Course Catalog and Objectives - Medical Laboratory Science Program

Blood Bank didactic course is taught in the Fall semester by the Medical Director of Transfusion Medicine, the Blood Bank Laboratory Supervisor, and MLS Program faculty.

MT410 is a study of the theory of immunohematology, with emphasis on antigen systems of red cells and anti-bodies produced against these, as related to blood transfusion.  Included will be a brief overview of genetics and regulations governing blood banks, methodologies used, and the importance and hazards of transfusion of human blood components.

Basic Hematology didactic course is taught in the Fall semester by MLS Program faculty.

Theoretical aspects of routine hematology and coagulation procedures are covered in detail.  Includes overview of basic microscopy.  Normal cellular elements of the blood and bone marrow, and coagulation factors are covered and correlated to appropriate hematologic techniques. 

Coagulation/Hemostasis didactic course is taught in the Fall semester by the Medical Director of Transfusion Medicine and the MLS Program Director. Advanced Hematology didactic course is taught in the Spring semester by MLS Program faculty.

Theoretical aspects of specialized hematology and coagulation techniques are reviewed in appropriate  detail.  Hematologic and coagulation disease states are thoroughly studied and correlated to the relevant basic and advanced techniques. 

Immunology didactic course is taught in the Fall semester by the Program Director and/or MLS Program faculty.

Review of immune mechanisms of man and study of clinical procedures using these mechanisms, including molecular techniques. Students learn serological diagnostic tests and instrumentation such as EIA, flow cytometry and HLA typing.

Urinalysis didactic course is taught in the Fall semester by the Program Director and/or MLS Program faculty.

Study of urine and other body fluids, as well as topics in anatomy and physiology relating to the renal system and areas of body fluid collection. Quality assurance in the urinalysis department and relating to body fluids will be included.

Medical Chemistry didactic course is taught throughout the Fall and Spring semesters by the Program Director and MLS Program faculty.

Study of enzymology, endocrinology, biochemistry of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, metabolism of nitrogenous end products, physiology and metabolism of fluids and electrolytes, colorimetry and spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, chromatography, theory and principle of instrumentation, toxicology, quality control and use of statistics in the clinical laboratory. Course will include select topics of anatomy and physiology.

Bacteriology, Mycology, and Parasitology are taught throughout the Fall and Spring semesters by the Microbiology Lab Director and MLS Program faculty. Virology didactic course is taught in the Fall semester by the Laboratory Supervisor.

Detailed study of pathogenic microorganisms encountered in infectious diseases, symptomatology, identification, treatment, epidemiology of microorganisms, and a brief overview of certain anatomic systems. A study of other pathogenic organisms such as yeast, fungi, viruses, and higher forms of parasites will also be included. Course includes an overview of molecular biology, and serologic and molecular diagnostic techniques.

Orientation and Venipuncture

An introduction to the laboratory. Includes an overview of basic laboratory structure and the duties of personnel at various levels of training. Includes laboratory safety.  Customer service as a function of the laboratory is explained. A venipuncture course is taught to enable the students to become proficient in this area. Patient relations and education responsibilities of the MLS are included during phlebotomy rotation and rotations through the different lab departments. 

Laboratory Management with Foundations of Education and Research

An introduction analysis of the managerial process, including cost-volume-profit relationship, budgets, space allocation, marketing, human resource management, and personnel interviews including resume writing. Acquisition and evaluation of Laboratory Information Systems is also included, as well as a discussion on ethics.

This is a writing intensive course, including an overview on research paper writing, reading, and interpretation. A presentation of an in-house case study and writing a research paper utilizing current journal articles will be done. Additional writing assignments are provided and include discussion posts and resume writing.

Program Comprehensive Final:

The final comprehensive examination encompassing all areas and disciplines of the laboratory will contribute to the Clinical Seminar grade at a weight of 20%. This examination must be passed with a score ≥70% for a student to pass the program.

Specialty Laboratory Rotations:

The MLS program at SCHC has combined efforts with sub-specialty laboratories and specialized healthcare fields to enhance student learning opportunities in the vast field of laboratory medicine. Some of these enhancements include Cytogenetics, Histology, Histocompatibility Typing, Respiratory Therapy, Point of Care Testing, and more.