Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program
The Medical Technology / Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Parkview Hospital, established in 1956, provides an up-to-date curriculum designed to prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge demanded of a professional medical technologist/ clinical laboratory scientist. Full Brochure
Parkview is a comprehensive health care facility serving northeastern Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. A recognized leader in the health care industry, it is the third largest hospital in Indiana. The campus includes a hospital with over 500 beds, a continuing care center, a behavioral health facility and a cancer center.
Accreditation
The Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Parkview Hospital is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences:
8410 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631.
Phone: 773-714-8880 Website: www.naacls.org
Parkview is accredited by the College of American Pathologists, is a member of the American Hospital Association and is licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health.
Philosophy of the Program
The program is based on principles that prepare students to maintain the highest ideals of the Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Scientist profession.
A professional clinical laboratory scientist is one who provides the physician with the scientific data necessary to aid in restoration of the sick to a healthy mind and body.
The student must acquire skill, knowledge and understanding, as well as a sense of responsibility through observation, performance of laboratory tests, research and application of these tests to real situations.
The program is designed to prepare graduates to perform as professional members of a total health care team in any clinical laboratory environment. Carefully planned rotation of classroom lectures and hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory prepares students to meet the challenges of society's health care needs.
Program Facilities
Through this program, students gain valuable experience in both a hospital laboratory and reference laboratory.
Computerized laboratory facilities provide a full range of services to enhance the educational process. Support is offered by phlebotomy teams, a neonatal intensive care center, cardiac catheterization, a surgical care center, a toxicology center and a psychiatric care center.
The Central Laboratory and Rapid Response Lab are staffed by 180 employees, including 7 full-time pathologists and more than 70 certified technologists. A library offers students a wide variety of reference materials, journals and videotapes.
Program Calendar
Classes begin each year in July. The program is 11 months in length. Two weeks of Christmas vacation and one week of spring vacation are granted.
The following holidays are observed:
•Labor Day
•Thanksgiving
•Day after Thanksgiving
•Christmas
•New Year's Day
•Memorial Day
Academic Prerequisites
All preclinical Clinical laboratory Science requirements must be completed before entering the program. The following are required of all applicants.
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16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biology, including a course in microbiology and a course in immunology (either as a separate course or as part of another course)
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16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry, including at least one course in organic chemistry or biochemistry
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One course in college-level mathematics
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90 semester hours (135 quarter hours)
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Other recommended courses include quantitative analysis, anatomy & physiology, instrumentation, computer science, management & supervision, genetics, parasitology, medical microbiology, statistics and physics
Technical Standards (Essential Functions)
Technical Standards (Essential Functions) represent the essential non-academic requirements of the program that the student must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable. As an applicant to our program, you are requested to read the following technical standards. These standards are written to help facilitate a valid career choice and to ensure that the safety and health of students, the public and other heath professionals are not compromised.
Visual Function: Sufficient visual acuity to:
Identify microscopic structures
Observe patient conditions and inspect specimens for suitability
Operate analytical instruments appropriately and safely
Motor Function: Sufficient fine motor function to:
Obtain, manipulate, measure specimens safely and with precision
Manipulate reagents, materials, instruments and analytical equipment according to established standards and procedures, safely and with speed and accuracy
Interactive Function: Sufficient interactive skill to:
Effectively report, discuss or explain results to supervisors, physicians and other appropriate personnel
Maintain a cooperative and productive working relationship with patients and other health professionals
Exhibit compassion, integrity and concern for others
Emotional Health: Sufficient emotional health to:
Respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations
Function effectively in stressful situations and complete all responsibilities
Exercise sound judgment, display flexibility
Intellectual Function: Sufficient intellectual function to:
Calculate, interpret, analyze, reason, evaluate and explain lab results and quality control
Prepare reagents and materials properly with accuracy, speed and precision
Solve problems; make critical judgments and initiate corrective action to ensure accuracy and reliability of results in a timely fashion
International Students
Upon applying to Parkview Hospital’s CLS/MT Program, international students must provide:
- Transcript from the college/university that the student graduated from
- A transcript evaluation of degrees earned from a non-US college or university. This transcript evaluation must be from one of the transcript evaluation services listed in the ASCP certification procedures booklet. You can view and download the document for free at: http://www.ascp.org/Certification/CertifyingExaminations/cert_procedures/default.aspx
- Documentation of proficiency in English: The student may demonstrate proficiency in English in one of five ways:
- Transcript of classes taken at an accredited US college or university
- Successfully challenge of the TOEFL exam with a score of at least 80 for the total exam
- CGE: A minimum of a "B" in English
- Successfully complete a college level English composition course at an accredited US institution with a minimum grade of "C" minus
- A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS
- Photocopies of this documentation may be submitted with the application. However, originals will need to be filed with the rest of the student paperwork upon acceptance into the program.
Advanced Placement
Applicants possessing an Associate Degree in Clinical laboratory Science and experience are eligible for advanced placement in the program's clinical curriculum. The criteria for this are available from the program director.
Selection Criteria
Parkview participates in the CIMLE Indiana Student Preference Match. Results of the student selections are based on the following criteria:
- Overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Science GPA
- References
- Interview
- Other relevant information, including previous hospital or health care experience, college laboratory work, honors and extracurricular activities.
Student selection is nondiscriminatory with respect to age, race, color, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability.
Formal Application
A completed application should be received by December 1 for the class starting the following July. Each applicant is responsible for submitting the following application materials to the program by December 15. (Application)
- An official transcript from each college and/or university attended.
- One reference from each of the following: (Reference Evaluation)
- Chemistry professor
- Biology professor
- Employer
- An interview to be scheduled by the student. The interview is usually conducted October through December.
- An overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.00 scale and 2.5 in all biology and chemistry courses are needed for consideration for admission. We strongly recommend a GPA of 2.8. In addition, no grade of less than "C-" is accepted for a required chemistry or biology course.
Tuition Fees and Expenses
Tuition
For a 4 + 1 student or a student attending a college that does not charge tuition, tuition for the year is payable to Parkview Hospital Clinical laboratory Science Program.
Parkview has a tuition reimbursement agreement with many academic institutions. Students attending those schools pay tuition directly to them. Current fees are discussed at the interview.
All fees are subject to change without notice.
Books
Students are required to purchase their textbooks.
Uniforms
White lab coats are furnished by the hospital. Students may purchase and wear scrubs.
Meals and Housing
Students must furnish their meals and housing. During hospital rotations, meals are available in the hospital cafeteria at personnel discounted rates.
Insurance
Students are responsible for any health care expenses and are strongly encouraged to have health insurance.
Students are covered under the hospital's liability insurance policy, although students may elect to purchase individual liability policies.
More Miscellaneaous Fee Information
Medical Examinations
Each student will be hired by Parkview Hospital as Clinical Lab Science Students. As such, they will be required to pass a physical that is to be taken up to two weeks before the start of class. This physical will be provided by Parkview at no cost to the student and will include a urine drug screen.
Certification Examinations
Students who successfully complete the clinical year and pass a final exam will be eligible to sit for the national certification examinations. Each exam costs approximately $175.
Refund Policy
The refund deadline is three months after the start of classes. Parkview will reimburse 75 percent up to 4 weeks, 50 percent up to 8 weeks, and 25 percent up to 12 weeks after start of class. No refund is made following this deadline.
Book fees are not refundable. Refunds for students paying tuition to affiliated academic institutions will be made under the policies of each institution.
Rules and Regulations
Academic Standards
The Clinical laboratory Science Program believes that high standards of performance are a basis for quality education. All students are provided with written copies of school policies at the beginning of each year. They include the following:
Students are considered to be "on probation" during the first three months of the clinical year.
Students are expected to uphold the school's honor system.
Students must not obtain a failing grade in more than one course. If he has a failing grade, he must still show mastery of the course objectives.
Daily attendance, Monday through Friday, is required. Normal hours of attendance are usually 6:30am to 3:00pm or 7:00am to 3:00pm. Occasionally, the student may have learning experiences on a different shift.
Students must remain at the hospital until officially dismissed by the instructor and the Program Director.
Breaks during class are at the discretion of the instructor.
Excessive tardiness or absenteeism may lead to probationary status.
Dismissal
A student may be dismissed from the program for:
Failure to maintain academic standards
Failure to observe the program's policies
Documented evidence of cheating or plagiarism
Excessive absenteeism
Insubordination
Appeal Mechanisms
If the student grievance is over an academic issue that is directly involved with the program, the grievance must be discussed with the individual instructor. If the grievance is not resolved, it may be taken to the Program Director for further action. Should a grievance remain, the Medical Director, Faculty Committee, Campus Advisor, and a neutral evaluator may be contacted.
If the issue is one that involves work performed on the student's own time and as an employee of Parkview Hospital / Parkview Health Laboratories, then the procedure listed in the Employee Handbook will apply.
Student Employment
Since Parkview Health hires all the students in a non-paid temporary position, students will need to show that they are in conformance with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (lRCA) of 1986, and properly identify themselves and have proof of authorization to work in the United States. Students will have three days upon starting the school year to provide this documentation.
Students will be provided the opportunity to work as hours become available. Hours worked are in addition to the regular student day and are dependent on the amount of work available. Students are not allowed to work more than 16 hours per week. Once they have successfully completed a rotation, they may become a student lab tech.
Course Descriptions
Orientation
A two-week orientation session includes lectures on the following: Phlebotomy, Safety, Client Sensitivity, Policies, Computer, Infection Control, Lab Math, and Compliance
Chemistry
The chemistry series includes 9 weeks of lecture, 4 weeks of clinical chemistry, and 3 weeks of clinical work in special chemistry. Included in the study is a visit to the hospital's cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Clinical Correlations
Case studies are presented, and the student must evaluate and correlate test results to obtain a total picture of the patient's disease state.
Coagulation
Students study the theory and practice of testing for coagulation mechanisms during one week of lecture and two weeks of clinical application.
Education
A lecture series will provide students with information on test writing, lecturing, objectives and clinical instruction. Students are required to present a lecture during this time.
Hematology
Hematology includes a rotation of nine weeks of lecture and seven weeks of clinical study. Students gain experience in collecting, staining and counting cells in blood and other body fluids, techniques of sedimentation rates, reticulocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations, special stains and instrumentation. The series includes extensive study of differentials and observation of bone marrow procedures.
Immunohematology
During this time, students spend three weeks in lectures and six weeks in clinical study. Topics include antibody screening and identification, typing, blood banking theory and practice, and component therapy.
Immunology
This is a six-week series, including four weeks of lecture and two weeks of clinical study covering agglutination testing, fluorescent microscopy, and theory and practice of testing for immune response, both acquired and autoimmune, to invasion by bacterial and viral agents.
Management
A lecture series covering history, motivation theories, management functions and regulations/compliance is conducted.
Microbiology
Students devote seven weeks of lecture and eight weeks of clinical application to microbiology. Topics include diagnostic theory and practice, infection control, instrumentation, media preparation, mycobacteriology, mycology, susceptibility testing and virology.
Parasitology
Students are presented three weeks of lecture and one week of clinical work covering the theory and practice of parasite identification. This includes identification of those parasites that infect humans.
Phlebotomy (Clinical)
Following completion of phlebotomy lectures, students spend three weeks in clinical phlebotomy.
Research
Students have a lecture series on statistics, method evaluation and research techniques.
Urinalysis
This session includes two weeks of lecture and two weeks of clinical study. During this course, students study chemical techniques, gastric analysis, instrumentation, microscopic techniques, routine urinalysis and special testing.
Special Rotations
Special rotations are planned to give the student understanding of other departments in the Histology, Genetics & Client Response areas of the lab.
Graduation and Certification
Students must pass a final exam to successfully complete the Clinical laboratory Science Program.
Upon completion, students receive a graduation certificate. They are then eligible to pursue certifications offered by the Board of Registry (the American Society of Clinical Pathologists) and/or the National Certification Agency for Medical laboratory Personnel.
College Affiliations
Parkview Hospital's Clinical laboratory Science Program is affiliated with the following academic institutions:
Anderson University, Anderson, IN
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN
Manchester College, North Manchester, IN
Miami University, Oxford, OH
Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, IN
Taylor University, Upland, IN
University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Purdue University, Calumet, Hammond, IN
Arrangements with additional institutions may be made on an individual basis. Students from affiliated institutions will be given preference unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree from any accredited institution may also be considered for admission if the applicant meets all other admission requirements.
Faculty
Darryl R. Smith, M.D., Medical Director Lecturer: Chemistry, Hematology
Brian Goff, M.A., MT(ASCP), Program Director Lecturer: Orientation, Education, Research, Management, Parasitology
Robert Burkardt, M.D., Pathologist Lecturer: Hematology
Mary Eklund, MT(ASCP) Lecture: Blood Bank/Coagulation
Cristina lantz, MT(ASCP) Lecture: Chemistry
Ann Spaulding, MT(ASCP) Lecture: Chemistry/Special Chemistry
Paula Giegold, MT(ASCP), SI Lecture: Immunology
Vickie Niblick, MT(ASCP), SM Lecture: Microbiology/Parasitology
Christy Schrock, PBT(ASCP) Lecture: Phlebotomy
Melissa VanVlerah, MT(ASCP) Lecture: Hematology/Urinalysis
For additional information about admission write to:
Brian Goff, MA, MT (ASCP)
Program Director - Clinical Laboratory Science
brian.goff@parkview.com
Parkview Health Laboratories 328 Ley Road (Map)
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
260-373-9406