Department Mission and Goals

The mission of the Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences is to prepare students for lifelong participation in health care delivery and the biotechnology industry in an instructional environment where students achieve their full intellectual potential. The guiding philosophy is dedication to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and community service. The faculty achieve programmatic excellence by continuing to assess the needs of students, alumni and employers.

The Goals of the Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Science are to:

• Prepare biotechnology and medical laboratory science graduates with a strong theoretical and applied curriculum at the baccalaureate degree level, enabling them to be skilled practitioners contributing to the changing health care delivery system or biotechnology industry, or to pursue graduate or professional education.
• Prepare biotechnology graduates at the master’s degree level to be investigators, supervisors and innovative leaders.
• Generate knowledge that adds to the understanding of basic and applied medical sciences by actively engaging in research investigations.
• Participate as collaborating scientists with other University, regional, national and international investigators to develop focused and synergistic research teams.
• Maintain strong working affiliations with clinical faculty at regional clinical institutions and biotechnology enterprises by active interactions and communications.
• Support and enable faculty development in the areas of teaching, research, and professional and community service.
• Encourage faculty and staff to participate in Department, School, University, governmental and professional organizations’ planning policy, governance and leadership.
  

The clinical laboratory professional is qualified by academic and applied science education to provide service and research in clinical laboratory science and related areas in rapidly changing and dynamic healthcare delivery systems. Clinical laboratory professionals perform, develop, evaluate, correlate and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information; direct and supervise clinical laboratory resources and operations; and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The clinical laboratory professional has diverse and multi-level functions in the areas of analysis and clinical decision-making, information management, regulatory compliance, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed. Clinical laboratory professionals possess skills for financial, operations, marketing, and human resource management of the clinical laboratory. Clinical laboratory professionals practice independently and collaboratively, being responsible for their own actions, as defined by the profession. They have the requisite knowledge and skills to educate laboratory professionals, other health care professionals, and others in laboratory practice as well as the public.

The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are essential qualities. Communications skills extend to consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Laboratory professionals demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles that are necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates, and the community.

From NAACLS Guide to Accreditation, Unique Standards and Documentation Required for Accredited CLS/MT Programs, Section III (CLS/MT), page 2, copyright NAACLS, revised May 2019.

The Code of Ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science sets forth the principles and standards by which Medical Laboratory Professionals and students admitted to professional education programs practice their profession.

At entry level, the medical laboratory scientist will possess the entry level competencies necessary to perform the full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas such as Clinical Chemistry, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunology, Immunohematology/Transfusion medicine, Microbiology, Urine and Body Fluid Analysis and Laboratory Operations, and other emerging diagnostics, and will play a role in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms.

The medical laboratory scientist will have diverse responsibilities in areas of analysis and clinical decision‐making, regulatory compliance with applicable regulations, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed.

At entry level, the medical laboratory scientist will have the following basic knowledge and skills in:

1. Application of safety and governmental regulations and standards as applied to clinical laboratory science;
2. Principles and practices of professional conduct and the significance of continuing professional development;
3. Communications sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the public and members of the health care team;
   
4. Principles and practices of administration and supervision as applied to clinical laboratory science;
   
5. Educational methodologies and terminology sufficient to train/educate users and providers of laboratory services;
   
6. Principles and practices of clinical study design, implementation and dissemination of results.

From NAACLS Guide to Accreditation, Unique Standards MLS Programs, page 10, copyright NAACLS, updated May 2020.

Upon completion of the academic and clinical Program the student will demonstrate:

1. Acquisition of professional characteristics and knowledge appropriate for the laboratory/work setting.
2. Compliance with established professional ethics.
3. Acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions.
4. Adherence to all biohazard and safety requirements and respect for the health and safety of clients, coworkers and one’s self in the health care delivery setting and/or laboratory.
5. Ability to work collaboratively with others and to assume or relinquish responsibilities when appropriate.
6. Compliance with all written and oral instructions and policies required for successful completion of the clinical rotation (attendance, timeliness, notification of site coordinator in any event of absence or tardiness, Universal Precautions, HIPAA regulations, standard operating procedures).
7. Ability to use supervision as a tool for self-directed learning, self-assessment and self-improvement.
8. Positive professional demeanor in all interactions with clients and employees.
9. Receptivity to change.
10. Potential to engage in lifelong professional learning.