Second Degree & Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Science

CLS Online Program

Overview of Rights and Responsibilities

OVERVIEW OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAMS (HPCS)

SECOND DEGREE (SD) /LABORATORY CERTIFICATE (LC)

• providing students with a broad educational background 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 clinical laboratory science courses by including the latest in technological advances,
• developing in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of clinical laboratory professionals,
• educating students on the merits of continuing professional development,
• providing the region and the State of Texas with graduate clinical laboratory scientists who can function at career entry level 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. Application of safety and governmental regulations and standards as applied to clinical laboratory science;
2. Principles and practices of professional conduct and the significance of continuing professional development;
3. Communications sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the public and members of the health care team.
4. Principles and practices of administration and supervision as applied to clinical laboratory science;
5. Educational methodologies and terminology sufficient to train/educate users and providers of laboratory services;
6. Principles and practices of clinical study design, implementation and dissemination of results.

Accreditation

Responsibilities of Clinical Laboratory Science and Clinical Supervisors

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

Expectations, policies, and responsibilities of CLS students

Academic Policies

1. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in any semester in the program,
2. A student accepts remediation due to failure of a component in a single course,
3. A grade of “D” or “F” in any one course. The course must be repeated at the next course offering. A core course may be repeated only once. A student will not be allowed to matriculate into the next course in the sequence, or to the senior curriculum, or clinical preceptorship, until all courses have a grade of “C” or above.
4. Failure to attain minimal skill levels in required clinical competencies as determined by the clinical instructor and clinical education coordinator

1. Complaint of misconduct as stated in the TTUHSC code of conduct https://hscweb.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/current/handbooks.aspx 
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.

• 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 Bachelor of Clinical Laboratory Science degree is not contingent upon the student passing the certification exam.

Professional Conduct

Technology Requirements

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

Proctor service requirements for cameras:

1. Proctor service does not officially support computers with more than one (1) integrated camera. Microsoft Surfaces, 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet, and Smart Phone 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. 

CLS Curriculum Information

• 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

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

• 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 CLS program will be provided an example of the Clinical Preceptorship Assignment Form (CPAF, Appendix C) and Policy in the departmental handbook.
3. A current up to date CPAF is provided to the student during the winter lab week following the completion of the fall semester.
4. The completed CPAF is returned 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:
    a. Available contracted clinical slots
    b. Needs of the CLS program 
    c. Needs of the affiliate
    d. Needs of the student
6. Each student will receive two copies of a contract during the spring 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. Students failing to return the contracts within five working days are at risk of forfeiting their clinical preceptorship slot. 
7. Proof of health insurance must be presented to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs (806-743-3220) by the deadline assigned. 

Clinical Preceptorship Grade Policy
The student must score at least a 70% on each post-test and practical, if appropriate, a 60% or above on the professional evaluation and demonstrate all tasks at the PAS level to successfully complete HPCS 4752, Clinical Preceptorship.

APPENDIX A

• I am aware that the Second Degree/Laboratory Certificate 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 that during the course of my enrollment, confidential information may be made available to me (e.g., student information, and other related data). I understand that 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 that, 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 that my signature below indicates that I understand the above statements and acknowledge my responsibility to read the Second Degree/Laboratory Certificate 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 an actual clinical setting or in a simulated or demonstration setting 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

1. The student must have adequate gross mobility in order to maneuver in a timely and safe fashion throughout the department.
2. 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.
3. 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.