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Mission

The medical laboratory science program is committed to providing an education program consistent with the essentials outlined by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. The program provides an educational experience for the development of responsible, competent entry-level professionals in medical laboratory science.

Goals

The program goals of the SDSU medical laboratory science program are to:

• Provide an educational program within the framework of the university setting in accordance with the Standards of Accredited Programs for the Medical Laboratory Scientist as established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.
• Provide adequate numbers of entry-level medical laboratory scientists to meet the workforce needs of the state of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã, the region and the nation.
• Provide the health care community with quality individuals who are competent to conduct laboratory procedures in large medical facilities and small rural laboratories and who demonstrate positive professional attitudes, ethics and practices.

The SDSU medical laboratory science program will meet these goals by:

• Providing a curriculum which includes a general or liberal education, content specific theory and applications, technical knowledge, professionalism and clinical competence to successfully complete a national registry exam.
• Assisting students in career placement by providing academic and occupational advisement
• Instilling in students a sense of professionalism, commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence
• Preparing students to successfully enter the health care field as competent entry-level professionals that communicate well, appreciate social differences and possess a genuine compassion and concern for others.

Avera Health Network

• Avera DeSmet, DeSmet
• Avera Marshall, Marshall, Minnesota
• Avera McKennan Regional Laboratory, Sioux Falls
• Avera Queen of Peace Health Services, Mitchell
• Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton
• Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen
• Avera St. Mary's Hospital, Pierre

Private and Government Affiliates

• Black Hills VA Health System, Hot Springs
• Douglas County Hospital, Alexandria, Minnesota
• Essentia Health, Brainerd, Minnesota
• Huron Regional Medical Center, Huron
• Madison Community Hospital, Madison
• Prairie Lakes Health Care System, Watertown
• Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City
• VA Regional Medical Center, Sioux Falls

Sanford Health Network

• Sanford Health System Clinic, Alexandria, Minnesota
• Placement is available at other Sanford Health facilities upon approval.

Clinical Experience Placement

The number of students placed in the clinical experience (on-campus program) is based on capacity of the clinical facilities to accommodate students. If there are not enough clinical sites to accommodate all students in a given year, selection will be based on the student’s academic and numerical ranking determined by program officials. Every effort is made to ensure admitted students of placement for training within the capabilities of the university. However, SDSU cannot guarantee that events beyond its control such as natural disasters, labor disputes, war, etc. might not prevent a student’s completion of a clinical experience.

Additional clinical affiliates are available upon request to the MLS Program Director.

Upon successful completion of the medical laboratory science program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. The major certification exam is offered by the Board of Certification. Application information is available from its website. The student is recommended to take the exam. Taking or passing the board examination is not a prerequisite for graduation from South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University. However, board certification is usually required for employment in most facilities.

There is currently no state licensure for laboratory professionals in South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã. However, many states do require licensure (see ). Most of the states that require licensure will recognize certification as a medical laboratory scientist.

Essential Functions (also called Technical Standards) for Medical Laboratory Science are the knowledge, skill, attitude/behavioral requirements necessary to be successful in the MLS program.

Students in the MLS Program must be able to meet the following Essential Functions for admittance and continued enrollment in addition to the academic conduct of the university.

Students must be able to:

1. move freely from one location to another in the physical setting of the classroom, student laboratory and healthcare facilities.
2. operate equipment in student laboratory or healthcare facility and must be able to lift objects of at least 20 pounds.
3. demonstrate sufficient coordination to allow for controlled manipulation of patient specimens, laboratory equipment and tools.
4. demonstrate the ability to safely grasp and release small objects used in the laboratory such as tubes, needles and microscope slides.
5. demonstrate the ability to perform fine movements in the laboratory.
6. demonstrate their ability to manipulate laboratory materials such as pipetting to successfully complete procedures in the laboratory.
7. communicate effectively and sensitively in written and spoken English.
8. comprehend and respond professionally by person to person, telephone, and written communication.
9. communicate respectfully and in a productive manner even in a stressful condition.
10. identify and distinguish objects macroscopically and microscopically.
11. read and interpret charts and graphs.
12. demonstrate sufficient depth perception and spatial awareness to perform laboratory tests and procedures safely and efficiently.
13. discern fine details such as structures and texture.
14. apply the knowledge and skills learned in previous coursework (including prerequisites) to new situations encountered in the laboratory.
15. measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information.
16. apply the theory learned in didactic courses to laboratory practice and test results to ensure quality outcomes.
17. demonstrate sufficient cognitive abilities and effective learning techniques and be able to understand the information presented throughout the MLS program.
18. learn through a variety of experiences throughout the MLS program that include but not limited to: classroom instruction, small group activities, independent study, presentations, application of theory to the laboratory clinical practice, and use of computer technology.
19. demonstrate the ability to perform problem-solving skills in a timely fashion to ensure quality patient care.
20. demonstrate the ability to work safely with mechanical, chemical and biological hazards in the laboratory.
21. recognize and respond to safety issues appropriately.
22. possess the psychological health required for full use of abilities in the laboratory and be able to respond to other healthcare professionals in a collegial and respectful manner.
23. maintain mature, sensitive, respectful and effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, patients and other professionals under all circumstances.
24. demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress.
25. demonstrate the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
26. demonstrate respect for self and others.
27. demonstrate professionalism including appearance and dress.
28. demonstrate integrity and honesty.
29. demonstrate the physical and emotional stamina to function in a professional manner in the classroom, laboratory and healthcare facilities.
30. contribute to a collaborative and constructive learning environment.
31. respond to and accept constructive feedback
32. adapt to the changing laboratory environment and display flexibility with uncertainties that can occur in the clinical laboratory.
33. demonstrate the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
34. work independently or with others as directed by MLS faculty or clinical laboratory professionals.
35. demonstrate the ability to maintain composure during stressful situations in the laboratory or healthcare facilities.
36. demonstrate the ability to prioritize testing requests.
37. learn and adhere to professional standards of practice in the laboratory profession.
38. possess compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty and responsibility to students, faculty, patients and healthcare professionals.
39. engage in patient care delivery in all settings of healthcare and deliver care to all patient populations.
40. accept responsibility for learning, exercise good judgement, and promptly complete all responsibilities efficiently and accurately.