Medical Laboratory Science, MS

Mission of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science

Our mission is to prepare highly-qualified graduates equipped to perform as laboratory professionals in a collaborative, diverse, and rapidly changing health care environment. Students will be active participants in learning and developing into a competent, ethical professional.  We prepare graduates who have a spirit of inquiry, a commitment to lifelong learning and service, and who are dedicated to advance the quality and availability of health care.

Vision of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science

Our vision is to provide the highest quality Medical Laboratory Science programs and curricula that are recognized for excellence in preparation of diverse students who will be leaders in the laboratory profession.

Medical Laboratory Science Technical Standards

Rush University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population.

Our core values - ICARE - 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 Medical Laboratory Science:

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 & data retrieval).
• Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description, and transparencies.

Use and Interpret

• Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers/procedures. Use and interpret information generated from diagnostic tools.

Motor

• Possess psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with day-to-day responsibilities commensurate with the student’s discipline.
• Practice in a safe manner and perform universal precautions against contamination.

Communication

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors, employees, other professionals and all members of the healthcare team during practicum, internship and/or other learning experiences.

Intellectual ability

• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations.
• Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the Medical Laboratory Science role.
• Synthesize information, problem solve, and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment, management 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 Medical Laboratory Science Code of Ethics.

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

Marie Ferro-Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Manager, Office of Student Disability Services
Rush University
600 S. Paulina St. AAC 440
Chicago, IL 60612     
(312) 942-5237
Marie_S_Ferro-Lusk@rush.edu

Specific Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate entry-level competence in medical laboratory science

• Perform venipuncture with 80% success
• Identify tubes along with the correct order of draw for blood collection and label tubes with 100% accuracy
• Perform, with a high level of competence, analytical tests on body fluids, cells and blood products
• Identify possible sources of error in in pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages of laboratory testing.
• Predict the effect of error in in pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages of laboratory testing.
• Prepare a written laboratory report with accurate laboratory test results

2. Practice principles of quality control related to laboratory practice.

1. Identify appropriate quality control for different laboratory tests
2. Evaluate quality control data and follow a corrective action protocol if necessary

3. Apply all safety and governmental regulations and standards

• Follows established safety practices (assessment methods = affective evaluation of practica)

4. Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Formulate a reasonable differential diagnosis from information contained in a patient case description. (assessed by critical thinking rubric in comprehensive course)
• Evaluate laboratory test results in order to determine their relevance to a case and determine if and what additional tests need to be ordered. (assessed by critical thinking rubric in comprehensive course)

5. Demonstrate professional and effective oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in a thorough and creative presentation of a research article that engages the audience and relates the study to current clinical practice.
• Deliver a clear and well-organized oral defense of the research project.
• Compose a written manuscript for the research project that conforms to departmental specifications

6. Behave in an ethical, culturally-sensitive, and professional manner in a diverse environment.  

• Display courteous and respectful behavior of others (assessed by affective evaluation in clinical practica)
• Participate as a productive and positive member of a team.

7. Describe and practice instructional techniques and terminology

• Develop and present a lecture to include learning objectives and evaluation.

8. Conduct a research project with faculty/mentor guidance

• Assume a leadership role in conducting research in medical laboratory science (assessed by the final defense rubric)

9.  Create a professional plan which supports ongoing professional career development

• Construct a portfolio including evidence of professional service and continuing education.
• Join a professional society as a student member

The Medical Laboratory Science professional program consists of two parts: didactic (classroom learning) and clinical (practice in the medical laboratory). After the completion of the program, graduates should take a national certification examination.

All students entering one of the MLS degree programs are required to have a criminal background check before matriculating. The student’s ability to begin the clinical portion of the program and to complete certification and licensure requirements for entry into the profession may depend on documentation of such things as drug screening and a background check for a history of criminal offenses. A drug screen is required before entering the clinical practica. Students are prohibited from using academic or professional credentials until the satisfactory completion of a degree and appropriate credentials are awarded.

Accreditation

The MS program in Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by the:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(847) 939-3597
(773) 714-8880
(773) 714-8886 (Fax)
http://www.naacls.org

The Specialist in Blood Bank certificate program is accredited by the:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park St.
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 210-2350
http://www.caahep.org

State Licensure Requirements

Some states require that Medical Laboratory Scientists be licensed in the state in order to work in the medical laboratory in that state. Illinois does not license Medical Laboratory Scientists. The Medical Laboratory Science program at Rush University satisfies requirements for certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification and complies with the standards of accreditation established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, but may not satisfy the licensing requirements for some states. In particular, our program may not satisfy the requirement for clinical training set by the state of California. Students who intend on moving to a state that has licensure after completion of the program are encouraged to check with the requirements for state licensure before starting the program to make sure that the Rush University curriculum will satisfy the requirements for licensure in that state.

Requirements for Medical Laboratory Science Major

Applicants must complete the pre-professional requirements prior to enrollment at Rush University. An overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with the admission application. Students are accepted at the beginning of fall and, space permitting, spring semester. Fall admission is recommended. In addition to fulfillment of academic requirements, a personal interview conducted by members of the Admission Committee is required for admission. Interviews are behaviorally oriented and take about two hours. Questions focus on commitment, problem-solving ability, team interaction and initiative. Applicants are asked for life experience situations in which these behavioral characteristics are demonstrated. At the time of the interview, each applicant will be asked to write a short essay. Essays are evaluated for grammar, spelling, content and overall quality of written communication. Applications are ranked on the basis of grades in prerequisite courses, references, interview results and the written essay.

The following prerequisites are required for admission:

• A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited United States college or university documented with official transcripts from each college or university attended. The program will accept a BS/BA degree from a foreign institution for admission with the following stipulations:
• The foreign transcript must be evaluated by ECE and the evaluation must result in a determination that the student has earned a BS/BA that is equivalent to a U.S. BS/BA
• The applicant must satisfy the CHS policy for the TOEFL exam
• The following courses are required: 21 quarter/14 semester hours of chemistry (organic, quantitative analysis and biochemistry recommended); 18 quarter/12 semester hours of biology (anatomy and physiology, microbiology and genetics recommended); and 4 quarter/3 semester hours of mathematics (algebra and statistics recommended).
• An overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Personal interview
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL/TSE if English is not the applicant’s first language.

Students who have not completed all requirements for entry into the Master of Science program may petition the Department of Medical Laboratory Science for consideration for admission. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Documentation of Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination

Before a student is allowed to begin the program, he or she must have on file documentation that he or she has either begun or has finished the course of inoculations for the Hepatitis B virus vaccine. This documentation must be sent directly to Castle Branch.

If the student has just begun, but has not yet finished, the series of inoculations at the start of the program, he or she must provide documentation that he or she has finished the course of inoculations as soon as possible in order to remain in the program. This information will be reviewed quarterly and the student will be notified if he or she is not in compliance with this requirement. Students who fail to complete the Hepatitis B virus vaccination protocol in a timely manner will not be allowed to register for the following quarter until he or she can provide documentation that he or she is in compliance. In addition, students must submit a Hepatitis B virus titer as proof of immunity.

Documentation of Tuberculosis Testing

All students must provide the results from tuberculosis screening tests in order to begin the program. Students must be tested annually for tuberculosis and must submit the results to Castle Branch. Failure to comply with this policy can lead to dismissal from the program or prevention of attendance at the clinical site regardless of GPA. In cases where the tuberculosis screen is positive or contraindicated, students must be screened annually by a physician for symptoms of active tuberculosis and submit documentation that they have been screened and are symptom-free.

Required Rush University Medical Center OSHA, HIPAA and Safety Training

Students are required to take all Medical Center training courses that apply to medical laboratory scientists. These courses must be taken annually and are available through Rush University’s LEAP Online system. Students failing to remain current in these training areas will not be allowed in the clinical laboratories.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

All students entering the MS in MLS degree program are required to have a criminal background check before matriculating. The student’s ability to begin the clinical portion of the program and to complete certification and licensure requirements for entry into the profession may depend on documentation of such things as drug screening and a background check for a history of criminal offenses. A drug screen is required before entering the clinical practica.

Midterm Warning Notices

Students not maintaining a passing-level grade at midterm time will be given a written warning notice. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the course instructor immediately to ascertain how the grade can be improved.

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 graduate programs. Cumulative grade point averages will be reviewed after each semester. No student will be permitted into the clinical rotation portion of the program unless they have the required GPA. 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 in the graduate program who receives a semester grade point average below 3.0 or whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0. Students placed on probation have two semesters in which to regain the status of good standing as follows:

• The next semester after being placed on probation, the student must attain a semester grade point average of at least 3.0.
• Two semesters after being placed on probation, the student must have a cumulative grade point average above 3.0.
• Failure to make the minimum semestser grade point average one semester after probation or the minimum cumulative grade point average two semesters 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 in the Master of Science Program

Graduate students may not receive more than two grades of “C” or lower in the program. Should a graduate student receive a third grade of C or lower, he or she will be dismissed from the program. Graduate students who receive a D, F or N grade in any course must repeat that course. In the event that 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 in the same academic year will be dismissed from the program.

All work in Practicum courses must be at or above the B level.  If a student earns a grade less than B in a clinical practicum course,  the course must be repeated, but may be repeated only once, and must be taken within one year, with the new grade replacing the failing grade in the cumulative grade point average. A second grade below B in any practicum course will result in dismissal from the program.

Comprehensive Examination

All students must take and pass a comprehensive examination at the end of the second year in order to graduate from the medical laboratory science program. Any student who fails the cumulative examination must retake the examination until she or he passes. A diploma will not be given until the student has passed all sections of the comprehensive examination.

Graduate Research Projects

See the Graduate Research Bulletin and Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences policy document for policies and procedures regarding graduate research projects. This bulletin lists specific deadlines for each component of the research project. Failure to meet these deadlines will delay acceptance of the research project and graduation from the program.

Certification

The comprehensive technical curriculum at Rush University prepares the student to enter the practice of medical laboratory science. Graduates are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist’s certification examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.

Pre-professional Program

The pre-professional curriculum for the Medical Laboratory Science program is taken at an associated college or other accredited college or university and requires typically four years of study, depending upon the college. These years are devoted to preparing the scientific foundation upon which the practice of medical laboratory science can be built. The first year emphasizes courses in biological, physical and behavioral sciences, with options in the humanities. The succeeding years are used to increase depth in the sciences as they relate more specifically to health fields and to enhance personal experience through a broad choice of electives in the humanities. Specific course offerings and requirements may vary from campus to campus due to curriculum offerings, scheduling and course content. Required pre-requisite courses are completed before a student comes to Rush and are listed above.

Professional Program

Students integrate the theory of medical science with the practice of medical laboratory procedures, learning basic theory and skills in hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, immunohematology, molecular techniques and clinical microbiology in the first year, and go on to more advanced courses in those areas in the second year along with courses in management, education and research to prepare students for supervisory, teaching and research positions.

Students apply basic concepts learned in the first year of the program as they rotate through the laboratories of Rush University Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. Currently, affiliate hospitals include the University of Chicago Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, and the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System. It is the policy of the Rush University Department of Medical Laboratory Science that all students admitted into the program and who complete all first-year didactic courses will be guaranteed an opportunity to complete the clinical practicum at one of our affiliated hospitals.

Graduates are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist certification examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification; upon passing this examination, they become certified as Medical Laboratory Scientists, MLS (ASCP). Students are not eligible to take the national certification examinations until all degree requirements are met. Verification of degree completion is required from the program director by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. Graduation from the program is not contingent on successfully passing a certification examination.

Plan of Study for the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program