York Hospital Clinical Laboratory Science Program

Program Curriculum

The courses included in the curriculum are:

Clinical Chemistry
Includes enzymology, endocrinology, biochemistry of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, metabolism of nitrogenous end products, physiology and metabolism of fluids and electrolytes, and toxicology as related to the body and diseases. Technical procedures include spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, chromatography, automation and quality control. Stresses the correlation of disease states and laboratory data. Lecture and lab; 7 credits.

Clinical Hematology/Coagulation
Deals with the composition and function of blood, diseases related to blood disorders and the role of platelets and coagulation. Manual and automated techniques of diagnostic tests for abnormalities are included. Lecture and lab; 4 credits.

Clinical Immunohematology
Examines blood antigens, antibodies, cross-matching, hemolytic diseases and related diagnostic tests. An in-depth study of blood donor services and its facets such as transfusions, component preparation, medico-legal aspects and more is included. Lecture and lab; 3 - 4 credits.

Clinical Immunology
Encompasses the immune response, immunoglobulins, autoimunity, complement and related tests and diseases. Includes a survey and demonstration of serological diagnostic tests. Lecture and lab; 3 credits.

Clinical Microbiology
Examines the identification and clinical pathology of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Involves techniques to isolate, stain, culture and determine antimicrobial susceptibility. Stresses infection prevention and control. Instrumentation and quality control are included. Lecture and lab; 7 credits.

Clinical Seminar
Includes an introduction to clinical laboratory practice, clinical microscopy (urinalysis), medical terminology, blood collection techniques, basic leadership skills development, introductory educational methodology, enhancement site assignments. Lecture and lab; 5-6 credits.

The curriculum is structured to provide the principles of Clinical Laboratory Science through didactic presentations, laboratory exercises and practical experience within a clinical laboratory setting.

The program is divided into two semesters. During the first, Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Microbiology are presented. Students are taught some techniques and the use of some instrumentation in a student laboratory setting. All students are then assigned to various workstations in the clinical laboratory. The first semester also includes introductory lab practice, medical terminology, blood collection techniques, Clinical Microscopy and leadership skills development (all part of Clinical Seminar).

Second semester includes Clinical Immunology, Clinical Hematology, Clinical Immunohematology and the remainder of Clinical Seminar topics. Lectures, group discussions, student laboratory activities and rotation assignments in service laboratories are used as effective learning opportunities.

Students are evaluated not only on academic achievement, but also on practical skills development and mastery, and on professional behaviors exhibited throughout the year. Instructional objectives are provided to students to facilitate the learning process. Evaluation mechanisms are designed to measure attainment of these objectives.

Grades are submitted to colleges after the first semester and upon completion of the clinical year. The college awards the appropriate credit and the baccalaureate degree; the program assigns grades for the clinical courses and presents a certificate of completion.

Throughout the year, students are required to maintain a 70 percent average in all courses. Verbal and written notification of academic probation will result if grades fall below 70 percent. Failure to improve academic standing after notification may result in dismissal from the program. The faculty is willing to provide individual tutoring, within reason, for any student who requests additional help.

Appeals for change of grade are handled initially with the instructor and the student requesting the grade review. If arbitration is necessary, the program director will intervene. Change of grade appeals also may be continued through the student's appropriate collegiate channels, if appropriate. Academic and non-academic concerns may be addressed through the grievance procedure for allied health students (detailed in the student handbook).

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