Clinical Laboratory Management (MS)

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Clinical Laboratory Management program, the learner will be able to:

• Review policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all medical laboratory-related regulatory and accrediting organizations
• Utilize the five steps that managers should take to make the best decisions ensuring that they are ethical, patient-focused and minimize conflict
• Summarize the various aspects involved in the management of human resources, such as employee benefits, recruitment, termination and compensation, along with the laws and regulations that affect them
• Prepare a strategic plan for a laboratory that is aligned with its corporate mission, vision, and values based on a departmental SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis to set goals that will help accomplish the strategic initiatives
• Perform a cost/benefit analysis and justify the implementation of a new laboratory test, automation and/or information system
• Compare and contrast the different forms of reimbursement that are currently used to pay for costs associated with health care with regards to their impact on the clinical laboratory
• Utilize process improvement tools, such as the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology, Six Sigma methodology, Lean, and ISO quality systems
• Apply evidence-based methods and comparative effectiveness tools with information technology to inform decisions that seek to optimize laboratory services and communicate with a multidisciplinary team to effect change
• Develop a Quality Assessment plan that includes goals for pre-analytic and post-analytic quality indicators
• Conduct a research project with faculty/mentor guidance to include applying principles of research design, evaluation of published research studies, accurate interpretation of data and dissemination of results

Technical Standards

RUSH University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will serve diverse communities locally and nationally.

Our core values-I CARE (innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence)-translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. RUSH actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful, accountable culture through our confidential and specialized disability support. RUSH is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

The following technical functions are required of all students enrolled in the Clinical Laboratory Management program:

Acquire information

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in courses, such as lecture, group and physical demonstrations
• Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searches and data retrieval)
• Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description, and transparencies
•  Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

Use and Interpret

• Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers
• Use and interpret information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools

Motor

• Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide or assist in holistic clinical laboratory management care and perform or assist with procedures and treatments
• Practice in a safe manner and appropriately provide clinical laboratory management care and assessment in emergencies and life support procedures, and perform universal precautions against contamination

 Communication

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families
• Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors and all members of the health care team during practicum and other learning experiences
• Accurately elicit information, including a medical history and other information to adequately and effectively evaluate a population’s, client’s or patient’s condition

 Intellectual Ability

• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations
• Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the clinical laboratory management role
• Synthesize information, problem-solve and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment or treatment strategy

Behavioral

• Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances
• Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need
• Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to rapidly changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings

Character

• Demonstrate concern for others
• Integrity, accountability, interest and motivation are necessary personal qualities
• Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the RUSH University and Clinical Laboratory Management code of ethics

The technical standards delineated above must be met with or without accommodation. Students who, after review of the technical standards, determine they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs.
Given the clinical nature of our programs, time may be needed to implement the accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged. Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to learn more about accommodations at RUSH University

Marie Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Director, Office of Student Accessibility Services
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 901
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5237
Marie_Lusk@rush.edu

Academic Progression

High academic performance in required courses is expected. Students will be considered in good standing at RUSH University unless placed on academic probation.

A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 is required in the CLM program. Cumulative grade-point averages will be reviewed after each term. The faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, health or performance demonstrates lack of fitness for continuance in a health profession. Any such student not voluntarily withdrawing will be dismissed from the University.

Academic Probation

Academic probation is assigned to any student who receives a term grade-point average below 3.0 or whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 3.0. Students placed on probation have two terms to regain the status of good standing as follows:

• In the term after being placed on probation, the student must attain a term grade-point average of at least 3.0.
• Two terms after being placed on probation, the student must have a cumulative grade-point average above 3.0.
• Failure to make the minimum term grade-point average one term after probation, or the minimum cumulative grade-point average two terms after probation, will result in dismissal from the University.
• Note that the receipt of financial aid may also be impacted when the grade-point average falls below 3.0.

C, D, F or N Grades

Students may not receive more than two grades of C or lower in the program. Students who receive a third grade of C or lower will be dismissed from the program. Students who receive a D, F or N grade in any course must repeat that course.

If a student is required to repeat a course that is a prerequisite for an advanced course, the advanced course may not be taken until the student successfully passes the prerequisite course. Thus, the student’s progression in the program may be affected. Students who receive a second D or F grade will be dismissed from the program.

First Year

Second Year

Program Total: 35 Credit Hours

First Year

Second Year

Program Total: 35 Credit Hours

Note: For students completing an SBB from another program, an SBB Course Equivalency Evaluation is required. Professional credits may be granted after completion of this evaluation for students graduating from an AABB/CAAHEP-accredited SBB program outside of RUSH University.