Clinical Laboratory Science, M.S.

40 credits

The Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science prepares students for cutting-edge careers as well as advanced study in forensic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, governmental, clinical, and academic settings. Students are introduced to a rigorous course of study that prepares them for careers in medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as opportunities for graduate study in research, forensics, and medicine.  Students are taught about medical conditions and how to apply that knowledge to the performance of clinical laboratory tests. Through this learning process, students are enabled to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. As part of their program requirements, students must participate in and successfully complete a clinical practicum. Graduates of this program may also write to appropriate certifying agencies requesting a general certification in medical laboratory science as well as categorical certification in clinical biochemistry, clinical hematology, clinical immunohematology, and/or clinical microbiology.

If seeking the master degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, the applicant should be aware that there are specific physical, emotional, and professional expectations that must be successfully demonstrated and maintained throughout the program’s course of study.

• The physical demands that are required include the ability to:
  • Perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity;
  • Operate state-of-the-art instruments, including computers;
  • Use a microscope and differentiate microscopic components; and,
  • Perform delicate manipulations which require good eye-hand coordination.
• The emotional demands that are required include the ability to:
  • Perform laboratory procedures accurately and quickly even under stressful conditions;
  • Exercise independent judgment and think logically in the performance of one’s duties; and
  • Organize and assume responsibility for one’s work.
• The professional demands that are required include the ability to:
  • Communicate in a professional, positive, tactful manner with patients, physicians, nurses, other health care and
  • Maintain patient confidentiality and exercise ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, and accountability in the performance of one’s laboratory responsibilities;
  • Perform laboratory tests carefully, while maintaining efficiency and organization;
  • Exercise critical thinking skills to solve problems; and
  • Project a well-groomed, neat appearance.

Learning Outcomes of the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science

After completing all CLS course work and clinical practicum with a minimum competency of 80%, graduates will be proficient in the following entry level Learning Outcomes:

1. Perform a full range of laboratory tests with accuracy and precision. This includes the ability to:

• Develop and establish procedures for collecting, processing, and analysis specimens.
• Perform the full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas, such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, analytical tests of body fluids and other emerging diagnostics with accuracy.
• Perform assays according to laboratory protocol and recognize factors interfering with test results and take corrective action.
• Operate equipment properly, trouble-shoot, and establish and perform preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Evaluate laboratory data results using quality control and quality assurance measures, and institute proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision.
• Apply principles of quality assurance and quality improvement for all phases of laboratory services, such as pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical
• Comply with established laboratory safety regulations and regulations governing regulatory compliance related to laboratory practice.

2. Develop a sound scientific knowledge foundation that prepares them to interpret, analyze and evaluate scientific knowledge in clinical practice. The outcome includes the ability to:

• Apply scientific principles, such as physiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, laboratory principles, and methodology to the clinical setting.
• Evaluate discrepancies that impact laboratory services by integrating and relating data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments and make corrective decisions.
• Confirm abnormal results, verifying quality control procedures, executing quality control procedures, and developing solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data using interpretive algorithms.
• Apply principles of continuous assessment to all laboratory services by developing, evaluating, and selecting new techniques, instruments, and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory’s personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources.
• Evaluate published scientific studies utilizing knowledge of research design.

3. Develop professional competence. The outcome includes the ability to:

• Communicate through oral and written skills, effectively and professionally to enable consultative interactions with healthcare personnel, external relations, customer service and patients in order to function successfully as a member of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct with patients, laboratory personnel, health- care professionals, and the public.
• Participate in continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
• Apply principles of educational methodology to educate providers and users of laboratory services.
• Apply principles and concepts of healthcare delivery systems performance improvement dynamics in relation to laboratory service, laboratory operations, financial management and human resource management of the clinical laboratory to enable cost-effective, high-quality, value-added laboratory services.

Mission

In accordance with the Mission Statement of Neumann University and that of the School of Arts and Sciences, the purpose of the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science is to provide excellent graduate professional education in clinical laboratory science that is founded on the core values of St. Francis of Assisi. By linking Franciscan values and professional education, graduates of Neumann University’s Master of CLS will have the knowledge and skills that are required for competent professional practice; for lifelong development of that practice; for further advanced study in biology, clinical lab science (CLS), management or education; and for fulfillment of professional and social responsibility.

In accordance with the Mission of Neumann University and the School of Arts and Sciences, it is the mission of the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science to:

•  Provide excellent professional education in Clinical Laboratory Science that is founded on the core values of St. Francis of Assisi.
•  Foster life-long learning by encouraging the importance of continuing professional education.
•  Encourage service to others through contributions to workshops and public health care forums.

The primary goal of the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science is to provide excellent graduate professional education in clinical laboratory science.

The program goals are to:

•  Provide students with a broad educational background by using a variety of resources and experiences.
•  Provide a comprehensive graduate curriculum based on current trends.
•  Maintain the level of quality of instruction in the clinical laboratory science courses by including the latest in technological advances.
•  Develop in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of clinical laboratory scientist.
•  Educate the students in the merits of continuing professional education.
•  Provide the region served by the program with graduate clinical laboratory scientists who can function at career entry levels and who can assume leadership roles as health professionals.

Vision and Core Values

Neumann University RISES on its graduate core values: Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. As a teaching university of distinction in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, we assist our students in developing behaviors and habits in the classroom that evidence these values. These values are not merely ends in themselves; they are also instrumental in preparing students for the rigors and demands of today’s professional world. Consequently, the faculty and administration of the School of Arts and Sciences encourage all students to adhere to the following protocols of professional development. For reference please see the following for university policy concerning Academic Honesty, Academic Regulations and Standards as well as how to drop or withdraw from a course.

Accreditation

Neumann University’s certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL 60018; Telephone: 773-714-8880; Fax: 773-714-8886; or www.naacls.org.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree with Pre-requisite course work in  Human Physiology (4 credits), Genetics (4 credits), Microbiology (4 credits), General Chemistry I and II (8 credits), Organic Chemistry I and II (8 credits), Biochemistry (4 credits), College Algebra, Pre-Calculus or Calculus (3 credits), Statistics (3 credits), Cellular Molecular Biology (4 credits), Parasitology and Mycology (3 credits), Immunology (3 credits)  from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution who have successfully completed all prerequisite courses are eligible for entrance into the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, subject to the approval of the Program Director.  Acceptance is on a competitive basis after submission of all credentials and an interview.  All applicants must submit the following:

• A completed Graduate Student Application, submitted online through www.neumann.edu/apply.
• Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions
• Have an undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.00.  Outstanding applicants whose GPAs are less than 3.00 may be considered for conditional acceptance (please refer to the Conditional Acceptance Policy in the Admissions Information section of this catalog.
• Resume and letter of intent detailing educational goals. 
• Two official letters of reference on official institutional letterhead. 
• Provide results of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) from applicants whose first language is from a non-English speaking country or for whom English is a second language.  The program requires a minimum overall score of 84 with a minimum score of 26 on the verbal subtest on the Internet-based TOEFL.  Applicants may also complete the Cambridge Michigan Language Assessment (CaMLA) MELAB.  A total passing score of 81 and a speaking section of 3 is required.     

Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the Office of Admissions, the graduate Program Director will arrange for an interview, if appropriate, following a review of all candidate credentials.

Non-Matriculated Students

A maximum of eight Clinical Laboratory Science graduate credits may be taken at Neumann University as a nonmatriculated student. Students who wish to pursue this option must first submit official undergraduate transcripts to the Office of Admissions. For additional information, please refer to the Non-Matriculated Status section of this catalog.

Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements

Progression in the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science is based on academic achievement, clinical performance, and professional behavior.

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. The Neumann University Clinical Laboratory Faculty believes that all students and faculty members must adhere to this Code of Ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Any violation of the Code of Ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science constitutes inappropriate professional behavior and may result in course failure or dismissal from the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.

Upon acceptance into the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, students must be continuously enrolled during the academic year, i.e., Fall and Spring semesters. Students not pursuing course work during either the Fall and/or Spring semesters need to apply for a Leave of Absence (please refer to the Leave of Absence section of this catalog).

To progress toward earning the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, the student must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• Receive no more than one grade less than a “B” in any program course.*
• Earn a minimum grade of “B” in all courses. If a student earns a grade less than “B” in any course, the course must be repeated and a minimum grade of “B” must be earned:

* A course may be repeated only one time, whether repetition is due to student withdrawal, institutional withdrawal, or a course grade less than a “B.” Students seeking to repeat a course will only be enrolled after all students registering for the first time are accommodated. Enrollment of students repeating the course is dependent upon availability of clinical facilities, preceptors, and/or faculty availability, and cannot be guaranteed.

If more than one course grade less than “B” is earned, the student will be dismissed from the program. Failure to earn a minimum grade of “B” in a repeated clinical laboratory science course, or failure to earn a minimum grade of “B” in any other graduate clinical laboratory course, will result in the student’s dismissal from the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.

• Understand that the application of theory to practice is integral to learning in all Master Degree Clinical Laboratory Science courses. The course grade in any course with clinical or lab experiences is based upon the assessment of two areas: 
  • Theory component: the student’s knowledge of theory.
  •  Laboratory and/or clinical practicum component: the student’s ability to apply theory in practice. The student must successfully meet the requirements of these two components in each course with clinical and/or lab experiences; that is, earn a minimum grade of “B” in theory and in the laboratory and/or clinical practicum components.

An “unsatisfactory” rating of a “C” grade in any given laboratory or clinical practicum, and/or lecture results in a grade of “F” for the course.

Any course in which a grade of “C” or “F” is earned must be repeated.

Process for Exception to Policy

The Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science adheres to the grievance procedure of the University (please refer to the Academic Grievance Procedure Section of this catalog).  There may be unique situations in the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science program for which a student may request review and/or exception to policy. Students are directed to meet with the Program Director to discuss the procedure for submitting his/her request for a hearing by the Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science Admissions and Progression Committee.

Clinical Practice Requirements

Health Standards

Health evaluations must be completed and reports submitted to the Program Director of Clinical Laboratory Science’s Office at the time of admission to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science and, thereafter, be annually updated. Students are to obtain the appropriate health forms from the University Health Services Office.

The student is responsible for providing evidence of current health insurance on an annual basis, and for notifying the Program Director of Clinical Laboratory Science’s Office immediately of any changes in his/her status of medical insurance coverage.

These Health Standards policies apply to all students, both full-time and part-time, who have been accepted into the Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science

Clearances

Students are responsible for the cost and required to apply for, obtain, and present to the Program Director a current FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and a /Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance, by November 15th  prior to the start of the Spring Semester, in order to register for and participate in Practicum in Clinical Chemistry (BIO 590 ), Clinical Immunohematology (BIO 591 ), Clinical Hematology and Hemostasis (BIO 592 ), and Clinical Microbiology BIO 593 ). Students anticipating a Fall clinical practicum must apply for, obtain, and present to the Program Director the above clearances by July 15th prior to the start of the Fall practicum. All health records and proof of health insurance must be up-to-date and filed in the Health and Wellness Center at Neumann University one month prior to the start of the clinical practicum. Titer information concerning vaccination history is also required. All student entering the clinical must supply evidence of flu vaccination for the year. A criminal record and/or a history of child or elder abuse may prohibit clinical placement and, subsequently, result in failure to meet degree requirements.

Students should also be aware that the results of these clearances and criminal background checks can be released to the clinical affiliates they are attending at the clinical affiliate’s request Drug Testing forms will be distributed and testing is to be done one month prior to the practicum. Documentation of such must be provided by November 15th prior to a spring clinical rotation or July 15th for a fall clinical roation.  For the safety of patients, the affiliate institution reserves the right to request a urine drug screening at the commencement of the clinical practicum.

In the event of a positive drug screening, the result is referred to the Medical Review Officer. The review is at the expense of the student who must submit documentation required by the Medical Review Officer. The Medical Review Officer makes the determination if the positive test result is a function of appropriate prescribed medication. The student will not be allowed to begin or continue clinical activities until documentation of a negative drug screening is provided or if the result is a function of appropriate prescribed medication.   

Transportation

Each Master Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science student is responsible for the cost of transportation to and from clinical practice sites through the entire program. Transportation requires that each student has personal access to a car.