Curriculum & Instructors

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, the role of platelets, and coagulation.  Manual and automated techniques of diagnostic tests for abnormalities are included.  Lecture and lab: 4-5 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 are included.  Lecture and lab: 4-5 credits

Clinical Immunology

Encompasses the immune response, immunoglobulins, autoimmunity, complement and related tests, and diseases. Includes a survey and demonstration of serological diagnostic tests.  Lecture and lab: 3 credits

Clinical Microbiology/Molecular Diagnostics

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.  Reviews molecular methods and their introduction into the clinical laboratory, as well as basic molecular techniques.   Lecture and lab: 7 credits.

Clinical Seminar 

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

The curriculum is structured to provide the principles of Medical 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 semester, Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Microbiology are presented.  Students are taught techniques and the use of instrumentation in the student laboratory.  Then students gain hands-on experience in the clinical laboratory.  All students are assigned to various workstations in the clinical laboratory. The first semester also includes 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 during both semesters.

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.

A student's progress report is submitted to the appropriate college/university after the first semester, and a final transcript is submitted 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 collegiate channels.  Academic and non-academic concerns may be addressed through the grievance procedure for allied health students (detailed in the student handbook).

Information about student withdrawal policies

 A student who is considering withdrawal from the WellSpan York Hospital MLS Program must meet with the Program Director to discuss the circumstances leading to the decision to withdraw from the program.  If applicable, the student must contact his/her academic advisor for advice and guidance concerning options for meeting degree requirements in lieu of the clinical program.  The Program Director may initiate this dialog.

After review of the decision, the student must complete the Student Status Change Form and forward it to the Program Director. The student will be responsible for paying for any instruction received until the status change goes into effect.  The amount of tuition assessed the student will be:

The student must return his/her name badge, parking hang tag, loaner textbooks, and any borrowed educational materials belonging to the program.  The student must clean out his/her locker and student workstation.

Program Administration & Instructors