Master of Science in Molecular Pathology

MP Program 

Overview of Rights and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Molecular Pathology Faculty and Clinical Supervisors

• Academic instruction,
• Clinical supervision and practice,
• Scholarly research;
• Departmental, school, institutional, and community service
• Advising students

1. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of  2.7 in the initial semester of the program,
2. Failure to attain minimal skill levels in required clinical competencies as determined by the clinical instructor.
3. A grade of “C” in one course in the curriculum.

1. Complaint of misconduct as stated in the TTUHSC code of conduct https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-services/documents/HSC_Institutional_Student_Handbook.pdf 
2. The student does not meet the competencies in clinical practicum in the specified manner and time.
3. The student in any clinical practicum acts in any manner detrimental to the safety or well-being of a client, patient, other students, or faculty.
4. The student does not maintain minimum academic performance requirements of the program. 

1. Poor academic performance:

• Failure to raise cumulative GPA to 2.7 upon completion of the semester of probation,
• A grade of “C” in 2 or more courses in the curriculum
• A grade of “D” or “F” in any course
  

2. Violation of the academic and non-academic policies of the School of Health Professions.
3. Removal from a preceptorship (academic or non-academic reasons) may result in a dismissal.

• To give thoughtful consideration to personal career goals so that academic and professional goals can be coordinated and discussed with advisor (or other faculty member) as appropriate.
• Schedule appointments and/or contacts during each semester
• Come to appointments on time and prepared
• Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions
• Be open to developing and clarifying your personal values and goals

• Granting of the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology degree is not contingent upon the student passing the certification exam.

• halter tops
• spaghetti straps
• midriffs
• short shorts
• short skirts
• clothing items with excessive rips or tears
• exercise clothes

Professional Conduct

1. Upload: 1 Mbps 
2. Download: 2 Mbps 
3. An active broadband internet connection is assumed since the examinations are done online. 
4. Tethering and HotSpots are not supported.

1. Proctor service does not officially support computers with more than one (1) integrated camera. Microsoft Surfaces and 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet Devices fall in this category (a Surface Pro with the most up to date Windows software will work)
2. Any web camera that ONLY has drivers for Windows Vista or below will not work.
3. Phones cannot be used with the proctor service. 
   
   

• have successfully completed a facility mandated research training program;

• be a designated faculty member who is responsible for supervising student research;

• obtain approval of the student research proposal by the Department Chair and the Institutional Review Board (IRB);

• establish a budget for the project (to be paid from course fees);

• ensure that the budget for the project is reviewed by the Program Director;

• approve all purchases. As student research may be funded through course fees, the PI will ensure that when such funds are used to support student research activity, only Program Purchasing Cards or Purchase Orders are used. Expenditures must cover only authorized expenses, and direct reimbursement of student research activities is not authorized;

• ensure research integrity;

• ensure that there is neither a conflict of interest nor inappropriate research activity performed using the resources of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, as defined under HSC Operating Policies and Procedures.

• identify research projects for public presentation and/or publication, and suggest possible venues or publishing opportunities.

• have successfully completed IRB and HIPAA Training.

• have successfully completed a facility mandated research training program;

• select the research activity and develop a proposal and budget with the supervision of the PI;

• initiate and conduct research activity in a professional manner;

• be held accountable and responsible for any expenditures exceeding the budgeted funds;

• disseminate the results in an appropriate scholarly manner.

• have successfully completed IRB and HIPAA training.

• ensure that course research requirements are in compliance with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies/procedures and accreditation standards, HIPAA training.

• ensure that the PI understands the use of funding such as course fees, grants, etc.; and coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs when provided external funding, equipment, or supplies.
  
  

• Individual tutoring with a program faculty member.
• Individual tutoring with a student who is performing well in the program.
• Repeating or extending clinical experiences.
• Participating in faculty directed group study.
• Preparing a research paper or project.
• Completing assignments pertinent to areas needing remediation.
• Repeating examinations

Clinical Preceptorship

1. The student’s academic standing.
2. Needs of the affiliate
3. The student’s performance at a previous clinical experience was below expectations for the level of training.
4. Students recycling through the program will receive their assignment based on availability first, preference second, and class ranking.

Overview of the Molecular Pathology Program 

1. On-campus classes and laboratory sessions in the TTUHSC student laboratories. These courses are taught by Molecular Pathology faculty and guest speakers and are intended to prepare students for the clinical preceptorship. Some classes are delivered online and taught by Molecular Pathology faculty.
2. Online classes. Several courses will be administered online.
3. A graduate level research project. This project is designed to give students the experience of performing diagnostic molecular research and presenting the data in various forms.
4. Clinical Preceptorships in affiliated laboratories. The Clinical Education Coordinator in cooperation with the clinical teaching staff direct the education of the students at the affiliate site. Clinical faculty will serve to instruct students in the application of theory and principles to patient testing procedures. The clinical preceptorship begins in March and ends in May. Students are assigned their clinical preceptorship site in the middle of the fall semester. This assignment is made in advance so students can make arrangements for moving. It is the student’s responsibility to find housing, meet all financial obligations, arrange for transportation, and seek employment (if desired).
   
   

• providing students with a specific educational background in molecular testing by utilizing a variety of education resources and experiences,
• providing a strong curriculum based on current needs,
• maintaining the level and quality of instruction in the molecular science courses by including the most recent technological advances,
• developing in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of laboratory professionals,
• educating students on the merits of continuing professional development,
• providing the region and the State of Texas with molecular scientists who can function at career entry level and who can assume leadership roles as health professionals.
  
  

1. To provide students with a broad educational background by using a variety of educational resources and experiences.
2. To provide a strong graduate curriculum based on current needs.
3. To maintain the level and quality of instruction in the molecular science courses by including the latest in technological advances.
4. To develop in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of molecular scientists.
5. To educate students in the merits of continuing professional development.
6. To provide the region served by the program with graduate diagnostic molecular scientists who can function at career entry levels and who can assume leadership roles as health professionals.

1. Follow biosafety regulations by practicing proper disposal of biohazardous material, as evidenced by complying with established safety regulations.
2. Exhibit interest in the laboratory assignments and lecture discussions through participation.
3. Help maintain a neat, clean, and orderly work area in all laboratories without being asked.
4. Demonstrate proper care and use of laboratory equipment, as evidenced by lack of breakage.
5. Attend classroom and laboratory sessions regularly and punctually.
6. Demonstrate preparedness for the laboratory by following directions and completing the tasks assigned with little need for additional instructions.
7. Cooperate by communicating with and helping other students.
8. Exhibit assurance and confidence in performing laboratory tasks.
9. Demonstrate integrity by recognizing and repeating questionable tests.
10. Act responsibly.
11. Accept instruction and constructive criticism maturely.
12. Show respect for other students, instructors, and patients.
13. Comply with the stated dress codes.
14. Demonstrate interprofessionalism through respect, collaboration and appropriate communication with other healthcare professionals.

1. Evaluating and monitoring methods of collection, transport and handling of various specimen types for molecular analysis;
2. Applying principles, practices and applications of molecular based testing for clinical laboratory testing purposes;
3. Performing appropriate techniques utilizing instrumentation for molecular analysis and correlating results with acquired, inherited and infectious diseases;
4. Complying with and performance of preventive and corrective maintenance programs for instruments and equipment, as well as troubleshooting and evaluating appropriate actions for problem resolution;
5. Investigating and implementing procedures as a result of studies on new technologies, procedures or diagnostic correlations in molecular science;
6. Applying principles of quality control which evaluate data for necessity of repeat analysis, correlation with disease states, organism identification and disease diagnosis;
7. Applying principles of quality assurance and performing measurements to assure validity and accuracy of laboratory data generated;
8. Complying with laws, regulations and accrediting standards as well as guidelines of relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies;
9. Utilizing resource management strategies to maintain optimal laboratory efficiency;
10. Exercising established procedures for general laboratory safety, biohazard containment and waste disposal;
11. Demonstrating leadership, professional and ethical conduct and interpersonal skills for clients, healthcare professionals and the public;
12. Formulating a strategic plan for professional career development.

Molecular Pathology Clinical Preceptorship Assignment Policy and Procedure

• Bench work under supervision
• Participation in the quality control program
• Attendance at lectures or seminars at the institution
• Observation of other departments in the institution

1. Each applicant interviewed will be informed of the preceptorship assignment procedure.
2. Each applicant accepted into the MP program will be provided an example of the Clinical Preceptorship Assignment Form (CPAF, Appendix B) in the student handbook. The policy and the explanation of the CPAF will be discussed during orientation in May.
3. A current up to date CPAF is provided to the student following completion of the summer semester.
4. The completed CPAF is returned, along with any documentation the student wants to be considered during the preceptorship assignment process, by the deadline determined by the clinical education coordinator.
5. The clinical education coordinator will review the CPAF and assignments will be based on the following:

6. Each student will receive two copies of a contract during the fall semester informing them of their clinical preceptorship assignment.  The student will have five working days to sign and return one of the provided copies of the contract to the Affiliate Coordinator.  A student failing to return the contracts within five working days will forfeit their clinical preceptorship slot.
7. Proof of health insurance must be presented to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs by deadline assigned.

APPENDIX A

• I am aware that the Molecular Pathology Program Student Handbook is available on the School of Health Professions website. I understand that the policies, rules, and benefits described in it are subject to change at the discretion of the program at any time.

• I am aware, during the course of my enrollment, confidential information may be made available to me (e.g., student information, and other related data). I understand this information is critical to the success of the program and must not be disseminated or used outside of the program premises. Upon leaving the program, whether voluntary or involuntary, I hereby agree not to utilize or exploit this information with any other individual or agency.

• I understand, should the content of this Handbook be changed in any way, the Program may require an additional signature from me to indicate that I am aware of and understand any new policies.

• I agree my signature below indicates I understand the above statements and acknowledge my responsibility to read the Molecular Pathology Program Student Handbook and be familiar with its contents.

1. The use of unauthorized written or oral references during examinations (cheating) is prohibited.
2. The inadequate citation of references or assistance on papers or class presentations (plagiarism) is prohibited.
3. Habitual tardiness, unexcused absences, and lack of participation in assigned class activities is prohibited.
4. Students will behave in accordance with the Code of Ethics set forth by the School of Health Professions and respective program/professional organizations in the clinical setting or in a simulation or demonstration settings in the classroom.
5. Students will comply with all rules and regulations of the clinical facilities to which they are assigned.

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C 

1.  I will not divulge my username or password to anyone.
2. I and only I will post answers to course assignments using my username and password
3.  I and only I will take the on-line exams using my username and password.
4.  I understand the on-line exams are closed book and I will not refer to my textbook, or any other references, while taking the exams unless indicated by the professor.
5. I will not print all or part of any exam.
6. I will not divulge the content of the on-line exams to any other student, whether enrolled in the course or not.
7.  I understand that work submitted to meet the requirements of one course cannot be submitted to meet the requirements of a second course without the permission of both instructors.
8. I will not leave the testing room until all my examinations have been submitted and verified by the proctor.
9. I understand that violation of this code will constitute an honors violation and that I will be subject to the appropriate sanctions as described in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institutional Student Handbook 2020-2021.

APPENDIX D 

• The student must have adequate gross mobility in order to maneuver in a timely and safe fashion throughout the department.
• The student must be able to lift his or her arms above shoulder height in order to place or remove items of ten pound or less from shelves.
• The student must be able to bend over at the waist or squat (waist and knees) in order to place and remove items of ten pounds or less from drawers and cabinets.