Curriculum

Program Overview

Our Clinical Program begins in late July/early August. During the structured competency-based clinical education program, you spend approximately 40 hours a week, eight hours a day dividing your time between the classroom, the laboratory and other enrichment assignments. Your comprehensive education includes clinical laboratory theory and principles, technical and clinical aspects of laboratory analysis, medical application and correlation of clinical laboratory results, and concepts in education and the behavior sciences.

In the laboratory component, you will rotate throughout laboratory areas at the many St. John Health System Laboratories. Under supervision, you practice different skills and techniques specific to the laboratory you are in. This provides you with in-depth exposure to a large variety of specimens and procedures while allowing you to experience the “real” working environment and conditions. Although all students spend the same number of weeks in each rotation, students do not take the rotations in the same sequence.

The curriculum of our Clinical Program stresses the development of independent judgment, critical thinking and problem solving skills. You will be educated using actual clinical specimens, extensive case studies, the newest laboratory and instructional technology, unknown clinical challenges and a comprehensive curriculum.

Curriculum

The Program begins with an Orientation Period during which interns become acquainted with each other, laboratory personnel and environment, location and environment of St. John Health System Laboratories at different facilities and the structure and policies of the School of Medical Technology.

The Lecture Component of each course provides information about the technical and clinical aspects of laboratory analysis, the laboratory sciences, behavioral sciences and educational concepts. Lectures, discussions and structured activities are conducted by a variety of qualified health professionals. Seminars, workshops, audio-visual programs and intern reports and projects supplement these.

The Clinical Rotation Component of each course is divided into specific rotation periods in each division of the laboratory. Each rotation is structured to provide the intern an opportunity to learn basic laboratory skills and techniques, progressing to more advanced skills and responsibilities. Interns will also complete the competencies and undertake supplemental experiences determined by individual interest and/or ability. Each clinical rotation emphasizes quality assurance, quality control and safety procedures as they pertain to that specific laboratory area. Study questions, case studies, slides and audio-visual and computer programs enhance laboratory experiences.

Clinical Program Course Descriptions

A total of 30 semester hours is earned upon successful completion of our program.  Each course is described below with the number of semester hours awarded.

• BODY FLUIDS :  (1 credit hour)
  Lecture:  The physical, chemical and biological properties of human body fluids to include cerebrospinal fluid, seminal fluid, synovial fluid, transudate, exudate and urine.  Topics emphasize anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical applications. 
  Clinical Rotation:   Practical laboratory instruction is provided for each test method and instrument used. 
• CLINICAL CHEMISTRY:  (6 credit hours)
  Lecture:  A presentation of the theories and principles of clinical chemistry with emphasis on quality assurance, laboratory statistics, current clinical methodologies and instrumentation, pathophysiology and clinical applications. 
  Clinical Rotation:   Laboratory instruction is provided for all current chemistry methods on state of the art instrumentation.  This module includes instruction in laboratory automation, quality control and quality assurance. 
• HEMATOLOGY/COAGULATION:  (5 credit hours) 
  Lecture:  A presentation of the concepts of hematopoiesis; the morphogenesis, physiology and pathophysiology of erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes; the principles of the cellular disease mechanisms; concepts of hemostasis and coagulation; and clinical applications.
  Clinical Rotation:   Practical instruction in blood cell counting, identification and differentiation in blood and body fluids is provided using both manual and automated methods.  This rotation also features instruction on hematology automation equipment and updated instrumentation methods.  Instruction in routine and specialized coagulation test methods is included.
• IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY:  (5 credit hours)
  Lecture:  The human immune system and genetic mechanisms in relation to blood groups with topics including principles of immunohematology; ABO, Rh and other blood group systems; HLA antigens and antibodies; components and donor selection; erythroblastosis; and clinical applications.
  Clinical Rotation:   Instruction in pretransfusion testing, antibody identification and special techniques is provided.  An emphasis is placed on inventory control and immunohematologic instrumentation including automation.  Principles of current transfusion practice and component therapy are taught with an emphasis on quality assurance and problem solving.
• SPECIALIZED TESTING (Immunology, serology, molecular pathology):  (5 credit hours)
  Lecture:  The human immune system in relation to principles of immunology; immunophysiology; hypersensitivity; immunochemistry; immunities to infectious agents; disorders of the immune system; and clinical applications.  The course includes principles of current clinical molecular techniques, methodologies and instrumentation, result interpretation and clinical applications.
  Clinical Rotation:   Laboratory instruction is provided for the following:  cellular immunology including flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, testing methods for evaluation of infectious and inflammatory disease states, and special chemistry tests including electrophoresis.
• LABORATORY OPERATIONS:  MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION: (2 credit hours)
  Lecture:  A basic introduction to the principles and theory of management and education as related to the clinical laboratory.  The special job responsibilities of the clinical laboratory scientist in areas such as phlebotomy and specimen processing, reference laboratories, laboratory information systems, point of care testing, critical pathways and interpretive laboratory algorithms, clinical research project methodologies, client services, customer service, safety and laboratory quality/performance improvement are included.
• MICROBIOLOGY:  (6 credit hours)
  Lecture:  Pathogenic bacteria, viruses and animal and mycological parasites of humans are presented in relation to pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, infectious diseases, antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy.
  Clinical Rotation:   Practical laboratory instruction in bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology and virology isolation techniques and identification methods is provided. 

Clinical Rotation Component

The clinical rotation component of the program is divided into specific rotation periods in each division of the laboratory. Each clinical rotation emphasizes quality assurance, quality control and safety procedures as they pertain to that specific laboratory area. Study questions, case studies, slides and audio-visual and computer programs enhance laboratory experiences. Each rotation is structured to provide the intern with a scheduled amount of time in order to:

• Demonstrate expected laboratory skills and techniques
• Supervise practice of the expected laboratory skills and techniques
• Provide the “real world” environment and conditions under which the laboratory skills and techniques may be practiced
• Provide sufficient quantity and variety of specimens and procedures in order to prove competence
• Demonstrate professional and ethical standards of conduct
• Demonstrate the laboratory's role in patient care through an understanding of critical pathway guidelines.

Each intern spends the same number of weeks in each rotation, but not necessarily in the same sequence or at the same laboratory facility. Clinical rotations are assigned in laboratories located at difference St. John Health System facilities, including:

Rotations assignments are as follows:

• Phlebotomy (1 week)
• Microbiology (7 weeks) - includes bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, virology
• Immunohematology (6 weeks)
• Rapid Response Laboratory (16 weeks) - includes chemistry, urinalysis, body fluids, hematology, coagulation, PM shift, ER stat lab
• Enrichment Assignments (4 weeks) - Includes clinical research project, case studies, and special assignments
• Specialized Testing (7 weeks) - Includes immunology, molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, electrophoresis, and internal medicine research

Special Assignments and Activities

In addition to the traditional curriculum components, the Clinical Program includes Special Assignments and Activities. This part of the curriculum is scheduled throughout the year. It serves to enhance and challenge the professional and personal development of each intern. Assignments and activities vary from class to class, but generally include:

• Clinical Research Project - Under the sponsorship of a Clinical Project Advisor, the intern selects and investigates a topic, designs and carries out the research, analyzes the results and presents the findings of the project in a professional paper, poster presentation and PowerPoint presentation.
• Journal Club - Discussion meetings addressing current clinical and professional development topics
• Attendance at St. John Health System sponsored seminars and conferences, i.e. Clinical Pathology Conferences
• Point-of-Care Testing shadowing
• Client Account Specialist (Outreach Program) shadowing
• Client Support Services shadowing
• Community Service projects
• Clinical case studies and discussions
• Health professionals job shadowing
• Mock certification exam
• Attendance at professional state meetings

Curriculum Revision:
Classroom instruction, rotations and enrichment assignments are frequently revised to keep abreast of current practices in the clinical laboratory sciences

Evaluation Methods

Intern evaluations are an integral part of the School of Medical Technology. In evaluating an intern's performance, we consider the total individual - attitudes, abilities, technical performance, appearance, quantity and quality of work, initiative and professionalism. Instructional and professional objectives are provided to the interns to assist the learning process. Evaluation tools are designed to measure achievement of these objectives. In addition, we evaluate in order to help the intern recognize their strengths and weaknesses and aid in professional development

In the Lecture Component:

• Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory Performance Point is at 70%
• Written examinations are given on a periodic basis throughout each lecture sequence
• In a specific lecture sequence, examination scores are averaged for the Final Grade

In the Clinical Rotation Component, acceptable performance criteria have been established for each clinical laboratory rotation. Criteria are included with each rotation's performance objectives and given to the intern prior to the start of the rotation The different evaluation methods and records are:

• On-going -  The intern’s theoretical, practical and professional progress is reviewed and evaluated by faculty. Performance progress is discussed with the intern.
• Final Clinical Rotation Evaluation - Unless otherwise indicated, the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Point is at 70%. This Final Evaluation is a composite of:
  • Theoretical Knowledge - Written examinations are given throughout. A written comprehensive examination may be given at the end of a rotation. Examination scores are averaged to calculate a cumulative written examination grade.
  • Practical Performance - All performance criteria are described in the objectives and specified on the Clinical Rotation Checklist. The intern is observed and evaluated on the specified technical proficiency. Practical examinations, unknowns or projects may be given.
  • Professional Performance - Intern performance is evaluated for professionalism, conduct and adherence to the code of ethics.

Pass-Fail Criteria

The Final Grade for each clinical laboratory discipline is a composite of the clinical rotation and lecture performance. The final grade is determined in the following manner:

• Final Grade = Lecture Grade (weighted 40%) + Final Clinical Rotation Grade (weighted 60%)

An overall grade point average of 70% or above is required, with a minimum of 70% in each major clinical laboratory discipline (combined clinical rotation and lecture) in order for the School of Medical Technology to award a certificate of successful completion. Appeals for change of grade are handled initially with specific clinical rotation or lecture faculty and the intern requesting the grade review. If arbitration is necessary, the program director will intervene. An intern has recourse to the Intern Appeal Process (detailed in the Intern Manual).

For 3 + 1 interns, unless otherwise specified, Incomplete grades are submitted to the affiliated university at the end of each semester. Upon graduation from the Clinical Program, Final Grades are submitted and the university awards the appropriate credit and the baccalaureate degree.

Graduate Career-Entry Competencies

Upon satisfactory completion of the Clinical Program, the intern meets or exceeds the following career-entry competencies:

• Proficient in performing a wide range of clinical laboratory tests in areas such as: 
  • Hematology
  • Clinical chemistry
  • Immunohematology
  • Microbiology
  • Serology/immunology
  • Coagulation
  • Molecular diagnostics
  • Other emerging diagnostics
• Perform a role in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms
• Prepared to:
  • Problem-solve and troubleshoot pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical components of laboratory services.
  • Develop, evaluate, correlate and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information
  • Direct and supervise clinical laboratory resource and operations
  • Collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients
• Prepared to take on diverse responsibilities in areas:
  • Analysis and clinical decision-making (e.g., critical pathways)
  • Information management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed
• Possess requisite knowledge, skills and relevant experiences in:
  • Communications to enable consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education
  • Financial, operations, marketing, and human resource management of the clinical laboratory to enable cost-effective, high-quality, value-added laboratory services
  • Information management to enable effective, timely, accurate, and cost-effective reporting of laboratory-generated information
  • Research design/practice sufficient to evaluate published studies as an informed consumer
  • Education to enable teaching laboratory professionals, other health care professionals, and others in laboratory practice, as well as the public
• Practice independently and collaboratively, being responsible for own actions, as defined by the profession. Interns exhibit: 
  • High ethical standards, moral attitudes and principles necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates and the community
  • A sense of responsibility and commitment to patients, peers and other professionals
  • A sense of self-confidence and pride in the profession
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • A capacity for calm and reasoned judgment
  • Responsibility for own work and decisions
  • A high regard for the dignity of individual life
  • A respect for confidentiality
  • A spirit of professionalism
• Provide service and research in clinical laboratory science and related areas in a rapidly changing and dynamic healthcare delivery systems

Graduation and Certification

To be eligible for graduation, an intern must have:

• Attended the required number of scheduled days
• Successfully completed all lecture and clinical rotation proficiency and competency requirements
• Demonstrated ethical behavior in their professional conduct

At graduation, you will receive a certificate and are eligible for certification by national or state agencies. Information on the various certifying agencies is supplied during the clinical year. The intern decides whether to become certified, and by which agency. Certification is a means of verifying career-entry competence; it is desirable in many job circumstances and in pursuing post-graduate education. If you are from an affiliated university, you are eligible to receive a degree from that institution. The awarding of the certificate or degree is not contingent upon successfully passing a certification examination.

Graduation Rates

See Graduation Rates for the most recent statistics.

Certification Pass Rate

St. John Health System School of Medical Technology interns are eligible to take a national certification examination upon successful completion of the program.  Our graduates have historically performed very well on these exams.