Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Course is designed to allow students to further develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude required to function in a professional manner in the clinical laboratory setting. Basic procedures will be reviewed and advanced methodologies will be introduced within each assigned department and affiliate laboratory. The laboratory settings for this course are varied, and may include a physician’s office laboratory or specialized laboratory setting. Students will have the opportunity to learn new procedures and review procedures learned throughout the year, as well as to see differences in organizational patterns, workflow, and technical procedures of the affiliate laboratory. Student Laboratory exercises may be included in this course.  

INTENDED OUTCOMES  

• Performs routine clinical laboratory tasks in an accurate, timely and professional manner. 
• Demonstrates communication skills necessary for working in the health care setting.
• Demonstrates skillful specimen collection, identification and processing.
• Accurately and safely prepares chemicals and reagents.
• Applies appropriate laboratory techniques and methodologies.
• Demonstrates safe and skillful use of instruments and equipment
• Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance, laboratory math, and computer skills.
• Emphasizes professionalism, including initiative, positive interpersonal skills, teamwork, respect and caring.  

  In the clinical laboratory all student work is done under the supervision of laboratory personnel. Knowledge, skills and professionalism are emphasized.

• The student’s theoretical understanding, technical performance, and demonstration of professional growth will determine grades and competency.    
• Assessment is based on verbal and written progress reports in the laboratory, and includes daily performance, professional development, communication skills, attendance, and written and practical exercises/examinations. 
• Students will receive an evaluation after each clinical rotation and a performance review from the Education Coordinator at the end of each term. 
• Students will receive an evaluation after each clinical rotation.  

Professional Development

• Review and comply with major policies and expectations of clinical affiliate and the college.   
• Consistently display attitude and traits expected of a clinical laboratory professional.     
• Demonstrate competent written, listening and oral communication skills expected of the clinical laboratory professional.     
• Participate in community service projects.

• Discuss the roles of various health care professionals within the assigned clinical facility.  

• Discuss professional growth as a result of the rotation at the assigned clinical facility.

Safety

• Locate and discuss the proper use of clinical laboratory safety equipment and devices. 

• Demonstrate understanding of the OSHA blood borne pathogens standard including the purpose, epidemiology, mode of transmission and protective measures against exposure. 
• Discuss actions to be taken in event of fire within the assigned laboratory/hospital/institution. 
• Identify basic guidelines for safe use of chemicals including proper labeling, protective measures, location and use of MSDS, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.  
• List guidelines for electrical and mechanical safety. 

Laboratory Knowledge, Procedures, and Processes 

• Incorporates critical thinking skills into problem solving. 

• Demonstrate proper care and skillful, safe use of laboratory equipment and instruments.

• Participate in daily maintenance and other basic laboratory responsibilities.

• Demonstrate understanding of lab math and calculations including scientific notation, dilutions, conversion factors, standard curve, and formulas.

• Demonstrate accurate and skillful use of the computer systems and other record keeping systems.

• Define and demonstrate the use of QA and QC including understanding of Westgard rules. 

• State basic facts and principles as needed.

• Apply knowledge to test procedures and operation of instruments including QC, maintenance, troubleshooting, and problem solving. 

• Prioritize and organized workload according to degree of urgency of test results. 

Continuation of Regularly Scheduled Rotations 

Refer to specific rotations in MLT 271, 272, 273 Course Content and Outcomes Guides.