hepatitis B Vaccination and Other Immunization Requirements Progression Policy Attendance Policies Academic Dishonesty Policy Student Conduct Code Appeals Unrelated to Academic Misconduct Clinical Affiliates How to Be Assigned to Clinical Experience Clinical Experience Policy Service Work Policy Policy Concerning National Certification Examinations Requirements for Graduation Responsibilities on Clinical Internship

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Welcome Welcome to the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of North Florida. Congratulations on selecting a challenging and innovative curriculum that will prepare you for an exciting career in the clinical laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Scientist provides results for 70% of the patient’s diagnosis through analysis of blood, body fluids and bone marrow. After successful completion of the program you will be able to be employed by a hospital laboratory, a blood donor center, a research laboratory, public health laboratory or in the biomedical industry.

In the Medical Laboratory Science program you will learn how to perform and interpret results for tests performed in hematology, chemistry, coagulation, urinalysis, molecular pathology, microbiology, immunology and immunohematology of the clinical laboratory. After completion of the didactic portion of the program you will spend two semesters on internship at a local area hospital where you will perfect your technical skills and further your knowledge with real world experiences.

This is not an easy program. Plan on spending at least twice the amount of hours per credit hour per class. For example if your class is three credits you should be spending at least six hours studying per week. This is the minimum amount and does not include the time you are spending in teaching laboratory or classroom. If you are having trouble with a course do not fall behind, make an appointment to meet with the professor.

Professionalism is also key you have now entered the interview phase in which the faculty will be determining which students they want at their facilities and thus most likely determining your fate of a potential job at that facility.

The program director will be your advisor for the Medical Laboratory Science but you can always contact the faculty involved in the program for assistance with your courses. We all want you to succeed and getting help when you are struggling or even just have general questions are key to succeeding in this program. This handbook provides some of the information that you will need throughout the program. Additional information and resources can be found on the Medical Laboratory Science Blackboard site. This handbook is updated annually to keep up with changes that occur with the policies of the program, university and clinical affiliates.

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Purpose of This Handbook The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Handbook provides you with information regarding policies that are part of the Medical Laboratory Science program. This handbook is intended primarily for use of students admitted to the MLS professional phase of the program but can also be used by prospective students of the MLS concentration in Biology. Contact information for the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program is: Elaine Staley MA, MLS(ASCP) Director Medical Laboratory Sciences University of North Florida 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville, FL 32224 Phone: 904-620-5693 e-mail: [email protected]

Program Mission The mission of the Medical Laboratory Sciences program is to provide quality and innovative laboratory education will continuously progress with the advances in laboratory medicine and technology.

Goals The primary goal of the program is to provide quality, professional and highly trained medical laboratory scientists to the local, state and national communities. To achieve the mission and goals set forth, the program has defined the following objectives: • Train MLS student to work in large complex laboratories as well as small laboratories • Provide students with the knowledge and hands-on training to qualify for national certification exam • Maintain relationships with clinical affiliates at a local, state and national level to ensure internships for students and potential job opportunities for graduates • Keep abreast of new advances in laboratory education by attending national society meetings annually

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Accrediting Agency The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018. NAACLS can be contacted by phone at 773-714-8880, by internet at http://www.naacls.org, or by e-mail at [email protected]. Medical Laboratory Science Faculty

Elaine Staley MA, MLS(ASCP) Director Medical Laboratory Sciences Office: Biological Sciences Building 59 Office 2302 Phone: 904-620-5693 e-mail: [email protected] Aaron Odegard, MLS(ASCP Adjunct Faculty – Diagnostic Bacteriology Office: 386-801-0684 e-mail: [email protected]

Carleen VanSiclen, MS-HAS, MT(ASCP)cm, TS(AAB) Adjunct Faculty – Hematology & Hemostasis Office: 904-953-2863 e-mail: [email protected]

James Peele, PhD Adjunct Faculty – Clinical Immunology and Clinical Biochemistry Phone: 904-613-6780 e-mail: [email protected] Roger Bertholf, PhD Adjunct Faculty – Clinical Biochemistry Phone: 904-244-5076 e-mail: [email protected]

Jonathan Hoyne, PhD Adjunct Faculty – Clinical Biochemistry Phone: 904-953-2878 e-mail: [email protected]

Nydia Matteu, MS, MLT(ASCP) Adjunct Faculty – Immunohematology & Transfusion e-mail: [email protected]

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Brian Staley, MS, MT(ASCP) Adjunct Faculty – Immunohematology & Transfusion Phone: 904-599-5094 e-mail: [email protected] John Landis MS, MT(ASCP) Adjunct Faculty – Biological Fluid Analysis Phone: 231-598-1163 e-mail: [email protected] Kirk Bourgeois, MD Adjunct Faculty – Molecular Diagnostics Phone: 904-953-6596 e-mail: [email protected]

Diana Meza, MS, MLS(ASCP) Adjunct Faculty – Diagnostic Virology, Mycology and Parasitology Phone: e-mail: [email protected]

Ramona Abraham, MS, MT(ASCP) Adjunct Faculty – Essentials in Laboratory Sciences and Management and Leadership in Healthcare Phone: 904-244-6040 e-mail: [email protected] Advisory Board Name Annette Estrada

Affiliation

Berry Bennett

Florida Hospital Flagler Florida Department of Health

Brian Staley

Immucor

Work Title Outpatient/Sup port Services/Blood Bank Supervisor Retroviorology Supervisor Technical Specialist

UNF Affiliation

Course

Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member UNF Adjunct Faculty

MLS 4550 Immunohematology and Transfusion

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Name

Ramona Abraham

Carleen Van Siclen

Affiliation

UF Health Jacksonville

Work Title

Manager, Core Laboratory and Education Coordinator

Mayo Clinic Florida

Education Coordinator

James Peele, PhD

Baptist Health

Director Core Laboratory

John Landis

UNF

Adjunct Faculty

John Whetstone

Jonathan Hoyne, PhD Kirk Bourgeois, MD

Flagler Hospital

Mayo Clinic Florida Mayo Clinic Florida

Lynette Chaakkaphak

St. Vincent’s Health

Jaclyn Palmer

Orange Park

Marsha Bertholf, MD Marsha Pace Michael Songer

One Blood Baptist Health

St. Vincent’s Health

Laboratory Manager Director Clinical Chemistry Director Molecular Pathology Director Laboratory Operations Blood Bank Manager Education Coordinator Medical Director Quality and Education Coordinator Education Coordinator

UNF Affiliation

UNF Adjunct Faculty UNF Adjunct Faculty

UNF Adjunct Faculty UNF Adjunct Faculty Advisory Board Member UNF Adjunct Faculty UNF Adjunct Faculty Advisory Board Member

Course MLS 3038 Essentials in Medical Laboratory Science and IHS 3203 Management and Leadership in Healthcare MLS 4308 Hematology/Hemost asis MLS 4627 Clinical Biochemistry MLS 4505 Clinical Immunology MLS 3220 Biological Fluid Analysis

MLS 4627 Clinical Biochemistry

MLS 4191 Molecular Diagnostics

Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member 7

Name

Affiliation

Work Title

Nell Robinson

Mayo Clinic Florida

Chair, Division of Education Administration

Nydia Matteu Roger Bertholf, PhD

Mayo Clinic Florida

UF Health Jacksonville Putnam Community Medical Center Florida Hospital Flagler

Lead Blood Bank Director Chemistry and Toxicology

UF Health Jacksonville

Laboratory Administrative Director Laboratory Administrative Director Interim Bureau Chief, Bureau of Public Health Laboratories Laboratory Technical Director Director Infectious Microbiology and Serology

UNF

Chair Biology

Diana Meza

Mayo Clinic Florida

Microbiology

Erika Strand

St. Vincent’s Health

Samantha Mack Shirley Pearson

Susan Crowe Theresa L Cottrell Yvette McCarter, PhD Cliff Ross, PhD Aaron Odegard

Florida Department of Health One Blood

Mayo Clinic Florida

Lead Microbiology

Medical Technologist

UNF Affiliation Advisory Board Member UNF Adjunct Faculty UNF Adjunct Faculty Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member

Course

MLS 4550 Immunohematology and Transfusion MLS 4627 Clinical Biochemistry

Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member Advisory Board Member UNF Adjunct Faculty UNF Adjunct Faculty MLS Graduate Class of 2013

MLS 4460C Diagnostic Bacteriology MLS 4462 Diagnostic Virology, Mycology and Parasitology

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Name

Affiliation

Work Title

Tiffany Hueler

Mayo Clinic Florida

Medical Technologist

Kyle Magee

Mayo Clinic Florida

Medical Technologist

UNF Affiliation MLS Graduate Class of 2014 MLS Graduate Class of 2015

Course

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Regulation The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. While embracing these concepts, including our obligations under federal, state and local law, UNF is equally committed to ensuring that educational and employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, admission, hiring, compensation and promotion, are based on the qualifications, skills and abilities of those desiring to work, study, and participate in our community.

To accomplish this intent, UNF shall not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or veteran status in any educational, employment, social or recreational program or activity it offers. Similarly, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who complains of discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of University Regulation. In exercising these standards, the University will not abridge either free speech or academic freedom based on its context. The UNF President has delegated to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (EOD) the authority and responsibility to receive, investigate, and, where appropriate, attempt to conciliate complaints, or investigate situations or conduct alleged to be in violation of the University’s Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Regulation and Sexual Misconduct Regulation. Accordingly, any member of the UNF community who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation, or sexual misconduct may seek guidance, counseling and/or file a complaint by contacting: Cheryl Gonzalez, Director, EOD and Title IX Administrator, located at Building One, J.J. Daniel Hall, Suite 1201, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224-7699, or call (904) 620-2507

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or via 711 Florida Relay for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or those with speech impairments and/or limitations.

ADA Statement Students with disabilities who seek reasonable accommodations in the classroom or other aspects of performing their coursework must first register with the UNF Disability Resource Center (DRC) located in Building 10, Room 1201. DRC staff members work with students to obtain required documentation of disability and to identify appropriate accommodations as required by applicable disability laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). After receiving all necessary documentation, the DRC staff determines whether a student qualifies for services with the DRC and if so, the accommodations the student requires will be provided. DRC staff then prepares a letter for the student to provide faculty advising them of approved accommodations. Military and veteran students who return from combat exposure may be utilizing the post 9/11 GI bill to continue postsecondary education goals. For further information, contact the DRC by phone (904) 620-2769, e-mail [email protected], or visit the DRC website www.unf.edu/drc. Military and veteran students may need both physical and academic accommodations. Contact Military and Veterans Resource Center by phone (904) 620-2655 or e-mail [email protected].

Academic Integrity The Free and Open Pursuit of Knowledge The University of North Florida encourages the free and open pursuit of knowledge; we consider this to be a fundamental principle and strength of a democratic people. To this end, the University of North Florida expects its students, its faculty, its administrators, and its staff to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. The University of North Florida expects all members of the University community to both honor and protect one another’s individual and collective rights.

Course Content A course may deal with subjects, issues, or perspectives to which some might object. Such objections will not exempt a student from course requirements. The University of North Florida stands behind the right of its instructors to include material that is challenging in any number of ways. The faculty urges students to discuss any concerns they might have concerning the content of their courses with their instructors. Claiming One’s Own Work Each student is honor-bound to submit under his or her name or signature only his or her own work; to fully acknowledge his or her use of any information, ideas, or other matter belonging to someone else, and to properly document the source in

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question; and to offer for credit only that work which he or she has completed in relation to the current course.

Violations of Academic Integrity Under this heading the University of North Florida Student Handbook identifies several types of violations; these include but are not limited to: cheating; fabricating and falsifying information or citations; submitting the same work for credit in more than one course; plagiarizing; providing another student with access to one’s own work to submit under this person’s name or signature; destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource material; and helping or attempting to help another person commit an act of academic dishonesty. The University of North Florida authorizes any instructor who finds evidence of cheating, plagiarism, or other wrongful behavior that violates the University of North Florida Academic Integrity Code to take appropriate action. Possible action includes, but is not limited to, failing the student on the work in question, failing the student for the course, notifying the appropriate academic dean or Vice President for Student Affairs, and requesting additional action be taken. The consequences of a breach of academic integrity may result in an F, which is unforgivable, regardless of withdrawal status. Please review the University policy on academic integrity:

http://www.unf.edu/catalog/catalog1ac2327d3db8d7ca02081518bb2f4378.html?i d=15032403681 Admission Procedures University of North Florida

Please refer to the UNF First Time in College Admission Policy for requirements for admission to UNF. For international students refer to the International Student Admission Policy. For transfer students refer to the Transfer Admission Policy. For students with disabilities please refer to the Admissions Applicant-With Disabilities Policy.

Once students have been admitted and have selected the concentration in MLS as their major they are required to meet with an Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) advisor to discuss the Osprey Curriculum Map and Milestones that need to be achieved for selective admissions criteria of the MLS program. The student should also make an appointment with the director of the MLS program to get detailed information about the program. Please note due to the number of sciences courses offered in the program careful planning and meetings with the ACE advisor or Program Director each semester are highly advised. Students should meet with an ACE advisor until 60 credit hours are reached. Once 60 hours have been 11

successfully completed then preliminary MLS majors should contact the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Biology advisor to meet with them.

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Essential Functions The list of essential functions of the MLS program is provided to prospective students so that you can assess your own health and your ability to complete the program successfully. You must be able to participate in course work on and off the university campus in the ways that will not endanger yourself, other students, faculty, patients or others. When you enter the professional phase of the program, you will be asked to sign a copy of this document as evidence that you can meet these essential requirements. This signed document will be maintained in your advising file. •

•

•

Ability to use oral and written communication effectively in the English language and to read, understand and follow directives orally stated and/or printed in English. Students applying whose native language is not English may be required to document master of the English language through performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or equivalent Display manual dexterity required to perform laboratory tasks, e.g. operation of microscopes and various instruments, performance of phlebotomy and pipetting procedures, control of laboratory equipment and manual entry of data into computers Demonstrate microscopic and macroscopic visual acuity required to differentiate structures and to perform all technical activities requiring visual skills; to judge distance and space relationships; to bring objects into focus; to see clearly at 20 inches and less; and to see a computer screen, keyboard and panel of instruments

Essential Requirements Essential Observational Requirements

Functions

Observe laboratory demonstrations in which body fluids and other biological are tested for biochemical hematological, immunological and microbiological characteristics.

Characterize the color, odor, clarity and viscosity of body fluids,

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reagents or reaction products.

Use a binocular microscope to discriminate among fine structural and color differences in microscopic specimens.

Read and comprehend text, numbers and graphs displayed in print, on instrument scales or video monitors. Observe biological samples and their labeling to assess the acceptability of samples for analysis. Observe and describe colonial morphology of bacteria. Essential intellectual Requirements

Observe and quantitate the degree of agglutination or other antigen-antibody reaction. Read and comprehend technical and professional materials such as textbooks, professional journals, laboratory procedures and instructional manuals. Apply these intellectual skills: comprehension, measurement, mathematical calculation, reasoning, integration, analysis, comparison, self-expression and criticism. Exercise sufficient judgment to recognize and correct performance deviations.

Apply knowledge of related sciences, including biology, chemistry, mathematics to laboratory test procedures.

Apply knowledge to the interpretation of laboratory test results, including correlation of results with diagnoses. Essential Communication Requirements

Apply knowledge to the assessment of laboratory results, taking appropriate action when invalid or grossly abnormal results occur. Follow verbal and written instructions to perform assigned procedures correctly and independently.

Effectively and sensitively communicate with patients and other identifying and valuing cultural and religious differences.

Use appropriate terminology to instruct patients and other prior to specimen collections, adjusting communication style to meet the needs of the patient and situation. 16

Respect patients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality.

Communicate effectively and clearly with faculty, students, staff and other health care professionals verbally, in writing and or via graphical presentations. Use facility guidelines and legal requirements concerning methods of sending and receiving information, including test results and other patient information. Essential Behavioral Requirements

Independently prepare papers and laboratory reports, and take paper, computerized and practical examinations. Manage time in order to prioritize and complete professional and technical tasks efficiently.

Employ intellect and exercise professional judgment effectively, seeking clarification or assistance when needed.

Be able to provide professional and technical services under the stressful conditions of the clinical laboratory, including (but not limited to): ambiguous test ordering, ambivalent interpretations, emergent demands and a distracting environment. Identify and operate within the scope of profession practice.

Be flexible and creative in adapting to professional and technical change. Recognize potentially unpleasant and/or hazardous materials, equipment and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to self and others. Support and promote the activities of fellow students, health care professionals and health care organizations.

Promote a team approach to learning, task completion, problem solving and patient career.

Perform honestly, compassionately, ethically and responsibly, admitting errors and taking corrective action where appropriate.

Adopted from Ferris State University Medical Technology Essential Functions

I have read the Essential Requirements for the MLS program at the University of North Florida. To the best of my knowledge, I will be able to perform these requirements upon completion of the program. 17

To enable me to meet these Essential Requirements, I request the following accommodations: Signature:_______________________________________________________ Date:_____________________ Name (print):___________________________________________________

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Tuition Fees Fees for Fall 2015 - Summer 2016 PER CREDIT HOUR Florida Resident:

Non-Florida Resident:

Tuition & Fees

Undergraduate Graduate

DPT/Nurse Interpreter DPT/Nurse Undergraduate Graduate Anest. Anest. Training

Per Credit Hour

$175.50

$493.68

$522.79

$655.63

$1044.42 $1132.75

$595.43

N/A

N/A

$693.26

N/A

N/A

Per Credit Hour with $213.13 Differential*

N/A

The per Credit Hour amount includes Registration Fees, Local Fees and Additional Fees

Incidental Program Expenses First Year MLS Professional Incidental Expenses Item Disposable Lab Coat each semester Safety glasses Scrubs Name Tag Hepatitis B Vaccination Review Guide

Cost Quantity $10.00 3 $20.00 1 $50.00 1 $8.50 1 $40.00 3 $65.00 1 Total

Total $30.00 $20.00 $50.00 $8.50 $120.00 $65.00 $293.50

Cost Quantity $50.00 4 $35.00 1 $80.00 1 $45.00 1 $10.00 1 Total

Total $200.00 $35.00 $80.00 $45.00 $10.00 $370.00

Clinical Internship Incidental Expenses Item Scrubs Drug Screen Background Check FDOH Trainee License TB Screen

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Tuition Refund Cashier's Office Policies: Fee Refunds

All students incur a liability for all credit hours that remain on the students' schedule at the end of the official add/drop period. If a student officially drops a class during the add/drop week (first week of the semester) a full refund for that course(s) will be issued to the student. Students can drop courses in person or via myWings web portal. A full refund will also be made for University cancellation of courses or denial of a student's admission to a course. Courses dropped within this period will not appear on the student's transcript. Students who withdraw completely from all of their classes by the end of the fourth week of classes will receive a 25 percent refund. There is no refund unless the student completely withdraws from the University. This policy only applies to the fall, spring and summer C terms. There is no 25 percent refund for the summer terms A and B. This refund is dependent on a student officially withdrawing by written notice to the Registrar. Please note that if you withdraw from one or more classes (partial withdrawal) there is no refund. If your fees were pended, you are still responsible for payment even though you withdraw. Full refunds on tuition may be granted in instances of withdrawal from the university under the following conditions by filing a Fee Petition: • • • •

Student's involuntary call to active military duty Death of the student or a member of the student's immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling) Incapacitating illness of such duration or severity, as confirmed in writing by a physician, that completion of the term is impossible A situation in which the university is in error

To file a fee petition, a student, or someone acting on the student's behalf with written authorization, must: • •

Officially withdraw from the course(s) for which the petition applies Complete a fee petition online via myWIngs (forms) and attach documentation supporting one of the conditions indicated above

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• •

Note: •

• • • • • • •

•

• •

Students will receive an e-mail confirming they've successfully submitted their petition Petitioner will be notified via e-mail of the committee's decision Students must file within six (6) months of the assessment of the fee(s) in question (per Board of Governors Tuition and Fee Regulation #7.002(11). Petitioning for a refund is not a guarantee that a refund will be approved Students must formally withdraw from course(s) online or at the One Stop Office for all requests concerning tuition A written explanation and documentation MUST be attached and is required in ALL CASES The provision governing refunds is established by the Board of Trustees and is outlined in the University Catalog. Beginning March 24, 2011 petititons must be submitted online via myWings The Repeat Surcharge is NOT petitionable Miscellaneous fees such as Orientation, ID or WOW are NOT petitionable Late payment fees are only waived for certain reasons such as: documented University error, documented administrative error, or documented extraordinary circumstances such as severe illness, a death in the family or natural disaster. Supporting documentation is required and tuition must be paid before submitting a request to waive the late payment fee The late payment fee may not be waived due to: lack of funds, unawareness of deadlines, unawareness of acceptable payment types, or Internet connectivity issues Tuition fee refunds provided to students will be processed against any outstanding tuition assessments prior to remitting a refund to the student The decision of the fee committee is final

For additional information, please contact the Cashier's Office. Courses Required for Completion of the MLS Program Term 1: Attempted Hours 0-15 Credit Schedule Mile Markers Hours ENC1101 (GW) Rhetoric and Writing OR ENC1143 (GW) 3 Rhetoric and Narrative BSC1010C General Biology I 4

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(Satisfies General Ed Natural Science and Program Prereq) MAC1105 G(M) College Algebra (Satisfies General Ed Math and Prereq for CHM2045/2045L) Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) Total Hours:

3 3

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Term 2: Attempted Hours 16-30 Schedule ENC1101 (GW) Rhetoric and Writing OR ENC1143 (GW) Rhetoric and Narrative (Select the English course not taken in Term 1) BSC2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Program Prerequisite) CHM2045 General Chemistry I (Satisfies General Ed Natural Science and Program Prereq) CHM2045L General Chemistry I Laboratory (Program Prerequisite) Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) Total Hours:

Credit Hours

Mile Markers BSC1010C General Biology I Minimum Grade C

3

MAC1105 G(M) College Algebra Minimum Grade C

4 3 1 3

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Summer 1 Schedule

Credit Hours

Mile Markers

Credit Hours

Mile Markers

Term 3: Attempted Hours 31-45 Schedule Select a third Gen Ed English Course (See Degree Evaluation) BSC2086C Human Anatomy & Physiology II (Program

3 4

CHM2045 and CHM2045L Gen Chem I with Lab Minimum Grade C BSC2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I Minimum 22

Prerequisite) CHM2046 General Chemistry II 3 (Program Prerequisite) CHM2046L Gen Chem II Lab 1 (Program Prerequisite) STA2014 G(M)Elem Statistics3 Health/SS (Program Prerequisite) Total Hours: 14

Grade C

Term 4: Attempted Hours 46-60 Schedule CHM2210 Organic Chemistry I (Program Prerequisite)

Credit Hours 3

CHM2210L Organic Chemistry I 1 Laboratory (Program Prerequisite)

MCB2010C Microbiology (Program 4 Prerequisite) Select a General Education Course 3 (See Degree Evaluation) Select a General Education Course 3 (See Degree Evaluation) Total Hours: 14

Mile Markers CHM2046 and 2046L Gen Chem II with Lab Minimum Grade C BSC2086C Human Anatomy and Physiology II Minimum Grade C

Summer 2 Schedule PCB3023C Molecular and Cell Biology

Select a General Education Course (See Degree Evaluation) Total Hours:

Credit Hours

CHM2210 and 2210L Organic Chem I with Lab Minimum Grade C

4 3

Mile Markers

7

Term 5: Attempted Hours 61-75 Schedule CHM2211 Organic Chemistry II

Credit Hours 3

Mile Markers CHM2211 and CHM2211L 23

(Program Prerequisite)

CHM2211L Organic Chemistry II 1 Lab (Program Prerequisite) MCB4021C Molecular Biology 4 Techniques Select a Free Elective(If needed for 4 125 total hours) Total Hours: 12

Organic Chem II with Lab Min Grade C General Education Requirements MLS PreRequisites

2.75 Minimum GPA Required for MLS Admission

Term 6: Attempted Hours 76-90 Schedule MLS3038 Essentials of Med Lab Science

Credit Hours 1

MLS4460 Diagnostic Bacteriology

3

MLS4308 Hematology and Hemostasis

3

MLS3220 Biological Fluid Analysis 2

MLS4505 Clinical Immunology

2

Select a Free Elective(If needed for 3 125 total hours) Total Hours: 14

Mile Markers MLS3038 Essentials of Med Lab Science Minimum Grade C MLS4460 Diagnostic Bacteriology Minimum Grade C MLS3220 Biological Fluid Analysis Minimum Grade C MLS4308 Hematology and Hemostasis Minimum Grade C MLS4505 Clinical Immunology Minimum Grade C

Summer 3 Schedule MLS4627 Clinical Biochemistry

MLS4191 Molecular Diagnostics

Credit Hours 3 2

Mile Markers MLS4627 Clinical Biochemistry Minimum Grade C MLS4191 Molecular Diagnostics Minimum Grade 24

MLS4462 Diagnostic Virology, Mycology

3

MLS4550 Immunohematology and 3 Transfus

Select a Free Elective(If needed for 2 125 total hours) Total Hours: 13

C MLS4462 Diagnostic Virology, Mycology Minimum Grade C MLS4550 Immunohematology and Transfus Minimum Grade C

Term 7: Attempted Hours 91-105 Schedule

Credit Hours

MLS4821 Clinical Microbiology Pract

5

IHS3203 Management and Leadership Total Hours:

2

MLS4822 Clinical Hematology Practicum

5 12

Mile Markers MLS4821 Clinical Microbiology Pract Minimum Grade C MLS4822 Clinical Hematology Practicum Minimum Grade C IHS3203 Management and Leadership Minimum Grade C

Term 8: Attempted Hours 106120 Schedule MLS4823 Clinical Immunohematology Prac MLS4826 Clinical Immunology Practicum MLS4820 Clinical Biochemistry Pract IHS4938 Senior Seminar for Medical Lab Total Hours: Total Program Hours:

Credit Hours

Mile Markers

4 2 5 1

12

125

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MLS Program Competencies Cognitive Skills

Recognize shifts, trends and other significant deviations in order to identify sources of error, verify test results accuracy, and implement corrective actions and followup procedure as required to ensure the reporting of valid data. Demonstrate the ability to interpret results derived by the instrumentation and recognize when the instrument is functioning improperly and yielding aberrant results and be able to troubleshoot preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical causes of problems that result in invalid data. Identify types of safety equipment and inspect and maintain safety equipment including fire extinguishers, safety showers, eyewash stations, safety storage cabinets, splash guards, biological and fume hoods.

Demonstrate the ability to retain information previously gained through the didactic education, assigned reading or discussion in the clinical area and drawing on previously gained information to solve problems. Distinguish between factual reports and personal opinion.

Respond appropriately to special orders/request (i.e. STAT, ASAP, and verbal test orders), take corrective actions to resolve unexpected results and or events and make decisions to recommend appropriate follow-up to prevent the recurrence of error Psychomotor Skills

Recognize and report hazardous situations, take actions to minimize injury to self and others, to prevent further occurrences and follow documentation procedures for work-related accidents. Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols including disposal of biohazardous materials, safe use of instrumentation, specimens and reagents and demonstrate proper body mechanics and health habits in all work endeavors.

Practice laboratory safety as described in the OSHA of 1970, 29 USCA section 655 and all subsequent regulations including instructions in universal precautions in handling all specimens.

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Demonstrate proper protocol for reporting results in written and oral form; when telephoning results, properly identifies patient and self, and document the location, time and person called. Organize work so that procedures are performed within established turn-around times and make economical use of resources and time by demonstrating the ability to coordinate a simultaneous series of tests with accuracy.

Select and correctly use appropriate lab ware for specific procedures considering necessary accuracy and precision and perform reagent/solution preparations as needed and according to laboratory protocol.

Perform basic operations of computer system(s) including data entry, transmission, and retrieval.

Perform all quality control procedures according to established protocol including data collection, statistical analyses, monitoring and interpreting quality control data. Perform proper operation of instrumentation and apply the principles by which the instrumentation operates including daily maintenance, use of controls, standards, and calibration procedures. Perform and adhere to special procedures for collection, transportation and processing of patient specimens including time constraints, reliability, patient safety, and infection control and determine need for rejection and recollection of specimens according to laboratory protocol. Affective Domain Skills

Demonstrate confidentiality to respect the patient's right to privacy by never discussing medical information about patients in a public area or with persons not directly related to the task performance.

Demonstrate integrity by not deceiving peers, instructors, or supervising staff in the performance of his/her laboratory duties and accept criticism in a constructive manner and demonstrate prompt improvement.

Recognize personal limitations and working within them, asking a supervisor/instructor for assistance when required and interact with laboratory personnel, other ancillary staff, patients and the public in a positive and professional manner. Promote a pleasant learning environment by accepting tasks as assigned and take actions reflective of the profession's standards when participating in any activity that would associate him/her as a clinical laboratory scientist.

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Adhere to University of North Florida, Medical Laboratory Science Program, and the clinical affiliate laboratory policies and procedures. Actively seek additional information not covered in the student materials and perform a task on a repeated basis without additional instructions.

Take responsibility for his/her own work by completing assigned tasks and return from meal times and breaks in a timely manner. Report to the laboratory on schedule and in accordance with clinical affiliate laboratory agreement with UNF MLS Program.

Report all absences in case of illness and all instances of expected tardiness to the supervising professional at the clinical affiliate laboratory and notify the MLS Program Director. Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships in working with others in the laboratory.

Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solutions of such questions and demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions. MLS Curriculum

Spring Semester MLS 3038 – Essentials in Medical Laboratory Science 1 Credit / Distance Learning Introduces students to the principles and practices of Medical Laboratory Science. Topics include safety, phlebotomy, automation, laboratory mathematics, laboratory information systems, quality assurance, management, education, ethics, professional roles, accreditation and regulation. This is a distance learning course with one hour of lab offered the last seven weeks at the Mayo Clinic Simulation Center for phlebotomy training. Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Discuss anatomy and physiology of the human body as it relates to the field of medical laboratory technology 2. Discuss the general responsibilities and functions encountered by a medical laboratory scientist 3. Apply quality assurance principles and safety protocols

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MLS 4460C – Diagnostic Bacteriology 4 Credits / Hybrid Advanced comprehensive study of bacteria that influence human health and disease. Emphasis on identification, diagnosis, microbial attributes, mechanisms that facilitate infectious disease, and treatment. This is a hybrid course with two hours of lecture per week and a three hour lab (A laboratory fee will be assessed). Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Recall microbial taxonomy and classification as it relates to bacterial metabolism, reproduction, associated diseases, cell structures and their functions 2. Demonstrate bacteriologic culture techniques necessary for isolation and identification of organisms 3. Recognize commonly encountered bacteria through morphological, physical and biochemical properties 4. Prepare and interpret Gram stains 5. Demonstrate and interpret antibiotic susceptibility tests

MLS 4308C – Hematology & Hemostasis 4 Credits / Hybrid Study of human blood ontogeny, kinetics, and pathophysiology. Theory and application of analytical techniques used to diagnose and monitor hematological disease and disorders of hemostasis. This is a hybrid course with two hours of lecture per week and a three hour lab (A laboratory fee will be assessed). Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Discuss the organs, cells and cellular interaction of the lymphoid and reticuloendothelial systems. 2. Discuss the principles of and perform routine hematology procedures. 3. Differentiate normal from abnormal blood cell morphology and relate the abnormal findings to the commonly referenced hematological disorders. 4. Identify normal and abnormal molecular structure of hemoglobin and the more common hemoglobinopathies. 5. Discuss and define the interactive systems necessary to maintain hemostasis. 6. Describe the principles of and perform routine testing used in the evaluation of the vascular, platelet, coagulation factor and fibrinolytic systems. 7. Discuss conditions and commonly referenced diseases related to abnormal hemostasis.

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MLS 4505 – Clinical Immunology 3 Credits / Distance Learning Course integrates basic and clinical immunology featuring clinical presentation, immunopathological features, diagnosis and treatment of immunologically related diseases. In addition, diagnostic techniques and procedures utilized in a clinical immunology laboratory will be covered. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Describe the immune system and normal immune response 2. Recognize the clinical significance of the commonly performed serological tests 3. Implement knowledge of immunological and serological principles and procedures 4. Review principles of complement fixation, immunoelectrophoresis and enzyme immunoassay MLS 3220 – Biological Fluid Analysis 2 Credits / Distance Learning This course introduces students to the theory and practices underlying the laboratory analysis of various biological fluids. Students study microscopic and physiochemical testing and correlates laboratory and clinical data to health and disease.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Identify the components of the renal system and relate this knowledge to urinalysis and renal function tests 2. Describe principles of and perform routine microscopic, physical and clinical analyses on urine 3. Assess abnormal physical, chemical and microscopic urine results with associated pathological conditions 4. Evaluate physical, chemical and microscopic evaluations of common body fluids including cerebral spinal, seminal and joint fluids.

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Summer Semester MLS 4627 – Clinical Biochemistry 3 Credits / Hybrid Relationship and application of biochemistry to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of human disease. Theoretical princi-ples and study of techniques for proteins, enzymes, carbohy-drates, lipids, electrolytes, nitrogen metabolites, inborn errors of metabolism, TDM and toxicology. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of clinical chemistry principles and procedures related to organ systems in the human body 2. Relate principles of commonly ordered tests to metabolic functions 3. Demonstrate principles of instrumentation as related to the clinical chemistry laboratory 4. Express the role of the laboratory in therapeutic drug monitoring and toxicology

MLS 4191 – Molecular Diagnostics 2 Credits / Distance Learning This course will provide an overview of nucleic acid structure, gene expression and genetic disease. Proper collection and processing of blood, bone marrow, and body fluids for molecular testing will be covered. Fundamentals of DNA and RNA isolation, amplification, hybridization and analysis will also be discussed. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Illustrate replication, transcription and translation 2. Construct a RT-PCR test for a given microorganism 3. Determine if a given tumor cell is amplifying based on FISH analysis

MLS 4462 – Diagnostic Virology, Mycology and Parasitology 3 Credits / Hybrid Study of viruses, fungi and parasites that influence human health and disease. Emphasis on identification, diagnosis, microbial attributes mechanisms that facilitate infectious disease, and treatment. Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Distinguish specimen collection, handling, and culturing techniques for urine, stool, wound, throat, body fluids, blood and exudates 2. Identify collection and handling techniques of samples for fungal, mycobacterial and viral specimens 3. Prepare and examine specimens, and identify ova and parasites as indicated 31

MLS 4550C – Immunohematology and Transfusion 4 Credits / Hybrid This course integrates theoretical concepts and applications related to blood donation process, transfusion therapy and blood group system biochemistry, genetics and serology. This is a hybrid course with two hours of lecture per week and a three hour lab (A laboratory fee will be assessed).

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of immunohematological principles and procedures 2. Perform routine compatibility testing and multiple antibody identification and screening procedures 3. Describe immune hemolytic diseases commonly investigated through immunohematological procedures 4. Identify symptoms of and required laboratory protocol for handling suspected transfusion reactions

Internship MLS 4826C – Clinical Immunology Practicum - Spring 2 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical immunology laboratory including diagnostic serological techniques with emphasis on clinical correlation of infectious diseases. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Differentiates and resolves technical, instrument, physiologic causes of problems or unexpected test results 2. Perform a full range of immunologic laboratory procedures 3. Apply basic immunoassay principles, perform test procedures according to established laboratory protocols, and interpret results. 4. Apply knowledge of specialty immunological and serological principles and interpret test results to correlate with patient’s condition.

MLS 4822C – Clinical Hematology Practicum - Fall 5 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical hematology/ hemostasis laboratory includes performance of diagnostic procedures and application of knowledge with emphasis on clinical correlation. Departmental permission, acceptance into the MLS program, and senior standing required. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to:

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1. Differentiates and resolves technical, instrument, physiologic causes of problems or unexpected test results 2. Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis 3. Perform analyses, apply appropriate quality control procedures, and interpret laboratory findings for testing used in the identification, classification, and differentiation of anemias, reactive, and neoplastic disorders, and disorders of hemostasis. 4. Evaluate red cell, white cell, and platelet histograms and scatterplots for diagnostic and quality control purposes MLS 4821C Clinical Microbiology Practicum - Fall 5 Credits/Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory utilizing diagnostic techniques in the identification of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Discuss classification, composition and preparation of culture media 2. Perform disinfection and sterilization techniques 3. Identify pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi utilizing a variety of diagnostic techniques 4. Implement the necessary skills to be productive laboratory scientists in the microbiology laboratory

MLS 4823C – Clinical Immunohematology Practicum - Spring 4 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical immunohematology laboratory and perfusion service including compatibility testing, blood transfusion procedures and antibody detection and identification. Departmental permission, acceptance into the Department of Clinical Laboratory Science and senior standing.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Differentiates and resolves technical, instrument, physiologic causes of problems or unexpected test results 2. Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis 3. Prepare suspensions of red blood cells (RBC's) and use required equipment. 4. Perform required tests on recipient blood sample and resolve discrepancies of ABO typing results.

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MLS 4820C – Clinical Biochemistry Practicum - Spring 5 Credits / Clinical Internship Advanced practical experience in a clinical chemistry laboratory emphasize chemistry instrumentation, immunochemical analysis, electrophoresis, blood gases, TDM, and toxicology. Departmental permission, acceptance into the Department of EHMCS, and senior standing.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Differentiates and resolves technical, instrument, physiologic causes of problems or unexpected test results 2. Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis 3. Demonstrate an understanding of electrolyte balance as related to health and disease by successfully performing and interpreting electrolyte analyses 4. Apply knowledge of therapeutic drug monitoring and toxicology by successfully performing selected assays for therapeutic and toxic substances, correlating patient results with therapeutic or toxic ranges.

IHS 3203 – Management and Leadership in Health Care Organizations - Fall 2 Credits / Distance Learning Interdisciplinary analysis of leadership and management concepts; managerial skills and techniques; fiscal responsibility; human resource development; out-comes assessment; building strategic alliances in changing environments; and organizational ethics. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1. Organize laboratory procedure manuals, reports, guidelines and research protocols 2. Summarize principles of educational methodology in the instruction of laboratory personnel, other health care professionals and consumers 3. Manage laboratory operations and provide direction and guidance to technical and support personnel

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IHS 4938 – Senior Seminar - Spring 1 Credits / Distance Learning Course synthesizing career and life experiences across disciplines, via exploration of interdisciplinary issues and civic projects. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the learner will be able to: 1) Integrate the coursework and clinical practicum experience in a clinical laboratory setting 2) Apply research skills to develop a case study or review for submission for publication to a clinical laboratory associated peer reviewed journal 3) Prepare for the national certification examination through practice and review 4) Prepare and present a case study presentation to the MLS faculty and students Required Textbooks MLS 3038 Essentials of Medical Laboratory Sciences King. S., DiLorenzo, M. 2011. F.A. Davis Company, The Phlebotomy Textbook (3rd Edition). Philadelphia, PA: ISBN-13: 978-0803620575

Buckingham, L. 2014. F.A. Davis Company, Fundamental Laboratory Mathematics, Philadelphia, PA: ISBN-13: 978-0803629493 MLS 4460 Diagnostic Bacteriology Tille, P. Baily & Scotts Diagnostic Microbiology 13th edition. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2013, 978-0323083300

McCarter, Y. Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory Manual. XanEdu. 2013. Purchased through UNF bookstore Bartelt, MA, Diagnostic Bacteriology: A Study Guide. Philadelphia, PA:FA Davis Company. 2000. ISBN: 0-8036-0301-0 MLS 4308 Hematology & Hemostasis Clinical Hematology: Theory & Procedures, 5th Edition by Turgeon ISBN-13: 978-1-60831-076-0 Anderson's Atlas of Hematology, 2nd Edition by Anderson 113150-5

ISBN-13: 978-1-4535

MLS 4505 Clinical Immunology Turgeon, M.L. Immunology & Serology in Laboratory Medicine, 5th edition, St. Lous, MO: Mosby, 2013, 978-0323085182

MLS 3220 Biological Fluid Analysis Brunzel, N, Fundamental of Urine and Body Fluids 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: Saunders. 2011. 978-1437709896

MLS 4627 Clinical Biochemistry Bishop, M. et al. Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles, Correlations 7th edition. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013. 978-1-4511-1869-8

MLS 4191 Molecular Diagnostics Bruns, D. et al. Fundamentals of Molecular Diagnostics, Philadelphia: Suanders. 2007. 978-1416037378

MLS 4462 Diagnostic Virology, Mycology and Parasitology Tille, P. Baily & Scotts Diagnostic Microbiology 13th edition. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2013, 978-0323083300 Zeibig, E. Clinical Parasitology: A Practical Approach 2nd Edition. St. Louis, MO: Saunders, 2012, 978-1416060444 Blevins, K. Medical Mycology: A Self-Instructional Text, Philadelphia: FA Davis Company. 1997. 978-0803600362 MLS 4550 Immunohematology and Transfusion Harmening, D. Modern Bloodbanking & Transfusion Practices 6th Edition. Philadelphia: FA Davis Company. 2013, 978-0803626829

MLS 3202 Management and Leadership in Health Care Organizations Harmening, D. Laboratory Management: Principles and Processes 3rd Ed. St. Peterserburg, FL: D.H. Publishing. 2012. 978-0943903125

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Safety in the Microbiology Laboratory Before working in the laboratory, read carefully the safety precautions and techniques for each procedure described in this laboratory manual and the material your instructor provides. BE SAFE. Be aware that carelessness can be very dangerous. Laboratory safety is considered the most important priority when dealing with specimens and organisms in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Be careful and think about what you are planning to do. If you are injured in any way or begin to feel unwell, notify your instructor immediately. Read the laboratory exercise and appropriate procedures BEFORE you come to lab. This allows you to use your time efficiently, improves your learning from and understanding of the exercise, and decreases the probability of accidents.

The following practices are acceptable for routine procedures conducted with these organisms e.g. propagation for identification, typing, susceptibility testing, etc. with the additional considerations noted below. A.

Standard Microbiological Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 4.

Access to the laboratory is limited or restricted at the discretion of the Program Director or laboratory instructor when work is in progress. All laboratory doors must remain closed during laboratory sessions. Follow all instructions given by the instructor. Listen carefully at the beginning of class. This is when potentially hazardous items are pointed out and safety directions given.

Never work alone in the laboratory. Do not attempt any unauthorized procedures.

Keep work bench clear of clutter. Never work over your lab manual, it is very hard to disinfect and will not be worth much after autoclaving. Keep the laboratory clean and uncluttered, particularly walkways. Store your backpacks and other items in the provided storage area. Persons must wash their hands with soap after they handle viable materials, after removing gloves, and before leaving the laboratory.

Keep fingers, pencils and other objects away from your mouth, eyes and nose. Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, and applying cosmetics are not permitted in the laboratory. Food/drinks may not be brought into the laboratory.

Mouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanical pipetting devices are used. 38

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10. 11. B.

Tie back long hair, remove dangling jewelry, and wear closed toed shoes (NO sandals or flip-flops). You will not be allowed to participate in a laboratory session if you are wearing open toed shoes. Sharps (i.e. glass slides and plastic loops) are disposed of in a durable, leak proof container. All procedures are performed carefully to minimize the creation of splashes or aerosols.

Work surfaces are decontaminated on completion of work and after any spill or splash of viable material with disinfectants that are effective against the agents of concern, e.g. 10% bleach or other approved disinfectant.

All cultures, stocks, and other regulated wastes are decontaminated.

No cell phones, tablets or personal computers are allowed to be used in the laboratory.

Label all cultures clearly and fully: organism, student, section number, and date.

Special Practices 1.

A biohazard sign must be posted on the entrance to the laboratory.

3.

A high degree of precaution must always be taken with any contaminated sharp items, including, slides, pipettes, and plastic loops.

2.

Biosafety procedures are incorporated into each laboratory session. They are documented specifically in this manual and will also be indicated by laboratory instructor. Students are advised of special hazards and are required to read and follow instructions on practices and procedures.

5. If you spill a bacterial culture: cover the area with paper towel and saturate the towel with disinfectant. Wait 15 minutes before cleaning up the spill. Place any broken glass in the sharps container. Report all spills to the instructor.

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C.

Personal Protective Equipment 1.

2. 3.

D.

E.

Protective laboratory clothing such as solid-front gowns must be worn by students at all times when in the laboratory. Protective clothing is not worn outside of the laboratory

Face protection (goggles, mask, face shield, glasses with OSHA standard side shields or other splatter guard) is used for anticipated splashes or sprays of infectious or other hazardous materials to the face.

Gloves are worn when hands may contact potentially infectious materials, contaminated surfaces or equipment. a. Gloves are disposed of when overtly contaminated, and removed when work with infectious materials is completed or when the integrity of the grove is compromised. b. Disposable gloves are not washed, reused, or used for touching “clean” surfaces and they should not be worn outside the lab. c. Hands are washed following removal of gloves.

Disposal of Sharps and Biohazardous Waste

1.

Dispose of all waste in the proper containers!! When you are finished with them, all cultures and objects that have culture material in or on them must be inactivated before final disposal. Place all materials in the proper containers, so that they may be properly autoclaved. a. Trash Basket: paper or plastic items that have not been contaminated with microorganisms. NO GLASS should be placed in the trash. b. Glass Box: non - biohazardous broken glass or glass objects ready for disposal c. Biohazard bag: non-sharp biohazardous materials such as plastic Petri dishes and transfer pipettes d. Test tube racks: culture tubes e. Bleach jars: serological pipettes f. Biohazard Sharps Container: used slides with bacteria, broken glass with culture

Other Important Safety Reminders 1.

Immediately report all accidents and injuries, no matter how minor, to your laboratory instructor. Be ready to take immediate action as needed. If an accident occurs follow your instructor's directions completely and promptly. 40

2.

3.

Be familiar with and know the location of safety equipment: fire extinguishers, eyewash station and emergency shower, first aid kit, fire blanket, room master gas shutoff switch. Know the location of the nearest "red handset". This is a direct connection to the UNF police, in case of emergency. If the fire alarm sounds, immediately extinguish all flames, turn off and unplug hot plates and other equipment, gather your belongings and leave the building. The gathering place outside is in the courtyard outside Building 4 near the Gandhi statue.

Dress Code All students are required to wear UNF Medical Laboratory Science scrubs during lab and clinical internship. Scrubs can be purchased during MLS orientation. A representative from Patrick’s Uniforms will be available to take measurements and payment during this time. In addition to scrubs students will be responsible for purchasing a disposable full length, fastened, fluid impermeable lab coat for spring and summer semester during for UNF sponsored labs. Lab coats can be purchased through the UNF Bookstore. For clinical internship the internship site will be responsible for providing the student with a lab coat. Students will also be responsible for purchasing safety glasses these can be purchased at the UNF Bookstore.

You need to wear closed toes and heels and must wear socks. Some clinical internship sites require students to purchase white tennis shoes with no logos so keep this in mind when purchasing shoes for clinical internship.

If your hair is long and interferes with performing laboratory procedures, you will be asked to tie your hair back while training in the teaching and clinical labs.

Students may not wear hats while working in the MLS laboratories or on internship. Hats can be easily contaminated with blood borne pathogens or bacterial pathogens. We will make exceptions for most forms of religious headgear, as long as it can conform to safety requirements. Fingernails, real and artificial, must be kept trimmed and should not compromise the integrity of your nitrile or vinyl gloves.

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Name Tag You must wear a UNF nametag with your first and last name during each laboratory session as well as on internship. Name tags can be purchased through Auxiliary Services. Blood Borne Pathogens Procedures for safe handling of potentially infectious materials are taught during the first week of MLS 3038 Essentials in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Hepatitis B Vaccination and Other Immunization Requirements

To participate in the laboratory and internship experiences in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program, you must provide proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or antibody titer. Please refer to the Health Services Checklist for information regarding Immunization. http://www.unf.edu/uploadedFiles/sa/shs/immunization-form.pdf Paying for this vaccine is the students’ responsibility. Students are also responsible for submitting vaccination records to the clinical internship site. Progression Policy

In recognition of the need to maintain acceptable standards for professional curriculum performance, as well as academic achievement, the following academic progression requirements shall apply to all students enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program.

In order to progress in the program, a student shall maintain a core curriculum GPA of 2.75 and get no less than a C in all MLS and IHS courses. If a student gets less than a 2.75 GPA or gets less than a C in one of the MLS or IHS courses the student will need to drop out of the MLS program and reapply to the program the following year. Students can apply to the program no more than twice in a five-year period.

A mock certification exam will be given to students after summer semester. All students will be required to get at 50% or above on this exam to be eligible for internship. Attendance Policies

Each MLS instructor will include in the course syllabus information about his or her attendance policy. Generally speaking, we expect you to attend as scheduled. Every class meeting is important including those courses that are listed on distance learning. If you can’t attend, please call or e – mail in advance, if

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possible, to the instructor’s office and leave a message that you won’t be there.

MLS faculty do not allow students to make up labs that they miss for any reason. You MUST come to lab, and you must be on time, and ready to go with the materials and supplies you need. Labs are planned and prepped assuming you are going to be present as scheduled. We don’t have the time, the samples, the staffing, or the budget to let you make up a lab. If you miss a lab, you lose the points and you’re on your own to learn the material.

The right to attend class is gained through programmatic admission after successful completion of a selective admissions process. Through attendance, students acquire knowledge and skills related to profession-specific procedures, are introduced and socialized into the professional environment in which they will function, and develop into individuals who understand and model the professional behaviors that will be expected of them in the workplace. Because of the complex and critical nature of professional education provided by the faculty of UNF, students are not at liberty to choose whether to attend class meetings. In the event a student is unable to attend a lecture, laboratory, or clinical experience, the student is expected to notify the instructor (the clinical instructor should also be notified in clinical courses) in as timely a fashion as possible as specified by the instructor. At the next scheduled class meeting, the students expected to provide written documentation of the reason for the absence. If the student does not provide adequate documentation in a timely manner, the instructor reserves the right to apply the appropriate actions. These actions can range from receiving no grade for missed assignments to stopping the progression of a student through the program. The actions applied will be class specific and applied equitably and diligently by the instructor to all enrolled in the course. The actions imposed will also be consistent with the respective programmatic attendance policies that will be included in the course syllabi and reviewed at the beginning of the course. Academic Dishonesty Policy I. OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE Briefly stated, academic misconduct consists of any attempt to misrepresent one's performance on any exercise submitted for evaluation. The primary responsibility for ensuring adherence to the principle of academic integrity rests with students and faculty. Any infraction that comes to the attention of any person should be brought to the attention of the faculty member to whose course it pertains. A violation of the Academic Integrity Policy is also considered a violation of the Student Conduct Code. II. STATEMENT OF POLICY

Violations of the principle of academic integrity include, but are not limited to:

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CHEATING: Intentionally using, providing, obtaining, or attempting to use, provide, or obtain unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices in any academic exercise. This definition includes unauthorized communication of information during an academic exercise. FABRICATION & FALSIFICATION: Intentional and unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a matter of altering information, while fabrication is a matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use in an academic exercise.

MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS: The submission of any portion of the same academic work, including oral reports, electronic files, or hard-copy form, for credit more than once without authorization. PLAGIARISM: Intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one's own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc. are common knowledge.

ABUSE OF ACADEMIC MATERIALS: Intentionally or knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resources material. COMPLICITY IN ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Providing assistance in any form to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty. Violation of the Academic Integrity Code

When a faculty member determines that a violation of the Academic Integrity Code should result in a penalty, the faculty member will notify the student of the offense by sending an Academic Misconduct Reporting Form to the student and a copy to the appropriate departmental Chairperson within twenty (20) calendar days after the date in which the faculty member identifies the violation. The Academic Misconduct Reporting Form documents the circumstances surrounding the accusation and any adjustment to a grade or other action taken or recommended by the faculty member. No proceedings or hearings may be held, except as outlined in the appeals process.

Any electronic correspondence shall be made through the student's University email address and the faculty or administrator's University email address Possible Faculty Actions in Cases of Academic Misconduct In the case of Academic Misconduct, faculty may assign or recommend one or more of the following: 44

Referral to the appropriate support service (Counseling, Advising, other assistance)

Assignment of a grade reduction on an academic exercise

Assignment of a final letter grade/reduction for the course Assignment of an unforgivable 'F' for the course

Referral of the charges to the Dean/Chairperson/Director of the academic unit in which the student is enrolled with a recommendation for one or more of the following: temporary or permanent loss of use of a University facility, suspension from a College, Department, or program, expulsion from the University, or referral to Student Affairs for a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Appeals Process

Students may appeal grades, and/or grade-related penalties assigned for academic misconduct due to violations of the Academic Integrity Code. If a student wishes to appeal a grade beyond any time period specified in the Academic Misconduct Appeals Process, the student must FIRST petition to extend the appeals deadline. Unless there are extenuating circumstances that put others at risk, the student is allowed to remain in class until such time as the appeal is heard. The student first submits a written appeal to the faculty member within ten (10) calendar days from the date the faculty member sends the student an Academic Misconduct Reporting Form. The ten calendar days period does not include University holidays or days between the end of semester date and the first day of the following semester's classes.

The faculty member will provide a written response within ten (10) calendar days after receiving the student's appeal.

If the student does not agree with the proposed resolution received from the faculty member... The student may request a meeting with the appropriate departmental Chairperson to appeal the response from the faculty member within ten (10) calendar days after the faculty member sends his or her response to the student. The student's request for appeal must be in writing describing why the student does not agree with the faculty member's response and the student must provide a copy of his or her appeal to the faculty member.

The Chairperson will respond to the student's request for a meeting to hear his/her appeal and must schedule a meeting with the student within twenty (20 calendar days. 45

After the meeting, the Chairperson will send a written response to the student with a copy to the faculty member within ten (10) calendar days. If the student does not agree with the proposed resolution received from the departmental Chairperson...

The student may request a meeting with the appropriate College Dean to appeal the response from the Chairperson within ten (10) calendar days after the Chairperson sends his or her response to the student. The student's request for appeal must be in writing describing why the student does not agree with the Chairperson's response and the student must provide copies of the appeal to the faculty member and the Chairperson. The College Dean will respond to the student's request and schedule a meeting with the student within twenty (20) calendar days. After the meeting, the College Dean will send a written response to the student with copies to the faculty member and the Chairperson within ten (10) calendar days. If the student does not agree with the proposed resolution received from the College Dean...

The student may appeal with the Dean's response to the University Academic Appeals Committee within ten (10) calendar days after the College Dean sends his or her response to the student. The student's request for appeal must be in writing describing why the student does not agree with the Dean's decision and must be sent to the Vice President of Academic Affairs with copies to the faculty member, the departmental Chairperson, and the College Dean. Academic Affairs will refer the appeal to the Chairperson of the university Academic Appeals Committee within ten (10) calendar days. The Chairperson of the University Academic Appeals Committee will send the date, time, location, and procedures of the hearing to the student, faculty member, Chairperson, and College Dean at least ten (10) calendar days in advance of the hearing. Once a hearing date is scheduled and communicated, it may not be rescheduled by any involved party unless there is a documented emergency. If either the student or the College representatives should fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing may proceed in his or her absence. A hearing must be rescheduled within ten (10) calendar days if the Committee fails to reach quorum. The University Academic Appeals Committee's recommendation will be based on a majority vote by the Committee's voting members. The Committee's Chairperson will send the Committee's recommendation to the Academic Vice President with copies to all parties involved within ten (10) calendar days following the hearing.

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The decision of the Academic Vice President or designee will be forwarded to all involved parties in writing within twenty (20) calendar days of the hearing.

Within five (5) calendar days after the Academic Vice President's decision is sent to the involved parties, any of the parties involved may deliver a written appeal to the University President. The President will provide a response within ten (10) calendar days to all involved parties. The decision of the President shall be final. No further appeals are allowed.

The record of the University Academic Appeals Committee hearing during which the student has been found to have violated the Academic Integrity Code will be held in the discipline files in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for four years after graduation. Records of students who are expelled are permanent and will be cross-referenced by a notation in the student's permanent record in Enrollment Services referring to the disciplinary record in Academic Affairs. Student Conduct Code

A copy of the Student Conduct Code can be found in the UNF Student Handbook as well as in the MLS Orientation Manual. Please refer to the following policy for information regarding dismissal from the UNF. https://www.unf.edu/president/policies_regulations/05StudentAffairs/5_0010R.aspx Appeals Unrelated to Academic Misconduct Students may appeal grades which the student believes have been assigned (a) arbitrarily or capriciously; (b) contrary to the criteria announced in the course; or (c) for constitutionally and/or legally impermissible reasons. A grade of Incomplete (I) may not be appealed. Such appeals shall be limited to a period of 90 calendar days from the date of awarding the grade(s) in question. Unless there are extenuating circumstances that may result in disruption of the class or put others at risk, the student is allowed to remain in class until such time as the appeal is heard. The following procedures have been developed to provide an impartial arena for resolution of conflicts that cannot be resolved successfully between the primary parties involved.

1. The student initiates an appeal. o The student first submits a written appeal to the faculty member within (90) calendar days from the date the disputed grade has been assigned.

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o

The faculty member involved must provide a written response within ten (10) calendar days after receiving the student’s appeal.

2. If there is no resolution between the student and the faculty member... o The student is entitled to a meeting with the appropriate departmental Chairperson to hear the student’s appeal. Within ten (10) calendar days after receiving a response from the faculty member, the student must submit a written request for the meeting to the appropriate departmental Chairperson with a copy to the faculty member. o The Chairperson is obligated to respond to the student’s request and must schedule a meeting with the student within twenty (20) calendar days. o After the meeting, the Chairperson will send a written response to the student with a copy to the faculty member within ten (10) calendar days. 3. If there is no resolution between the student and the departmental chairperson... o The student is entitled to a meeting with the appropriate College Dean. Within ten (10) calendar days after the Chairperson sends his or her response to the student, the student must send a written request for a meeting to the appropriate College Dean with copies to the faculty member and the Chairperson. o The College Dean is obligated to respond to the student’s request to schedule a meeting with the student within twenty (20) calendar days. o After the meeting, the College Dean will send a written response to the student with copies to the faculty member and the Chairperson within ten (10) calendar days. 4. If there is no resolution between the student and the College Dean... o The student may appeal to meet with the University Academic Appeals Committee. Within ten (10) calendar days after the College Dean sends his or her response to the student, the student must send a written request to the Vice President of Academic Affairs with copies to the faculty member, the departmental Chairperson, and the College Dean. Academic Affairs will refer the appeal to the Chairperson of the University Academic Appeals Committee within ten (10) calendar days.

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o

o

o

o

The Chairperson of the University Academic Appeals Committee will send the date, time, location, and procedures of the hearing to the student, faculty member, Chairperson, and College Dean at least ten (10) calendar days in advance of the hearing. Once a hearing date is scheduled and communicated, it may not be rescheduled by any involved party unless there is a documented emergency. If either the student or the College representatives should fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing may proceed in his or her absence. A hearing must be rescheduled if the Committee fails to reach quorum. The University Academic Appeals Committee’s recommendation will be based on a majority vote by the Committee’s voting members. The Committee’s Chairperson will send the Committee’s recommendation to the Academic Vice President with copies to all parties involved within ten (10) calendar days following the hearing. The decision of the Academic Vice President or designee will be forwarded to all involved parties in writing within twenty (20) calendar days of the hearing. Within five (5) calendar days after the University Academic Appeals Committee’s decision is sent to the involved parties, any of the parties involved must deliver a written appeal to the University President. The President will provide a response within ten (10) calendar days to all involved parties. The decision of the President shall be final. No further appeals are allowed.

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Clinical Affiliate Baptist Health

Mayo Clinic Florida

UF Health Jacksonville Medical Center Flagler Hospital

St. Vincent’s Riverside

Orange Park Medical Center Florida Hospital Flagler and Florida Hospital Memorial

Location Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville, FL St. Augustine, FL Jacksonville, FL Orange Park, FL Palm Coast, FL Ormond Beach, FL Total

Additional Clinical Affiliates with Limited Rotations

Clinical Affiliate The Blood Alliance (Blood Bank) The Bureau of Public Health Laboratories

Location Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville, FL

Number of Students 2016

Number of Students 2017 4

6

4

4

3

3

2

3

1

1

0

2

1 15

2 21

Number of Students As needed for Donor Testing As needed for molecular testing

How to Be Assigned to Clinical Experience Eligibility To be eligible for clinical experience, you must first satisfactorily complete all prerequisites including earning a C or better in the courses with a MLS prefix other than clinical internship. You should have a minimum prerequisite and core curriculum GPA of a 2.75. In addition, you must meet the non-academic requirements (background check, drug screen, vaccination requirements, TB screen and a FDOH trainee license). A score of 50% or greater on the mock certification exam is also required

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Criminal Background Check Before each student can attend an affiliated laboratory it will be necessary to undergo a criminal background check, AT THE STUDENT’S EXPENSE. This is an accreditation requirement for the clinical laboratories, so it is NOT OPTIONAL. If there is something in your background that might make a clinical laboratory refuse to accept you for internship, then you should consider enrolling in another educational program. Details concerning the process for undergoing a criminal background check are changing rapidly.

Selection process for Clinical Internship What if There Are More Students than Sites Available? The program has several clinical affiliates and the program director makes every attempt to ensure a surplus of internship spots but in the event a clinical affiliate has to drop out a wait list for internship spots will be started. The top scoring students in the program based on GPA, professional behavior and technical performance in teaching labs will be given first priority for internship. Students will be assigned to the clinical site based on a matching system. The students will select their top three selections and the education coordinators from each clinical affiliate will select who they want to interview. The program director will forward these selections to students with information on who to contact for the interview and tour but it is the student’s responsibility to schedule the appointment. If a student is not selected to interview at any of the clinical he or she has chosen the program director will select sites for the students to interview that still have open spots. Keep in mind a lot of the faculty will help their facility to determine who will based on academic, behavioral and technical performance. It is important that every student take the program seriously from day one. Professionalism, technical skills and academic performance are all an important component to the selection process. Please do not assume the top GPA of the class will get their clinical internship spot. The interview is extremely important so if you want to practice you can contact career services for resume assistance and interview practice. https://www.unf.edu/careerservices/Resumes,_Curriculum_Vitae,_and_Cover_Lette rs.aspx Clinical Experience Requirements In addition to the Criminal Background Check requirement described above, the following requirements must be met:

TB Screen which can be provided either through your primary care physician or through UNF Student Health Services. The fee for the screen through UNF Student Health Services is $10.00. The clinical affiliates require documentation of a negative test for tuberculosis within the past calendar year. If you have received BCG vaccine, or if you have a positive screening test for TB, you will need to submit a report from a chest X-ray or other documentation that you do not have active tuberculosis. 51

Hepatitis B vaccination and disclaimer In order to participate in clinical experience, you will need to provide either proof of Hepatitis B vaccination or demonstrate a titer of anti-HBs. You may have received this vaccination as a child. You can get the vaccine for protection from hepatitis B at the UNF Student Health Center. They offer a series of 3 shots spread over six months. The shots are $40.00 per shot. Students are responsible for paying for this vaccine. This will need to be started at the beginning of the program in order to prove that you have formed immunity against the Hepatitis B virus. If you decline the vaccine, you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging having been informed about the vaccine, the risks associated with NOT being vaccinated, and that you understand that you can change your decision at any time and be vaccinated. If you do not get the vaccine, we may require you to re-sign the waiver form each year you are in the program. Our affiliated clinical laboratories want you to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, or to show proof of antibody titer before you begin your clinical experience. If you sign the waiver declining the vaccination, you may risk your eligibility for a specific site assignment, or be assigned to a clinical site.

Health insurance You will have to provide your own health insurance during the clinical experience, at your own expense. If you are injured during your clinical experience, the site will provide emergency care if needed, at your expense. UNF provides liability insurance for students during the clinical experience. Proof of immunity Students must have proof of immunity for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (having chicken pox is not proof of immunity students must have titer performed and if nonimmunity is determined 2 shots are required).

Flu Shot Most clinical affiliates require a flu shot. If a flu shot is required some clinical affiliates will provide this for your free of change. The flu shot should only be done in the fall to be current.

Clinical Experience Policies Attendance Policy Your clinical experience will usually consist of an 8 hour day (40 hour week). Most often this will be during the day shift. Exact times of starting and ending your shift will vary among the affiliates, and may even vary between laboratory sections. You may be scheduled briefly on the evening shift, night shift, or on weekends as part of your clinical experience. You may have to rotate throughout the clinical health system for example Baptist Health has four hospitals in the Jacksonville area. Be prepared that you might have to travel to Baptist Beaches, Baptist Medical Center, Baptist South and Baptist Nassau. You will always be working under the supervision of a qualified instructor. We expect you to

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have no absences. Every day at the clinical site is important. Certain activities are scheduled each day within each section of the lab. If you miss time, you interrupt the schedule. The technologists at each site are performing both service work and teaching you. If you are absent, this puts even more pressure on the teaching technologists to schedule make up time for you. You may be absent due to illness. In this case, you MUST conform to the laboratory’s procedures for reporting your absence. A death in your family is considered an excused absence. Again, you must follow the clinical affiliates procedures for reporting your absence. You will not get time off for job interviews or for medical or dental appointments other than true emergencies. If you are absent, you must make up the time you missed. You can only make up the time under supervision, which may limit your opportunities to progress on schedule. Depending on the situation, you may make up time after your regular hours, on weekends, or after the end of your scheduled clinical experience. When you can make up the time is the decision of your clinical supervisor, with the approval of the coordinator at the site. •

•

•

• • •

When absence or tardiness is going to occur, the student must notify the personnel in the department to which the student is assigned no less than 30 minutes before the scheduled beginning time for that day.

Any absence or tardiness without notification will be brought to the attention of the Program Director and faculty, and the privilege to continue in the program will be evaluated. Keep in mind some clinical affiliates will immediately dismiss you from internship if you do not notify them. If absences occur, makeup time may be required. The amount of time and scheduling of such time will be at the discretion of the clinical instructor and education coordinator of the clinical facility.

Each incidence of unexcused tardiness will result in a 5 point reduction in the final average for that section/department grade.

Each incidence of unexcused absence will result in a 10 point reduction in the final average for that section/department grade. If the number of excused or unexcused absences or tardies becomes excessive, the Program Director will be notified and the student will receive one warning. If absencesor tardies continue, the privilege to continue in the program will be evaluated.

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Service Work Policy Any service work by students in the clinical setting outside of regular academic hours is non-compulsory. During the clinical experience you will not be substituted for regular laboratory staff. You may be scheduled to perform procedures and run instruments. However, you will still be working under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Under the Florida Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Personnel statute you can not report patient results. If you are asked to report out patient results under another technologist’s code you need to inform the education coordinator at the site and MLS program director immediately. Outside Employment Policy If you must work outside the laboratory during your clinical experience, please try to limit your hours. Your main job during your clinical experience is to practice the skills outlined by your objectives. You will still need to review theory and you may have formal homework assignments to complete. If outside employment is preventing you from completing your assigned work, we will recommend that you quit your outside job. If you continue to work and continue to perform below expectations, you may be removed from the clinical site. Client Rights Policy Your clinical experience may be the first time that you come into contact at a professional level with actual patients and clients of the laboratory.

We expect you to remember that each person with whom you interact as part of your responsibilities has inherent worth as a human being. You are expected to honor each person’s dignity, and to respect their rights to privacy and their rights to their own religious and political beliefs. Each patient or client also has the right to be informed about what is being done to him or her, and the right to expect his or her laboratory test results will remain confidential. Each laboratory will have a policy that covers client rights, and your responsibilities to protect those rights. We encourage you to become familiar with and to observe these policies.

How You Will Be Evaluated at the Clinical Site Your skills Assigned instructors at the clinical site will evaluate you. UNF provides specific objectives and checklists for each laboratory area. The clinical affiliates and the faculty member were responsible for the development and annual review of these objectives and checklists. These outline the specific tasks you should achieve, with estimated levels of competence for a successful student.. These are standard and each student will receive the same training. Some students that internship at larger academic institutions such as Mayo Clinic Florida and UF Health Jacksonville might receive additional training and are required to present case study presentations for each section that they are rotating in. A student binder will be available to the instructor and to the student to monitor his or her progress throughout internship.

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Your knowledge During your internship, you will be registered for MLS 4938 Senior Seminar. This course will measure your cognitive level of competence for Medical Laboratory Science. At the end of each rotation, there will be a final exam to access what you have learned throughout the program and help you study for the national certification exam. Some affiliated labs will also give you an exam or quizzes, covering the same objectives. Their questions are likely to be directed toward THEIR instrumentation and THEIR procedures. It's a good idea to ask at the beginning of each clinical rotation whether the instructor will be giving you quizzes or exams beyond the ones from UNF. Many labs also will assign "homework," which is designed to help you review your theoretical knowledge. Nobody remembers everything. If the clinical instructors want you to hand in this material, you will be expected to do so on time, just as you would on campus. You may or may not have time during your laboratory shift to work on these assignments. This may seem like a lot of work to expect, in addition to the forty hours per week you're already spending in the lab. But remember: you have a big, expensive national certification exam looming in your future. The more opportunities you have to review with faculty, experts in the field or your classmates makes it that much easier for you to pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Your professional behaviors At least once during your rotation in each section of hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunohematology, phlebotomy, microbiology, immunology and molecular diagnostics the instructors will evaluate you on your professional behaviors and attitudes. This document is called the Affective Evaluation and is 30% of your grade for each course.

Policy Concerning National Certification Examinations When you complete the MLS program at the University of North Florida, you will become eligible for the national certification examination administered by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Successfully completing this national certification examination will demonstrate to current and future employers that you have the knowledge required to function successfully as a medical technologist/scientist. You are NOT required to take a national certification examination as part of graduation requirements or as part of any course in the MLS program. If you NEVER take the examinations, this is your decision but if you plan on working in the state of Florida you will need to pass a national certification exam in order to be eligible to apply for a state license. Information about this examination, including eligibility requirements and application procedures, is found at http://www.ascp.org/FunctionalNav/Laboratory-Science-Students. The Program Director will discuss applying for the national certification examination with you as part of your preparation for clinical experience. It is your responsibility to acquire the most current application form and to complete them and schedule your examination. It is also your

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responsibility to pay to take the exam. After you have submitted your application for examination, the certification agency will contact the program coordinator at UNF about your eligibility. The program director will approve your eligibility AS SOON AS YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL the courses required for graduation. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION. We cannot say that you are eligible for certification until you have completed your program. If you get married or if your name changes for any other reason, PLEASE let the Program Director know what your new name is. When he/she gets requests to approve applications from someone he/she doesn’t recognize, it is difficult to know how to respond. The certification process requires that you submit an official transcript stating that you have completed your educational program. it is Your responsibility to apply to have an official transcript sent. You must send a transcript that indicates that you have completed all requirements for your degree. Note that the Registrar’s Office will NOT send any transcripts until you have completed all your obligations to the university. This includes required exit interviews with the Financial Aid Office, unpaid parking tickets, and any other loose ends that you may need to deal with.

If the certification agency asks if you are willing to release your scores to the program, please say yes. Aggregate scores from each graduating class are used as part of program assessment. The program will NOT release your individual scores to anyone else. We recommend if you are planning to take the certification examinations, you should take (and pass!) it as soon as possible after graduation. Your score is likely to be higher, the sooner you take the exam. You are responsible for completing and documenting the required continuing education credits to maintain your certification. Information on these requirements is also available at the Board of Certification web site: http://www.ascp.org/FunctionalNav/Laboratory-Science-Students Responsibilities for Clinical Internship Student Responsibilities at the Clinical Site YOU have responsibilities at the clinical site, which boil down to doing your best to learn all you can while you're there. Here's a partial list of what you need to do to succeed: • • •

Adhere to the policies and regulations of the hospital and clinical laboratory. Adhere to the attendance policy.

Adhere to the dress code of the clinical affiliate. 56

• • • • • • • • •

Arrive prepared to begin your clinical responsibilities on or before the time required by the affiliate.

Acquaint yourself with where reference materials, reagents, and supplies are located in each area of the laboratory. Review material from on-campus courses while in each corresponding clinical rotation.

Complete all assignments (including assigned homework) in time specified by the clinical instructors. Read and follow all procedure manuals and policies of the organization. Ask appropriate questions.

Conduct yourself in a professional manner.

Follow the appropriate organizational structure if a problem arises, as outlined in the MLS Handbook.

Read and take the responsibility for completing the objectives for each clinical course.

Clinical Instructors' Activities Here's what you may reasonably expect the clinical instructors to do while you're there: • • • • • • • •

Orient you to that laboratory section(s). Explain policies.

Show where manuals, supplies, and reagents are kept. Explain recording and reporting of test procedures. Orient you to the laboratory information system. Develop a daily rotation schedule.

Evaluate you in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.

Answer appropriate questions. Direct you to possible sources of information if a question cannot be answered. 57

• • • •

Give you basic instructions until you can do the procedures on your own under supervision. Assist you in developing a professional attitude.

Instruct you at the bench in regard to quality assurance, routine maintenance and troubleshooting, and correlation of laboratory data. Communicate any problems, no matter how minor they may be, to the appropriate individual.

Clinical Education Coordinator Activities • One person at each site is designated as the clinical coordinator. He or she will maintain records of your performance, resolve problems if and when they arise, and generally provide guidance while you're at the clinical site. Here's what you can reasonably expect that individual to do: • • • • • • • • •

Schedule students in rotations, with instructor input, using calendar from UNF

Schedule physicals, orientation, and/or other necessary arrangements for beginning clinical experience.

Oversee clinical experience - meet with instructors and students regularly. Keep files of grades and all documentation as to how grades were derived. Contact Program Director concerning all problems, no matter how minor. Establish policies for handling problems with students. Establish absentee policy with UNF approval.

Attend education coordinator meetings at UNF

Assure adherence to the service work policy.

Communication with Program Director I don't forget you while you're on your clinical experience! Each week the student will be responsible for posting a weekly blog regarding training that occurred over the past week. The Program Director will comment make comments to these Blogs as a way to have weekly communication. The Program Director will make monthly visits in the fall to ensure all students are doing well. The Program Director will do their best to attend all student presentations. Sometimes conflicts arise either with another student or with a class. 58

Feel free to ask any questions you have during internship especially if the question was not addressed by the education coordinator.

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