MLS Student Handbook 2025-2026

Medical Laboratory Sciences Student Handbook 2025-2026 Academic Year

Welcome

This handbook is compiled to answer questions concerning the general policies and procedures of the Wichita State University (WSU) Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Program. It serves as a reference and guide as you complete the requirements of the program.

We hope this handbook will make life simpler, get you started in the right direction, and help you along the way. Problems and questions will arise, and when they do, please contact the Medical Laboratory Sciences office and we will do our best to assist you.

Contact information for MLS is:

Mailing address:
Medical Laboratory Sciences Program
1845 Fairmount
Wichita, KS 67260-0043
Phone: (316) 978-3146
Email: mls@wichita.edu
Physical location:
Ahlberg Hall, Room 107

Faculty and Staff

Mission, Goals, Objectives, and Outcome Measures

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences is to improve the health of the community by:

• Educating resourceful, adaptable, and well-prepared individuals to serve and lead the medical laboratory sciences profession
• Contributing to the body of knowledge for Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Facilitating lifelong learning for Medical Laboratory Scientists

Program Goals

Goal: To prepare students as competent Medical Laboratory Scientists as defined by the program’s local and regional community of interest and by national board credentialing examination matrices.

Objectives and Outcome Measures

Objective 1

Upon graduation, the student will demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate information relevant to the role of a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Outcome Measures:

• Comprehensive written examinations administered at program completion (minimum passing grade of 70%)
• National Board Credentialing examination by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), with a program pass rate equal to or greater than the national pass rate
• Indication of satisfaction with program graduates by employers. Employer satisfaction surveys conducted at two-year intervals

Objective 2

Upon graduation, students will demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills required to practice in the profession.

Outcome Measures:

• Ratings at or above minimal performance levels on clinical rotation checklists completed by clinical instructors at the end of the rotation.
• Indication of satisfaction with program graduates by employers. Employers are surveyed at two -year intervals.

Objective 3

Upon graduation, students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and interact with patients, physicians, and other health professionals in a manner consistent with employer standards.

Outcome Measures:

• Summative affective evaluations completed by clinical rotation instructors. Evaluations are conducted at the end of each clinical rotation.
• Indication of satisfaction with program graduates by employers. Employers are surveyed at two-year intervals.

Competencies of the Graduate

As described by the certification agency for Medical Laboratory Sciences, American Society for Clinical Pathology, the graduate must be competent in areas of Body Fluids, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology and Microbiology. The following competencies are assessed by the certification agency:

Applied knowledge of theory and principles related to:

• anatomy (Body Fluids)
• biochemistry (Chemistry and Hematology)
• education
• genetics (Blood Bank and Molecular Diagnostics)
• growth characteristics/diagnostic and infective forms (Microbiology)
• immunology (Blood Bank and Immunology)
• laboratory information systems
• physiology (Body Fluids, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology)
• data security/patient confidentiality
• fundamental biological characteristics related to laboratory testing
• medical terminology
• principles of performing basic/special laboratory procedures
• sources of error in laboratory testing
• standard operating procedures
• theory and practice related to laboratory operations (management/safety/education/R&D)

Selects appropriate:

• controls for test performed
• course of action
• instruments for new laboratory procedures
• instruments to perform requested test
• quality control procedures
• reagents/media/blood products
• routine/special procedures to verify test results
• type of sample and method for test requested

Prepares and processes:

• controls
• equipment and instruments
• reagents/media/blood products
• specimens

Calculates results and assesses test results by correlating laboratory data with:

• clinical or other laboratory data
• physiologic processes to validate test results and procedures
• quality control data
• results obtained by alternate methodologies

Evaluates:

• appropriate actions and methods
• corrective actions
• patient-related requirements
• possible sources of error or inconsistencies
• quality control procedures
• specimen-related requirements

Evaluates laboratory data to:

• assess test for procedural validity/accuracy
• assure personnel safety
• check for procedural/technical problems
• make identifications
• recognize and report abnormal test results and/or the need for additional testing
• recognize and resolve possible inconsistent results/sources of error
• recognize related disease states
• take corrective action
• verify test results for reporting

Competencies of the Graduate

As described by the certification agency for Medical Laboratory Sciences, American Society for Clinical Pathology, the graduate must be competent in areas of Body Fluids, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology and Microbiology. The following competencies are assessed by the certification agency:

Applied knowledge of theory and principles related to:

• anatomy (Body Fluids)
• biochemistry (Chemistry and Hematology)
• education
• genetics (Blood Bank and Molecular Diagnostics)
• growth characteristics/diagnostic and infective forms (Microbiology)
• immunology (Blood Bank and Immunology)
• laboratory information systems
• physiology (Body Fluids, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology)
• data security/patient confidentiality
• fundamental biological characteristics related to laboratory testing
• medical terminology
• principles of performing basic/special laboratory procedures
• sources of error in laboratory testing
• standard operating procedures
• theory and practice related to laboratory operations (management/safety/education/R&D)

Selects appropriate:

• controls for test performed
• course of action
• instruments for new laboratory procedures
• instruments to perform requested test
• quality control procedures
• reagents/media/blood products
• routine/special procedures to verify test results
• type of sample and method for test requested

Prepares and processes:

• controls
• equipment and instruments
• reagents/media/blood products
• specimens

Calculates results and assesses test results by correlating laboratory data with:

• clinical or other laboratory data
• physiologic processes to validate test results and procedures
• quality control data
• results obtained by alternate methodologies

Evaluates:

• appropriate actions and methods
• corrective actions
• patient-related requirements
• possible sources of error or inconsistencies
• quality control procedures
• specimen-related requirements

Evaluates laboratory data to:

• assess test for procedural validity/accuracy
• assure personnel safety
• check for procedural/technical problems
• make identifications
• recognize and report abnormal test results and/or the need for additional testing
• recognize and resolve possible inconsistent results/sources of error
• recognize related disease states
• take corrective action
• verify test results for reporting

Professional Behavior

Students in the MLS program will strive to develop habits of reliability, accuracy, timeliness, safety and confidentiality in all professional practices by:

• Arriving on time and ready to perform all activities in lecture and lab
• Taking opportunities given to prepare for professional practice
• Providing accurate, timely laboratory results so that primary care providers/clinical faculty may make accurate, timely diagnoses/assessments
• Accepting responsibility for didactic and laboratory course work
• Maintaining academic integrity
• Demonstrating ethical behavior
• Maintaining respect for others at all times
• Observing and practicing the safety rules of the institution at all times
• Ensuring that the confidentiality of every patient is protected

Student Leadership

Each class elects student liaisons (President, Vice-President, Secretary) to serve as board members for the Medical Laboratory Sciences Student Association and to interact with the program director and/or chair of MLS Department, the Dean of the College of Health Professions (CHP) and other members of university leadership as needed. You will be asked to elect these representatives after two or three weeks into the semester to allow you to get to know each other.

The Medical Laboratory Sciences Professional Program

The professional curriculum in the WSU MLS program is designed to provide the student with a strong background in the principles and methodologies involved in the various areas of Medical Laboratory Sciences. The full-time professional curriculum is four semesters in length; the part-time program is six semesters in length. The professional curriculum consists of 52 credit hours in MLS courses.

A reduced-credit-hour option is also available for graduates of associate degree medical laboratory technician programs with ASCP certification; this 27 to 32 credit hour program offers activities which extend the medical laboratory skills and knowledge of the associate degree program.

Upon satisfactory completion of any of these programs, the graduate will be eligible to sit for national certification exams.

Accreditation

The Program is accredited by:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: (773) 714-8880
http://www.naacls.org/ 

Admission Criteria

Deadline for receipt by the MLS Office for all application materials, including references, is March 15 for fall semester entry and October 15 for spring semester entry. Students will be accepted for full-time and part-time enrollment. Students must be full-time during the Clinical Semester.

ACCEPTANCE is based on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (GPA):
   • Minimum Overall GPA of 2.75 on a 0 - 4.0 scale.
   • Points are assigned as follows: Overall GPA x 10 = points. (Example; GPA of 2.75: 2.75 x 10 = 27.5 points)
     
     Note: All science prerequisite courses for the MLS program must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or above on a 0 – 4.0 scale (C or better) and within the past 10 years before entering the professional phase of the MLS Program.
2. Three References (2 Science-based, 1 Professional): Maximum of 15 points to be determined as follows:
   • Statements/evaluations support high recommendation of candidate – 5 points each
   • Statements/evaluations support recommendation – 4 points each
   • Statements/evaluations support recommendation with reservation – 2 points each
3. Application Form: Maximum of 18 points may be assigned. Points will be based upon activities, such as those listed:

1. Evidence of knowledge of healthcare (up to 6 points), such as:
   • Work/volunteer in a medical laboratory - up to 6 points
   • Work/volunteer in healthcare or patient care, other than medical laboratory - up to 4 points
2. Evidence of ability to lead or participate in diverse teams (up to 6 points):
   • Leadership activities in a team (i.e. President, class officer) – up to 6 points
   • Team participation – up to 6 points
3. Evidence of knowledge of the profession and presentation of application (up to 6 points):
   • Rationale for entering the MLS profession, neatness and accuracy – up to 6 points

MINIMUM POINTS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE:
55 points. Deviation from the minimum number of points must be considered by the Department Admission/Exception Committee.

INTERVIEW AND BASIC SKILLS ASSESSMENT:
Students who have earned the minimum points for acceptance are required to participate in an interview and basic skills assessment. The skills assessment will be based on the technical standards for admission into the MLS program as stated below.

FILE REACTIVATION:
If entry to the program was denied based upon GPA or grades, documentation of improvement or repeat course work must be submitted. Should the majority of the committee agree that a reference might be invalid, a new reference from another source will be requested. All new material submitted shall become part of the applicant’s permanent file. MLS students are accepted into the professional program as full-time or half-time enrollment. Half-time enrollment option must have program director/chair approval prior to admission. All students must be full-time during the Clinical Semester.

WSU NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, genetic information or disability. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205; telephone (316) 978-6791.

Questions or concerns, please contact College of Health Professions, Medical Laboratory Sciences at mls@wichita.edu or (316) 978-3146.

Technical Standards (Essential Functions) and Disability Services

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences signifies that the holder is eligible to sit for the Board of Certification exam and is prepared for entry into the MLS profession. Graduates of the program must have the knowledge and skills to function in a variety of clinical, research and industrial laboratory settings. Therefore, MLS students must demonstrate the following essential functions to participate fully in learning activities while not endangering the public, other students, patients and their test results.

The following Essential Functions are functions that every MLS, with or without reasonable accommodation, needs to successfully participate in clinical activities.

Essential Observational Requirement for Medical Laboratory Sciences:
The MLS student must be able to:

• read and comprehend written instructions, interpret charts, graphs, and test results, discriminate major colors, and use a microscope to observe and identify specimen characteristics within a given time period.

Essential Communication Requirements for Medical Laboratory Sciences:
The MLS student must be able to:

• communicate effectively and accurately receive and transmit verbal and written information from and to others.

Essential Movement Requirements for Medical Laboratory Sciences:
The MLS student must be able to:

• move freely and safely from one location to another in the clinical laboratory and patient rooms.

Essential Fine Motor Functions for the Medical Laboratory Sciences:
The MLS student must:

• possess the motor skills necessary to safely and accurately perform diagnostic laboratory procedures, manipulate and operate instruments, and equipment, perform phlebotomy, and to lift and move objects.

Essential Behavioral Requirements for Medical Laboratory Sciences:
The MLS student must be able to:

• make full use of his/her intellectual ability at all times and be able to maintain a professional attitude and recognize and respond appropriately to emergencies and other non-routine situations.

Office of Disability Services

Wichita State University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to otherwise qualified students with disabilities to afford such students an opportunity equal to that provided to non-disabled students to achieve a desired educational outcome. A “qualified individual” with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodations, meets Wichita State University MLS academic requirements and Technical Standards. Students wishing to request reasonable accommodation must contact the Wichita State University Office of Disability Services (ODS).

In accordance with the directives of the Americans with Disabilities Act, students admitted to the program are required to inform program faculty as soon as possible of any special learning needs so that reasonable accommodations are in place and to ensure these needs are met. ODS determines qualified disability status and assists students in obtaining appropriate accommodation and services. Decisions regarding reasonable accommodation are determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration each student’s disability-related needs, disability documentation, and program requirements.

While the MLS program will make every effort to work with students with a disability to accommodate their disability-related needs, the MLS program is not required to provide accommodation that fundamentally alters or waives essential program requirements.

Students should contact ODS directly at disability.services@wichita.edu or 316-978-3309.

Curriculum and Requirements

The WSU, MLS program is a university-based program that culminates in a Bachelor of Science in MLS (BSMLS). The WSU, MLS program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The curriculum of the WSU MLS program is guided by the standards of NAACLS.

To earn the BS in MLS at WSU, the student must successfully complete pre-professional coursework and the seventeen-month professional program. The professional program consists of twelve months of formal lectures and student laboratory sessions provided on-campus at WSU, followed by a full-time Clinical Semester in a medical facility.

MLS students participate in over 100 hours of student laboratory practice on the WSU campus before they are eligible to enter the clinical phase of the program. Student laboratory sessions provide the student with opportunities to practice basic clinical procedures on prepared specimens in a controlled setting. Student laboratories afford the student “hands-on” practice before practicing on actual patients.

During the Clinical Semester, the student rotates through the specialized clinical laboratory departments at the medical facility. The clinical experience provides an opportunity for students to apply their newly acquired skills, knowledge and attitudes as a member of the health care team.

Graduates of the program are awarded a BS in MLS degree and are eligible to apply for national certification examinations.

Prerequisites of the Program

All students earning a baccalaureate degree at WSU must complete the general education requirements of the university.

Applicants to the MLS program must also complete the required science prerequisite courses prior to entering the program. Some of the required science prerequisite courses may also satisfy the university general education requirements. The required science prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of admittance into the program. The program science prerequisite courses are:

• General Biology
• General Chemistry (at chemistry major level with lab), 2 semesters
• Biochemistry
• Human or Mammalian Anatomy/Physiology
• General or Introductory Microbiology
• Immunology or Immunobiology

Orientation

All newly admitted students must attend program orientation at the beginning of the program.

At the completion of orientation and before attending student laboratories, the student will, at minimum:

• Recognize the Standard Precautions for biosafety and chemical safety in a medical laboratory.
• Identify the location of all safety equipment in the student laboratory by participating in lab tour.
• Recognize requirements for patient confidentiality under HIPAA.
• State the policies and procedures of the WSU MLS program.
• Identify correct procedure for basic venipuncture and perform the procedure on a simulation mannequin arm.
• Utilize micropipettes and serological pipettes to accurately measure fluids.
• Perform Kohler Illumination procedure on brightfield microscopes.

Program Curriculum Requirements

In addition to courses listed on the Program Plan, the student must complete the following requirements prior to progression to the Clinical Semester:

Phlebotomy:

• Completion of venipuncture and capillary puncture assessments
• Successful evaluation of competency after completion of assessments

Community Service/Interprofessional Practice:

• Activities/Events which total at least 10 hours, demonstrating service to the community or practice with health professionals other than medical laboratory professionals
• Completion of post-event summary regarding the activities performed

Full-Time Program Plan

Students may begin the program in the fall or spring semester. The full-time professional program is four semesters in length. Three semesters are completed on campus; the fourth and last semester, the clinical semester, is completed at a medical facility.

The Clinical Semester: These courses are taken in the last semester of study and are offered every semester.

Total Program Hours: 54

Part Time (Half-time) Program Plan

Students may begin the part time program in fall or spring semester. The part time professional program is six semesters in duration. Five semesters are completed on-campus, and one semester is completed at a medical facility. The part-time option is not available during the summer semester nor the clinical semester.

Assigned semesters are scheduled to allow two part-time students to enroll in one full-time opening. The program has only two part-time student positions/semester. Applicants must apply as a part-time student if you wish to be considered as part-time in the program. Students may individualize the program only upon permission of the program director.

The Clinical Semester: These courses are taken in the last semester of study and are offered every semester.

Total Program Hours: 54

MLT-to-MLS Program Plan

MLT students (students who have earned an associate degree as medical laboratory technicians and hold ASCP or equivalent certification) may begin the professional program with advanced standing. Students may individualize the program only upon permission of the program director.

The Clinical Semester: Applied Practice is completed in the last semester of study and is offered every semester. Number of required semester hours depends on the extent of the MLT-to-MLS student’s documented work experience.

Total Program Hours: 29–34

Instructional Facilities

The program has instructional facilities available to aid the students in their professional education. Computers are available for student use in the Offices of Technology Services, Student Lab, Room 100, Ahlberg Hall and in the University library.

Lecture rooms are assigned by either the College of Health Professions office or the University and are usually located in Ahlberg Hall. Student laboratories are scheduled by the department in rooms 113, 125, 127 and 129 of Ahlberg Hall.

Facilities Note: The College of Health Professions supports students who choose to breastfeed their infants; a private area will be provided upon request. Contact the MLS department for more information.

WSU Requirements for Graduation

To be eligible for graduation from Wichita State University, students must have credit for minimum of 120 acceptable semester hours toward their degree and a GPA in the major of 2.5 (in a scoring system of 0-4) and at least a “C” or CR (credit) in all required major and program pre-requisite courses.

Students transferring from a two-year college must complete at least 60 credits in a four-year college/university. Students must have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours in upper division (300 level or greater) coursework in order to qualify for graduation.

Medical Laboratory Sciences Course Descriptions

MLS 400. Clinical Laboratory Management/Education (3)

A study of the principles and methodologies of laboratory management and supervision, and teaching techniques applicable to the clinical laboratory sciences. Prerequisite: program consent.

Content Outline

• Quality Assessment
  • Compliance
  • Regulation
• Safety
• Purchasing
  • Inventory Control
• Competency
• Education and Communication
• Laboratory Information Systems

MLS 453. Clinical Chemistry (8) 6R 2L

This course includes the study of the principles, concepts, and techniques used in the clinical chemistry laboratory for the analysis of serum, plasma, and other body fluids. Correlations of chemical substances in the body and the assessment of health and disease are emphasized. Applicable practice in procedures used for chemical analysis of body fluids is provided, including the physical, chemical and microscopic analysis of urine.

Coursework will include the study of Clinical Laboratory Regulation, General Laboratory Operations and Safety, and Instrumentation Methodologies, as well as coursework in the following areas: Carbohydrates, Proteins and other Non-Protein Nitrogen-Containing Compounds, Heme Synthesis and Derivatives, Enzymes, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, Lipids and Lipoproteins, Hormones, Tumor Markers, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, and Toxicology. Prerequisite: Admission into the MLS program.

Content Outline of Clinical Chemistry

• Clinical Laboratory Regulation and Guidelines
  • CLIA, CMS, OSHA, FDA, NAACLS, JCAHCO, CAP, et.
• Quality Control/Quality Assurance
  • Proficiency Testing
• Specimen Collection and Processing
  • Venipuncture (all methods), Fingersticks
  • Specimen processing methods
• Laboratory Math
  • Conversions
  • Solutions, Dilutions
  • QC Statistics and Westgard Rules
  • Method Evaluation/Validation
• Laboratory Safety
  • Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical Hygiene, Fire Safety, Electrical Safety

• Laboratory Instrumentation
  • Chemistry Instrumentation Principles (Spectrophotometry, Turbidimetry, Nephelometry, Chemiluminescence, Fluorometry, Reflectance Spec., Electrophoresis, Immunoassay, Chromatography, Electrochemistry/ISE, Atomic Absorption, et.)
  • Calibration, Quality Control, Specimen Analysis (Preanalytical, Analytical, and Postanalytical Concepts)
  • Troubleshooting
• Carbohydrate Assessment and Associated Disorders
  • Glucose
  • Glycosylated hemoglobin
  • Other carbohydrates (e.g. fructose)
  • Lactic acid
  • Glucose measurement in urine and CSP fluids
• Renal Assessment and Associated Disorders
  • Non-Protein Nitrogen Compounds (Creatinine, BUN, Uric acid)
  • Electrolytes
  • Sweat analysis
• Hepatic Assessment and Associated Disorders
  • Proteins/Globulins
  • Bilirubin, Urobilinogen
  • Liver Enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, GTT, et.)
  • Ammonia
  • Hepatitis Infections, HBV/HCV Serological Markers
• Heme Derivative and Associated Disorders
  • Hemoglobin, Myoglobin
  • Iron, TIBC, Ferritin, Transferrin, Porphyrins
• Cardiac Assessment and Associated Disorders
  • Lipids (Cholesterol, Triglycerides)
  • Lipoproteins (Chylomicrons, HDL, LDL, VLDL)
  • Cardiac Biomarkers (Troponin, Myoglobin, CK, LD, et.)
  • BNP/ST2
  • Cardiac Risk Assessment
• Respiratory System Assessment and Associated Disorders
  • Buffer systems
  • pH, pCO2, pO2 parameters
  • Blood Gas instrumentation (QC & Cal, analysis, interpretation of results)
  • Osmolality, Anion Gap, Base excess
  • CO, MetHgb, SulfHgb, et.
  • Cooximetry
• Pancreatic and Digestive Assessment and Associated Disorders
  • Digestive and Pancreatic enzymes (Amylase, lipase, et.)
  • Digestive and Pancreatic hormones
  • Gastric fluid analysis
  • Metabolism of Nutrients, Vitamin Analysis
• Endocrinology/Reproductive Endocrinology/Fetal Disorders
  • Thyroid, Adrenal, and Pituitary Gland Function and Assessment (T3, T4, TBG, TSH, ACTH, Cortisol, GH, ADH, Catecholamines, et.)
  • Reproductive Gland Function and Assessment (hCG, FSH, LH, Estriol, Estradiol, Estrone, Prog., Test., et.)
  • Other related hormone issues (PCOS, Infertility issues)
  • Fetal Disorders (Downs & Edwards Syndromes, Genetic Metabolic Disorders, et.)
  • Phospholipids and Lung Maturity assays
  • Amniotic Fluid analysis
  • Seminal Fluid analysis
• Bone Metabolism and Associated Disorders
  • Bone Marker Analysis (Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, et.)
  • Hormone Analysis (PTH, Calcitonin, et.)
  • Bone regulation
• Tumor markers
  • Tissue-related tumor markers (AFP, CEA, hCG, PSA, CA15-3, CA-125, et.)
• TDM and Toxicology
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Drugs of abuse
  • Screening & Confirmatory methods
  • Trace Elements (copper, mercury, lead, zinc, et.)
• Immunology Concepts (covered in Clinical Chemistry)
  • HBV Vaccination, HBV/HCV Infection (Acute vs. Chronic), HBV/HCV Serological Markers, HAV
  • Immunoassay methodologies (Competitive vs. Non-competitive assays, Homogenous vs. Heterogenous assays, Antigen & Antibody interaction in Clinical Chemistry assays, Hook Effect phenomena
  • Autoimmune Diseases: Graves & Hashimoto’s Disease
  • Electrophoresis Pattern associations with autoimmune disease

MLS 452. Principles of Urinalysis (2) 1R 1L

This course involves the study of urine with special emphasis on renal physiology and the physical, chemical and microscopic analysis of urine, as well as the clinical correlation of results with disease conditions.

Content Outline of Urinalysis

• Function of the urinary system including formation and flow of urine
• Urine collection methods
• Urinalysis (physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis)
• Manual and automated urinalysis methodologies, including calibration and quality control
• Disease correlation with urinary findings

MLS 463. Clinical Hematology (8) 6R 2L

The course emphasizes the theory underlying basic and advanced procedures performed in the hematology laboratory and the relationship between these procedures and the diagnosis of hematological disorders. The clinical significance of laboratory data and its correlation with pathologic conditions are discussed.

The laboratory component of the course includes performance of basic and advanced hematology procedures including manual and automated complete blood counts, normal and abnormal differentials, cytochemical stains, and routine hemostasis testing. Prerequisites: Admission to the MLS program.

Content Outline of Hematology/Hemostasis

• Red Blood Cells and Indices
  • RBC count
  • Hemoglobin, hematocrit and indices
• White Blood Cells
  • WBC count
  • Cytochemical stains
• CBC (includes count, morphology and/or differential)
• Reticulocyte Count and Other RBC Inclusions
• ESR
• Tests for Hemoglobin Defects
  • Sickle cell tests
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis
• Morphology and Differentials
  • Red Blood Cell Morphology
  • White Blood Cell Morphology
  • Differential (Whole Blood and Bone Marrow)
  • Platelet Morphology
• Anemias and Leukemias
• Immunology procedures
  • Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANAs)
  • Infectious mono testing
• Analysis including cell identification and disease correlation of:
  • CSF, synovial, and serous fluid
• Platelets and Hemostasis
  • Platelet count
  • Bleeding time and platelet function
  • PT, aPTT, TT
  • Fibrinogen, FDP, D-dimer
  • Factor assays
  • Circulating inhibitors (Lupus, Factor VIII, etc.)
  • Factor V Leiden, ATIII, Plasminogen, Prothrombin gene mutation, MTHFR, etc.
  • Mixing studies
  • Anticoagulant therapy

MLS 473. Immunohematology (8) 6R 2L

The practice and procedures in the transfusion service and donor center will be presented, including the application of genetics and immunology to blood group serology. Problem-solving in transfusion medicine, including complex antibody identification techniques and resolution of serological incompatibilities encountered in blood typing, compatibility testing of blood products, hemotherapy, testing for Rh immunoglobulin, as well as problems resulting from hemolytic disease of the newborn and hemolytic anemia is explored.

Practice is offered in the techniques relevant to the performance of blood bank testing by the medical laboratory scientist in both the donor center and transfusion center, including automated testing methods, collection, storage and processing of blood components for transfusion. Reagents, testing of blood products and quality principles in blood banking will be summarized. Pre-requisite: Admission to the MLS Program.

Content Outline of Immunohematology (Blood Bank)

• ABO
• Rh
• Antibody Screen
• Antibody Identification
  • Duffy
  • Ii
  • Kell
  • Kidd
  • Lewis
  • MNS
  • P
  • Rh
  • Multiple antibodies
• Crossmatch
• Special Tests
  • DAT
  • Phenotyping and genotyping
  • Elution/adsorption
  • Antibody titer
  • Pre-warm technique
  • Rosette and Kleihauer-Betke
• Blood Donation
  • Donor requirements
  • Donor testing
• Transfusion Therapy
  • RBC
  • PLT
  • FFP
  • Cryoprecipitated AHF
  • RhIG
• Transfusion Reactions
• HDFN
• Immunology Concepts (covered in Immunohematology)
  • Overview of Immune System
  • Differentiate between Innate and Acquired Immunity
  • Functions of cells involved in the immune system: B Cells, T Cells, Antigen Presenting Cells, Cytokines, Lymphokines, and chemokines.
  • Characteristics of Immunoglobulins: IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM
  • Complement System: Classical, Alternative, and lectin Pathway. Membrane Attack Complex, Binding of Complement by RBC Antibodies.
  • Characteristics of Antigens
  • Characteristics of Blood Group Antibodies (Polyclonal and Monoclonal Antibodies, naturally occurring and immune antibodies)
  • Characteristics of Antigen-Antibody Reactions (size, intermolecular binding forces, charge, biochemical composition, accessibility, and structural stability).
  • Factors influencing Agglutinations.

MLS 494. Special Topics in Microbiology (3) 2R 1L

The study of the medically important fungi, parasites, viruses, and other obligate intracellular organisms emphasizing their identification in the clinical laboratory. Discusses life cycles and their relation to the infection/disease process.

Content Outline of Special Topics in Microbiology

• Fungi
  • Yeast (e.g., Candida, Cryptococcus, Geotrichum, Malassezia)
  • Dimorphic fungi (e.g., Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Histoplasma, Sporothrix)
  • Dermatophytes (e.g., Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Trichophyton)
  • Zygomycetes (e.g., Absidia, Mucor, Rhizopus)
  • Opportunistic molds/septate hyaline molds (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium)
  • Dematiaceous molds
• Viruses
• Other microorganisms
• Parasites
  • Diagnostic techniques: fecal analysis, serology, blood smear examination
  • Blood and tissue protozoa (e.g., Plasmodium, Pneumocystis, Trypanosoma)
  • Intestinal and urogenital protozoa (e.g., Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, Giardia, Trichomonas)
  • Intestinal and tissue helminths (e.g., Ascaris, Enterobius, hookworm, Schistosoma, Strongyloides, Taenia, Trichinella, Trichuris)

MLS 495. Clinical Microbiology (8) 6R 2L

Theory and practice of isolation and identification of human pathogenic micro-organisms, including (a) procedures for specimen processing in the clinical laboratory; (b) normal flora of human body sites; (c) morphological, cultural and serologic characteristics of medically significant micro-organisms; and (d) antimicrobial principles and susceptibility testing techniques. Prerequisite: admission to the MLS program.

Basic theory and laboratory practice of a) procedures for specimen processing in the clinical laboratory; b) normal flora of human body sites; c) morphological, cultural and serologic characteristics of medically significant bacteria, fungi and parasites; and d) antimicrobial principles and susceptibility testing techniques. Pre-requisite: Admission to the MLS program.

Content Outline of Clinical Microbiology

• General Microbiology, Pre-Analytical and Susceptibility Testing
• Aerobic Gram-positive Cocci: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, other (e.g., Gemella, Leuconostoc, Micrococcus)
• Enterobacteriaceae: Citrobacter, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Morganella, Proteus, Providencia, Salmonella, Serratia, Shigella, Yersinia
• Other Gram-negative Bacilli: Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Bordetella, Brucella, Campylobacter, Eikenella, Francisella, Haemophilus, Helicobacter, Legionella, Pasteurella, Plesiomonas, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas, Chryseobacterium, Vibrio, HACEK, Bartonella, Capnocytophagia
• Mycobacteria
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (e.g., tuberculosis)
  • Other Mycobacteria (e.g., avium, M. avium-intracellulare, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. kansasii, M. leprae, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum)
• Aerobic Gram-negative Cocci (e.g., Neisseria, Moraxella)
• Aerobic or Facultative Gram-positive Bacilli: Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Erysipelothrix, Gardnerella, Lactobacillus, Listeria, Norcardia, Streptomyces
• Anaerobes
  • Gram-positive: Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Eubacterium, Actinomyces Peptostreptococcus, Propionibacterium
  • Gram-negative: Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Veillonella
• Specimen processing and interpretation of bacterial cultures
  • Urine, genital, stool, throat, lower respiratory, blood, and body fluids
• Identification methods of microorganisms
  • Serology, fluorescent antibody testing, agglutination, enzyme immunoassay, molecular, manual and automated biochemical testing, macroscopic and microscopic observation, MALDI-TOF
• Molecular Techniques
  • Methods of extraction: solid, liquid, column based
  • Methods of amplification: PCR, RT-PCR, isothermal
  • Methods of visualization: qPCR, electrophoresis, sequencing

MLS 411. Special Topic in Applied Clinical Practice (1–6)

MLT -MLS clinical practicum

Advanced Course Descriptions (MLT-to-MLS)

MLS 458 – Advanced Clinical Chemistry (4). Customized course for MLT – MLS option using content from MLS 453 – Clinical Chemistry.

MLS 468 – Advanced Clinical Hematology (4). Customized course for MLT – MLS option using content from MLS 463 – Clinical Hematology.

MLS 478 – Advanced Immunohematology (4). Customized course for MLT – MLS option using content from MLS 473 – Immunohematology.

MLS 499 – Advanced Clinical Microbiology (4). Customized course for MLT – MLS option using content from MLS 499 – Clinical Microbiology.

Required / Recommended Textbooks

Current Textbook information for the following courses may be found in each individual course syllabus, on each individual course Blackboard site, and listed as required or recommended textbooks in the Wichita State University Bookstore:

• MLS 400
• MLS 453 and 458
• MLS 452
• MLS 463 and 468
• MLS 473 and 478
• MLS 482
• MLS 494, 495 and 499
• MLS 411, 479, 488 and 498 - no text required (all program textbooks are recommended references)

Program Expenses (Estimates)

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Regents and are subject to change.

Current tuition and fees can be found at the following URL:
https://www.wichita.edu/services/tuitionfees/index.php

The university refund policy may be found at:
https://www.wichita.edu/services/tuitionfees/policies.php

^*The program application deposit is non-refundable. It is applied to tuition for MLS courses when the program commences. The acceptance fee is forfeited if the program is not commenced.

^**This expense will be waived if the conference fee for students is waived or if the MLS Student Association acquires necessary funding to attend the KSCLS meeting during the spring semester of the program.

Transportation and living costs (room and board) are not covered during any phase of the MLS Program. Living expenses vary by student depending on personal situation and the assigned rotations during the clinical semester. Students should expect to pay for housing at one or more clinical rotation sites. Some students maintain their local housing during the clinical semester and others do not. Therefore, students should expect an increase in transportation/housing costs during the clinical semester.

Financial Assistance (Scholarship Information)

Scholarships and grants are available through the University, College of Health Professions, and MLS Department by submitting an application through Scholarship Universe, which is the university-wide scholarship system.

For scholarship information, consult with the MLS Department Chair, Program Director or the CHP Scholarship Coordinator. Department-specific scholarships are available through the Scholarship Universe system and are awarded in the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for these scholarships, an application must be completed in Scholarship Universe.

Scholarships may be available through various professional organizations outside of Wichita State University. When these opportunities come available, the MLS Program Director will notify the students and provide information on how to apply.

Policies You Need to Know

Safety Policies

Student laboratory and clinical setting experiences are important aspects of study for all programs of the College of Health Professions. Such study comes with responsibilities: you must protect yourself from infectious agents with which you may come into contact and your patients must be protected from agents which you may spread.

The student laboratory is a simulation of clinical experience. All safety procedures that are in place in a clinical facility are also in place in the student laboratories. During Clinical Semester, students will follow the policies and procedures of the clinical facility.

Rules for the Student Laboratory

Students and faculty in the MLS program are expected to observe the following rules:

1. Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics or smoke in the lab area. Do not store food or drinks in the lab area. Do not use electronic devices, such as cell phones or i-pads/pods, which may become contaminated or distract faculty and students from safety alarms, in the lab.
2. Wear a buttoned/snapped lab coat; closed-toed and heeled shoes; and WSU scrubs in the lab area. Remove the lab coat when leaving the lab.
3. Wear gloves at all times when handling body fluids (blood, urine and other fluids from the body).
   1. Remove gloves when leaving the lab area.
   2. Wash hands after removing gloves and before leaving the lab area.
4. Open specimen containers which may produce aerosols (Vacutainers, tubes with corks, etc.) under plastic shields.
5. Know where and how to use different types of fire extinguishers.
6. Know the location and use of safety showers and eyewashes.
7. Know the location and use of fire blankets.
8. Know the safety protocol for evacuating the lab or the building.
9. Know the location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
10. Know the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to classify and label hazardous chemicals.
11. Add acid to water (alphabetical), not water to acid.
12. Do not pipette by mouth; use a bulb.
13. Maintain a clean and orderly workstation. Wipe down bench tops with disinfectant at the completion of a lab session. Clean up spills immediately.
14. Dispose of waste in the proper container:
    • Dispose of contaminated needles and sharp objects in biohazardous sharps containers.
    • Dispose of broken glass in the container that is labeled for broken glass.
    • Place dirty glassware in containers for wash.
    • Do not dispose of non-infectious items in biohazardous containers.
15. Clean microscope lenses and cover microscopes after use. Turn off equipment that will not be used after the end of the lab session as directed by your lab instructor. Return reagents and supplies to their appropriate storage place.
16. Cooperate with lab instructors and your peers to maintain a safe, clean work area.

In addition to the above we will be following the CDC guidelines for Lab Safety Practices at the following url: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/lab-safety-practices.html 

Accidental Exposure Protocol

Students should be completely familiar with the safety precautions and other material detailed in the student safety manual kept in the student lab. The clinical laboratory can be a safe place to learn and work when appropriate procedures and proper equipment are utilized. However, in the event of accident, injury, or exposure to a biohazard or chemical hazard, the following protocol should be implemented:

• Immediately notify the faculty member or clinical supervisor (during clinical rotations).
• Perform appropriate first-aid procedures to include washing the skin or wound with soap and water or flooding the affected mucous membranes with water.
• If the exposure involves potential blood-borne pathogen contact to non-intact skin or mucous membranes (such as a needle stick or splashing in the eyes), or a chemical exposure or other serious injury, the student will be immediately escorted to Student Health.
• Assist the laboratory instructor in completing two incident reports for ALL injuries.
• Comply with medical advice for follow-up care.
• If the incident occurs during clinical rotations, the student should notify the Clinical supervisor and the MLS program office as soon as possible. All costs associated with this event will be the responsibility of the student.

Contact Student Health to request a exposure report form: https://www.wichita.edu/services/studenthealth/index.php 

Tornado Warning Policy

It is the policy of Wichita State University that all classes (including examinations, lectures, and laboratories in progress) and activities on campus will be officially suspended when the City of Wichita is included in an officially declared tornado warning. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors shall be instructed to seek appropriate shelter for the duration of the warning.

Evacuation plans are posted in all rooms. The MLS laboratories (Ahlberg Hall rooms 113, 125 and 127) are officially declared tornado shelters.

Program Compliance Requirements

Required Health Records

To ensure safety for patients and co-workers, students must comply with health and safety requirements of the program and the clinical affiliates of the program. The following documentation must be on file in the MLS office before starting the professional program.

Health requirements may be obtained through WSU Student Health Services (Student Wellness Center Steve Clark YMCA 2060 N Mid-Campus Drive, Wichita, KS 67208) or the student’s own health care provider.

Physical Examination:

Completion and documentation of a physical exam is required prior to the start of the Clinical semester. The physical exam must be completed within one year of the clinical semester and cover the entirety of the time in clinicals. Physical exams may be performed by your personal health care provider or WSU student health services (SHS).

Hepatitis B Vaccination (three immunizations):

Must be within 20 years. If over 20 years since last immunization a titer will be required to prove immunity and/or another vaccine must be administered. All students are required to have the Hepatitis B vaccination series started by Orientation Day and completed before entering the Clinical Semester. The series of inoculations may be received from a personal physician or from WSU Student Health Services.

Influenza vaccine*:

Documentation of immunization for current (seasonal) strain of influenza virus before entering the Clinical Semester may be required depending on clinical affiliate site. Immunization during the on-campus didactic portion of the program is strongly recommended.

Two MMRs or Positive titers:

All students, male and female, born after 1956 must have documentation of positive titers for mumps, measles and rubella or documentation of two MMR immunizations. All those students having negative titer status will have two MMR immunizations prior to beginning the Clinical Semester. All students are required to have the MMR documentation or 1st vaccine completed by Orientation Day and any additional immunizations completed before entering the Clinical Semester.

Tdap Vaccination:

Must be within 10 years. Protection against tetanus is required. The Tdap vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). All students are required to have the Tdap documentation or a current immunization by Orientation Day.

Varicella:

Documentation of titer showing immune status, or documentation of two Varicella immunizations is required. All students are required to have the Varicella documentation or 1st vaccine completed by Orientation Day and any additional immunizations completed before entering the Clinical Semester. Note: WSU Student Health Services (SHS) does not offer this immunization.

Tuberculosis Test:

All students are required to be tested for tuberculosis before the start of the Clinical Semester. Health providers will follow current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/State of Kansas guidelines for choice of test (TB skin test or Quantiferon TB Gold is acceptable).

Additional Compliance MAY be required for the Clinical Semester at some Affiliate Clinical Sites, such as:

Meningococcal Vaccine:

Documentation of immunization against Neisseria meningitis infection is required for students who will complete microbiology rotation at some medical facilities. Documentation must be received before starting the Clinical Semester for students attending rotations at these facilities.

Urine Test for Drugs of Abuse:

Documentation of negative tests for drugs of abuse is required before the start of the Clinical Semester at some affiliated site facilities.

Covid-19 vaccine*:

Documentation of initial immunization (two shots) and booster may be required depending on clinical affiliate sites.

Immunization Waivers*:

Waivers for specific immunizations may be allowed for medical and religious purposes, and this typically includes vaccinations for Influenza and COVID-19 only. Documentation must be provided by either a healthcare provider or clergy person in either of these circumstances.

There are no waivers allowed for philosophical reasons. If the student does not wish to be vaccinated, they must sign a waiver/declination form. This form will be kept in the student’s file and stored in the MLS office. Declining a vaccination may result in the student being unable to attend specific clinical affiliate sites.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is required for all students during the entirety of the WSU MLS program (for both of the on and off-campus portions of the program).

The College of Health Professions requires all MLS students to carry current health insurance during all on-campus semesters, and our affiliation agreements with clinical affiliates require documentation of current health insurance coverage throughout the Clinical Semester.

Application information for insurance may be obtained through WSU. For student insurance options, go to: https://www.wichita.edu/services/studenthealth/HealthInsuranceGeneral.php 

Pregnancy

Pregnant students are required to submit a physician's statement to the clinical coordinator verifying their ability to start or continue the Clinical Semester.

Background Checks

Clinical facilities must ensure the integrity of all people with access to patients. Background checks are required for all students entering the MLS program.

Background checks are prepared by Validity Screening Solutions, 9393 West 110th Street, Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66210 (866) 256-0624.

The background check includes criminal records, verification of employment, listing on registered sex offender lists and listing on the U.S. Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Parties Lists. The cost of obtaining such information must be assumed by the student. Results are kept on file in the MLS office.

Findings from background checks must be reported to one designated person at the healthcare facility at which a student is assigned. Findings are not shared with other individuals at the healthcare facility.

The healthcare facility will accept or deny admission of the student to their facility based on the policies of their facility. Be aware that findings of a felony or certain misdemeanors detected on the background check may determine if you can be placed at a clinical facility. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with the program director for more detailed information before applying.

Statement of Confidentiality

MLS students attend training on patient confidentiality (HIPAA) during orientation and will sign a Statement of Confidentiality. By signing this form, the student indicates that they will not discuss patient information outside of the affiliate laboratory.

This policy is enforced as a component of the Affiliation Agreement.

Liability Insurance

Each student will be required to carry professional and general liability insurance during his/her Clinical Semester.

This insurance is obtained and paid for by the College of Health Professions at no cost to the student. Proof of this insurance policy is available through the Dean’s Office in the College of Health Professions and may be presented to clinical affiliate sites as needed.

Laboratory and Clinical Semester Attire

During student laboratories and the Clinical Semester:

• Official WSU MLS scrubs will be worn at all times without accessories and maintained by washing them on a regular basis.
• Shoes that protect the entire foot including the toe and heel should be worn.
• Long hair should be secured so as not to obstruct vision or is a danger to being caught in any instrumentation or falling into biohazardous material. Beards, mustaches, and other facial hair must be kept well-trimmed and clean. Hair should not obstruct vision.
• Head coverings such as baseball caps, beanie style hats, etc. are prohibited from being worn in the laboratory. Surgical or medical style scrub caps are allowed, as well as headwear worn for religious reasons. Acceptable head coverings need to be maintained by washing them on a regular basis, must not interfere with laboratory tasks, must be non-lint producing, and be well secured at all times.
• Jewelry, such as dangling necklaces and long earrings, should not be worn in the laboratory.
• Students are expected to maintain proper hygiene.
• Students will adhere to any additional requirements of their rotation site.

Tattoos and Body Piercings

Most clinical affiliate sites will generally accept visible tattoos or body piercings in the workplace as long as they’re not offensive, unprofessional, or distracting, but it also depends on the health system or specific facility that the student is at. Unacceptable tattoos that cannot be covered or piercings that cannot be removed may result in delay of program completion if an alternate site is not available.

Required Scrubs and Lab Coats

Students must have at least one set of scrubs, including scrub top and scrub pants, for student laboratories and the Clinical Semester. The school or clinical site will provide lab coats. One lab coat per semester will be provided for student laboratories on the WSU campus. A charge of $5 may be requested for each additional lab coat.

Scrub Top Requirements

Scrub tops must be V-neck, short-sleeved and all one color. The top may be black (from the same company as pants to match the black), gold or white. Prints are not acceptable. Tops must have WSU Medical Lab Sciences or WSU Medical Laboratory Sciences, embroidered on the front left side.

WSU Medical Lab Sciences      or       WSU Medical Laboratory Sciences

Embroidery Guidelines

The WSU part can be embroidered with letters only or the official WSU logo with the wheat can be used (available through the WSU bookstore).

Embroidery thread should be yellow or gold thread on black tops; black thread on gold or white tops. Any style font is acceptable as long as it would be legible from four feet away.

Scrub Pants Requirements

The scrub pants should be black in either draw-string or elastic waist style. Pants must be full-length (no capri-style, but jogger-style cuffs okay). Length should be so they are not dragging on the floor when standing. They must be altered if they are too long. Most of the appropriate pants styles are available in average, petite and tall sizes. Pants should fit comfortably and modestly when sitting down in a straddled position.

Scrub Jackets

Scrubs jacket is optional and, if purchased, must conform to the dress policy. Jacket must be solid black with yellow or black embroidery, as described above, on the front left side as previously described.

Cold Weather Clothing

During winter months, a long-sleeved knit shirt may be worn under the scrubs top. The shirt must be black, yellow, gray, or white without decoration or writing. When in the lab, shirt sleeves must be completely covered by the lab coat.

Ordering Scrubs

Scrubs may be ordered through the WSU Shocker store, at uniforms shops in Wichita, or through online sources. You may purchase scrubs from any company. Be sure you are ordering the correct size when you request the embroidery; embroidered scrubs are not returnable. Shocker store scrubs will include the WSU logo with the wording; allow 7-21 days from order to receipt of scrubs at the Shocker store. Scrubs should be purchased for use during all student labs and all clinical rotation days.

Clinical Affiliate Policy Compliance

Students will adhere to all policies of the clinical affiliate, including dress code, when on clinical rotations. In the event facilities have less stringent policies than the WSU policies stated in this manual, students will be expected to follow the more stringent WSU policies as outlined in this manual. In the event facilities have more stringent policies than the WSU policies stated in this manual, students will be expected to follow the more stringent policies of the facility.

Your Rights

In addition to your academic rights to appeal decisions about academic progression, described in the following sections, you have the right to privacy and the right to make complaints. Your right to privacy is described by FERPA.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a Federal law which provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records. Wichita State University accords all the rights under the law to students who are declared independent.

Those rights are the right to inspect and review the student's education records; the right to request the amendment of the student's education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights; the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; the right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by Wichita State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA; and the right to obtain a copy of Wichita State University's student records policy.

You can obtain a copy of the policy from the Registrar's office.

Right to Complain – Grievance Policy

You have the right to make complaints to instructors, the program chair and administration of the college and university but be cognizant of the proper chain of command. Problems with individual courses should first be made known to the instructor of the course.

Meet with the instructor during the instructor’s office hours. If you are unable to resolve the problem, you may discuss the issue with the program director. The program director may be able to resolve the issue or may direct you to another resource within the college or university.

If you are unable to resolve your issue at the department level, you may appeal to the Dean of the College of Health Professions and then the Associate Vice President for Academic affairs.

Use the following link which can be found on the CHP website for the proper chain of command for both academic and non-academic issues: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/health_professions/chp/Policy/ug-academic-grievance-policy.php 

Academic Progression

The following policies will be followed concerning student progression in the professional phase of the WSU MLS program.

Enrollment

A student must maintain enrollment either as a full-time student or as a part-time student. The program plans for both options are listed in this handbook. Full-time enrollment is required during the Clinical Semester.

Students may not be enrolled in other non-MLS coursework during the professional phase of the MLS program, unless special permission from the Program Director and/or Department Chair is obtained.

Attendance

As outlined in the WSU Student Handbook, students are expected to attend all classes and clinical rotation days for which they are enrolled, and faculty members are expected to monitor attendance.

Administrative withdrawal may be initiated by the dean's office of the college in which the student is enrolled, if the student's class attendance is so poor that, in the instructor's opinion, full benefit cannot be derived from the course.

Each student is expected to arrive on time and stay for completion of the assigned period. No student shall expect, request, or otherwise arrange for altered assignment hours in order to participate in paid employment. If possible, students should make all appointments at times that do not interfere with assignments or class periods.

In the event of a legitimate and necessary absence, such as infectious illness, the student should:

During on-campus semesters, notify the MLS department by phone or email as soon as possible:

• Main office: (316) 978-3146
• The instructor of the class you are in (or Program Director/Dept. Chair)

During the Clinical Semester, notify the supervisor of the assigned department at the clinical affiliate by phone AND notify the Clinical Coordinator/MLS department by phone or email as soon as possible:

• Main office: (316) 978-3146
• Clinical Coordinator: (316) 978-7291 (or Program Director/Dept. Chair)

In the event of unavoidable late arrival:

During on-campus semesters, notify the MLS department by phone as soon as possible:

• Main office: (316) 978-3146
• The instructor of the class you are in (or Program Director/Dept. Chair)

During the Clinical Semester, notify the supervisor of the assigned department at the clinical affiliate by phone AND notify the Clinical Coordinator/MLS department by phone or email as soon as possible:

• Main office: (316) 978-3146
• Clinical Coordinator: (316) 978-7291 (or Program Director/Dept. Chair)

Make-Up Policy

Students are allowed to make up lecture examinations, including the final examinations, upon establishment of reasons which are satisfactory to the instructor, such as personal or immediate family illness.

Documentation of inability to attend at the scheduled time must be provided before a makeup examination is scheduled. Please see individual course syllabi for information about make-up quizzes and lab assignments.

Holidays

School holidays are posted on the university website. During the Clinical Semester, holidays will conform to the holiday schedule of the clinical affiliate of the current rotation.

These differences to the WSU holiday schedule listed for the university are necessary to provide clinical instruction when the most qualified clinical instructors are available. During the Clinical Semester, student breaks, such as spring break, are listed on the rotation schedule and are at least one week in length.

WSU Student Conduct

Students are expected to read and adhere to the policies of WSU as presented in the WSU Academic Policies and Student Code of Conduct Process and Procedures.

• https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/WSU_Academic_Policies.php 
• https://www.wichita.edu/about/student_conduct/FAQs.php 
• https://www.wichita.edu/about/student_conduct/Conduct_Process.php 

MLS Student Code of Conduct

(Includes Professionalism and Expected Behaviors, Confidentiality, Social Media and Use of Electronic Devices, and Safety Protocols)

Professionalism and Expected Behaviors

Students in the MLS program will strive to develop habits of reliability, accuracy, timeliness, safety, and confidentiality in all professional practices by:

1. Arriving on time and ready to perform all activities at the beginning of the day and after breaks, in both lecture and lab
2. Taking given opportunities to prepare for professional practice.
3. Providing accurate, timely laboratory results so that primary care providers/ faculty may make accurate, timely diagnoses/ assessments.
4. Observing and practicing the safety rules of the institution
5. Ensuring that the confidentiality of every patient is protected.

Students are expected to maintain a professional attitude during the MLS program. Professional attitude includes:

• Accepting responsibility for didactic and laboratory course work
• Maintaining patient confidentiality
• Maintaining academic integrity. Academic integrity refers to the expectation that teachers, students, researchers, and all members of the academic community act with honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility.
• Demonstrating ethical behavior by actions and words. Ethical behavior is characterized by honesty, fairness, effective communication, taking responsibility for tasks, accountability for one’s actions, trust, and mutual respect for others, and abiding by the rules of the facility.
• Maintaining respect for others at all times, including fellow students, instructors, patients and coworkers.
• Following safety protocols at all times in the clinical laboratory environment.

Non‑Professional Behaviors Include:

• Non-completion of tasks
• Unexcused tardiness or absences
• Failure to follow instructions.
• Verbal abuse including swearing, rudeness, and being overly argumentative
• Discussing protected patient information gained through student or clinical laboratory practice in a public arena.
• Using unauthorized recording devices without the instructor’s permission
• Using personal electronic devices during graded activities (lecture/lab/clinical rotations)
• Using communication devices present at the clinical rotation site that are designated for clinical use only
• Violation of safety protocols, academic integrity policies, and copyright policies.

Confidentiality, Social Media, and Use of Electronic Devices

The student laboratory is a simulation of clinical laboratory experience. In keeping with clinical practice guidelines, information gained through clinical laboratory practice will not be discussed in the public arena, including public meeting areas and social networking sites.

While they are useful and convenient tools for the student, personal electronic devices can be a source of distraction for others and a potential temptation towards unethical behavior when used inappropriately or unprofessionally during a student’s learning experience. Personal electronic devices are defined as electronic, portable, entertainment, communication, or information storage devices.

These devices include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cellular phones
• Laptop and handheld computers
• Media players (includes MP3 players, audio & video players, etc.)
• Audio recorders
• Video and still cameras

The use of personal electronic devices during graded activities, including clinical preceptorships, is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by faculty. Cell phones are not allowed in the student laboratory. Students may make arrangements in the department office to receive emergency messages.

The communication devices present at the clinical affiliate facility are for the purpose of patient care. These devices should not be used by the student without permission of clinical faculty. Photographs and audio recordings will not be taken within the clinical facility without the permission of the laboratory director.

Think before you post:

If you have any doubt about whether or not you should post something on Facebook or other social media, most likely you should just keep it to yourself. With that in mind, always review what you’re about to share from every possible angle to determine what negative consequences exist and decide whether or not you’re comfortable accepting the responsibility of those consequences.

All specimens, lab results and interpretations of lab results are ultimately the property of the patient. Protect the patient’s confidentiality. Do not assume ownership of any information that you gather through your association with the clinical facility.

Under no circumstances should you remove patient information, either physically or electronically, from a medical facility.

Safety Protocols

Importance of Laboratory Safety
The importance of laboratory safety cannot be overstated. Student laboratory and clinical setting experiences are important aspects of study for the Medical Laboratory Sciences program. Such study comes with responsibilities: you must protect yourself from infectious agents with which you may come into contact and your patients and/or other students must be protected from agents which you may spread.

Laboratory Hazards and Risk Prevention
In addition to infectious biological agents, other hazards include sharp instruments, fire/explosive dangers, chemical hazards, and electrical hazards. Laboratory workers must be made aware of the various types of hazards in the laboratory and know the possible precautions to avoid these accidents.

These dangers can be reduced by eliminating hazards where possible, establishing clean, safe work habits, taking proper precautions, and maintaining awareness of safety practices.

Safety Training Requirements
MLS students will participate in safety training during Orientation for bloodborne pathogens, chemical hygiene, use and maintenance of laboratory safety equipment, PPE use, and given a lab tour to become familiar with the location of all safety equipment within the student laboratory.

Other safety training will be conducted throughout the course of the MLS program such as fire and electrical safety training.

Clinical and Student Laboratory Safety Practices
The student laboratory is a simulation of clinical experience. All safety procedures that are in place in a clinical facility are also in place in the student laboratories. During the Clinical Semester, students will follow the policies and procedures of the clinical facility.

The full list of Safety Rules for the WSU Student Laboratories is located under the “Safety First” section in the “Policies You Should Know” section above.

Student Employment

Students are encouraged to commit their energies to the development of professional performance skills during the entirety of the MLS program. While it is recognized that financial requirements might necessitate student employment during the program, at no time shall that employment jeopardize the student's academic performance or the student’s health.

The WSU MLS Program requires that students work no more than 20 hours per week and working less is strongly recommended. The schedule of coursework, coupled with the amount of studying required can hinder a student’s success in the program.

Academic Standards

All students will be required to obtain a "C" (2.0) or above in all pre-requisite courses and professional courses of the MLS program. Failure to maintain an acceptable academic performance may result in dismissal from the program as described in the following statements.

Grading Policy

Verbal Warnings

An instructor may issue a verbal warning to any student who either demonstrates unprofessional behavior, earns less than a 70% on one exam in any course, or fails to meet attendance obligations. In case of a failed test (<70%), a test review form will be completed by the students and discussed with the instructor.

The purpose of the verbal warning is to alert students to a concern that has the potential to have a serious impact on the student’s overall grade or status in the program if not corrected.

Academic Warnings

An instructor may issue an academic warning to any student who either:

1. Continues to exhibit unprofessional behaviors after a Verbal Warning has been issued (on-campus or clinical rotation students) or
2. Continues to demonstrate failure to meet attendance obligations after a Verbal Warning has been issued (on-campus or clinical rotation students) or
3. Earns less than 70% on two examinations in any one course (on-campus students) or
4. Fails to successfully complete (earns less than 70%) and/or hand in to the instructor, two or more assignments on the date due (on-campus students or clinical rotation students) or
5. Fails to pass at least one of the six sections after the 1st comprehensive exam (clinical rotation students)

An academic warning will be issued in writing and will be documented in the student’s file.

The purpose of the academic warning is to have written documentation that students are made aware of the fact that their behavior, academic performance, or poor attendance is an issue and must be corrected.

Probation Status

The department chairperson or program director may place the student on probationary status if the student:

1. Continues to exhibit unprofessional behaviors after an Academic Warning has been issued (on-campus students or clinical rotation students)
2. Continues to demonstrate failure to meet attendance obligations after an Academic Warning has been issued (on-campus or clinical rotation students) or
3. Earns less than 70% on more than two examinations in any one course (on-campus students) or
4. Has academic warnings that have been issued in more than one class in the same semester (on-campus students) or
5. Earns less than a 70% cumulative grade at mid-term in any MLS professional course (on-campus or clinical rotation students) or
6. After the second comprehensive exam, has not passed any of the six sections with scores of 70% or better (clinical rotation students) or
7. After the fourth comprehensive exam, has any remaining sections left unpassed with scores of 70% or better (clinical rotation students) or
8. Fails to meet minimal performance standards on a skills checklist of any clinical rotation (clinical rotation students).

An academic probation letter will be issued in writing and will be documented in the student’s file.

The student who has been placed on probation for anything other than academic reasons, will remain on probation for the duration of their MLS Program (Bullets #1 & #2 above). The student, who has been placed on probation for academic reasons, will be returned to full academic standing after successful completion of a semester with a minimum grade of 70% in all courses and consistent demonstration of professional behavior and performance (Bullets #3 through #8 above).

During probationary status for academic reasons the student will be required to remediate with the course instructor and complete additional assignments at the discretion of the instructor.

Dismissal

The department chairperson may dismiss a student from the program if:

1. A grade of less than C (2.0) or NCR (no credit) is earned in one or more professional courses (on-campus students or clinical rotation students) or
2. He/she purposely damages or abuses departmental or clinical affiliate site equipment, instruments or supplies (on-campus students or clinical rotation students) or
3. Continues to exhibit unprofessional behaviors after both an Academic Warning and Probation has been issued (on-campus students or clinical rotation students) or
4. He/she fails to meet the academic honesty policies of WSU (on-campus students or clinical rotation students) or
5. He/she fails to meet the safety regulations of the MLS Department or the affiliated clinical facilities (on-campus or clinical rotation students) or
6. He/she fails to meet the professional standards of the affiliated clinical facilities during clinical education assignments (clinical rotation students)

Appeals

Each student shall have the right to appeal an academic or disciplinary termination or removal from the professional phase.

The student shall first appeal within ten instructional days of the termination or removal action to the Chairperson of the MLS Department. Within three working days, the Chairperson shall inform the student in writing of the Departmental decision.

The student, if dissatisfied with the decision at the departmental level, may appeal to the CHP Student Affairs Committee, and the Dean of the CHP.

If the student wishes to appeal beyond the college level, he/she may contact the Wichita State University Court of Student Academic Appeals, Division of Student Affairs, 103 Grace Wilkie Hall. Consult the WSU Policies and Procedures manual at the following link for further information about appeal procedures:

https://www.wichita.edu/about/policy/ch_08/ch8_20.php 

Application for Degree

Students are responsible for completing an application for degree (AFD) online through MyWSU, Graduation Links, Application for Degree (AFD), in the semester prior to the Clinical Semester.

Student Records

Location and Confidentiality of Student Records
MLS departmental student records are kept in the Medical Laboratory Sciences office. The information is confidential and controlled under Public Law 93-380.

Student Access and Release of Information
Student files are open to the students upon their request and release of information from the file is prohibited except with written permission of the student.

Students may request the names of individuals and agencies who request access to their records and the reasons for such requests.

Contents of Student Files
Student files contain all information needed for admission to the Program along with progression forms, and compliance documentation for the Program and clinical rotations.

Records Retention and Disposal
MLS departmental student records are retained for a period of 20 years.

Clinical evaluations and written lectures and lab exams taken during the program are retained for a period of 3 months after the student completes the program. If a grade appeal has not been filed during this time, evaluations and exams are destroyed by a secure shredding service.

University Transcript Records
The WSU Registrar’s office maintains copies of student grades and credits on transcripts. These records are permanently maintained by the University. These transcripts contain the student’s legal name, grades, credits and dates of admission and completion.

Faculty Recommendations

Requests for recommendations for student or graduate scholarships, awards or employment must originate from the student or graduate and come directly to the applicable faculty.

Certification Examination

Students successfully completing the MLS program are eligible to take national certification examinations. Students are not eligible to take the exam until all requirements of the MLS program have been successfully completed.

The certification examination is not required to earn the MLS degree from WSU. Students are responsible for the completion and submission of their applications and supporting documents for the examination before the specific deadline.

The national certification examinations are computerized examinations. Applications and additional information for certification examinations may be found on-line at: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification 

WSU School Code for the ASCP exam: 015019

Professional Organizations

Students are encouraged, but not required, to join a National Professional Organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Society of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS).

By joining ASCLS, you also will be a member of the Kansas Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists (KSCLS).

Applications for membership may be obtained online at: http://www.ascls.org

The Clinical Semester

Clinical Affiliates and Rotation Sections

Clinical Semester Structure
The Clinical Semester for the WSU MLS program consists of 3 rotations: Core Lab (includes Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, UA, Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing, Immunology, and Management), Clinical Microbiology and Blood Bank.

Clinical Affiliate Sites
The Wichita State University College of Health Professions has affiliation agreements with many clinical sites in Wichita and other locations throughout Kansas, as well as in Missouri and Oklahoma.

The MLS clinical sites vary in type and size of facility and the scope of testing performed, and include regional medical centers, critical care hospitals, section-specific labs, reference labs, and clinic settings.

Length and Rotation Schedule
The Clinical Semester is approximately 16-17 weeks long, with students spending approximately 8 weeks in Core Lab, 4 weeks in Microbiology, and 4 weeks in Blood Bank.

Out-of-Town Rotations and Student Responsibilities
MLS Students may expect to spend at least 1-2 rotation sections at an out-of-town clinical affiliate site (with some exceptions for specific personal circumstances).

Students are responsible for travel and room/board during the Clinical Semester.

Course Descriptions for Clinical Rotations

Core Lab Practicum: MLS 488 (8 credit hrs.)

Core lab practicum includes experiences in clinical chemistry, manual and automated immunology, hematology, hemostasis, urinalysis, phlebotomy, specimen processing and the general operation of a clinical laboratory. In addition, students review management issues and are evaluated for professional behavior.

Clinical chemistry includes automated procedures; tests of routine chemicals and electrolytes; therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology and endocrinology; quality assurance; and method evaluation. Procedures that are not available at a facility will be marked as NA, not applicable.

The suggested division of time during the clinical chemistry rotation is:

• Approximately 3 weeks for routine and specialized chemistry, including electrolytes, quality assurance and method evaluation, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, endocrinology, and automated immunoassay.

Hematology includes automated methods, cell morphology, special stains, manual methods, bone marrow interpretation and analysis of body fluids.

The suggested division of time during the hematology rotation is:

• Approximately 3 weeks for automated methods, cell morphology and special procedures

The hemostasis rotation consists of manual and automated coagulation procedures.

The suggested time period for hemostasis/coagulation experiences is:

• Approximately 1 week in hemostasis/coagulation (may be completed during 3 weeks of hematology)

The urinalysis rotation includes the physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine.

The suggested time duration for urinalysis rotations is:

• 3 days to 1 week with a minimum of 25 complete urinalysis procedures (may be completed with phlebotomy)

The immunology rotation includes both manual and automated test methods.

The suggested time period for immunology experiences is:

• Approximately 1 week in length, however immunology methods may also be covered during the Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Microbiology, or Blood Bank rotations

Phlebotomy and specimen processing rotation includes venipuncture and capillary puncture, processing specimens and storing and transporting samples for future testing.

The suggested time duration is:

• 3 days to 1 week with a minimum of 25 blood draws (may be completed with urinalysis)

Students also complete management techniques in which they observe and reflect on such issues as chemical safety procedures and quality assurance issues. These experiences occur throughout the rotation and are evaluated by student written documentation.

Complete as allowable throughout the core lab rotation (or may be completed during Micro. or Blood Bank as well).

Applied Immunohematology (Blood Bank) Practicum: MLS 479 (3 credit hrs.)

Blood Bank or Immunohematology clinical practicum includes blood grouping, antibody screening, compatibility testing, antibody identification and donor processing.

The suggested division of time during the immunohematology rotation is:

• 4 weeks at a regional medical center

Applied Clinical Microbiology Practicum: MLS 498 (3 credit hrs.)

Clinical Microbiology rotation includes interpretation and work-up for body site cultures, automated methods, stain interpretation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, quality control, mycology testing, parasitology testing and virology testing, as available at the clinical site.

The suggested division of time during the clinical microbiology rotation is:

• 2 weeks for body site culture interpretation
• 2 weeks for special testing

Clinical Semester Compliance Documentation

To be eligible for the Clinical Semester, the student must have submitted documentation of the following compliance issues below. Upon request and with permission of the student, health information documents may be sent to the clinical affiliate:

• Current physical exam
• Background Check
• Health Insurance
• Liability Insurance
• Hepatitis B Immunity
• MMR Immunizations or proof of immunity
• Tdap Immunization or proof of immunity
• Tuberculosis Testing Status
• Varicella Immunizations
• Phlebotomy Assessment
• Community/Interprofessional Service
• Other documentation specifically required by the facility

Students are encouraged to contact the on-site clinical coordinator approximately one week before the start of each rotation to ask about time to arrive, dress policy, parking and other first day issues.

Pre-Rotation Competencies to Obtain Prior to Entering the Clinical Semester

Upon entering the Clinical Semester, every student should be able to, at minimum:

Applied Hematology/Hemostasis:

1. List reference ranges for the components of a CBC.
2. Use the rule-of-three.
3. Determine if scatterplot/histograms represent normal or abnormal blood.
4. Count cells, using a hemocytometer, and calculate cell concentrations.
5. Recognize normal vs. abnormal WBC, RBC and platelets on a blood smear.
6. Correlate CBC findings with WBC differential findings.
7. Recognize specimen problems and respond appropriately.
8. Make a good peripheral blood smear.
9. Use a microscope.
10. Perform and respond to delta check outliers.
11. Recognize and respond to critical values.
12. State the basic operating principles of hematology/hemostasis instrumentation.
13. Use Standard Precautions when handling patient samples.
14. Perform counts and cell differentiation on CSF and other body fluids.
15. Collect adequate specimens for procedures.
16. Perform and respond appropriately to QC findings.

Applied Chemistry:

1. State the purpose and common uses of SOP.
2. Perform and respond to delta check outliers
3. List appropriate reference ranges for test and patient.
4. Respond appropriately to abnormal and critical results.
5. Collect adequate specimens for procedures.
6. State the difference between serum, plasma and whole blood in chemical analysis.
7. State the procedures for drawing peak and trough drug levels.
8. Recognize specimen problems and respond appropriately.
9. State the rules of specimen rejection.
10. Perform and respond appropriately to QC.
11. Pipette and make dilutions accurately.
12. State the purpose of calibration and respond appropriately to calibration problems.
13. Correlate chemistry results with clinical implications and respond appropriately.
14. Define common abbreviations: SOP, QC, QA, STAT, QNS, SST, BMP, CMP.
15. Correlate macroscopic findings and microscopic finding in urinalysis.
16. State the basic operating principles of urinalysis instrumentation.

Applied Immunohematology:

1. Identify specimens correctly 100% of the time.
2. Perform type and screen.
3. Perform crossmatch.
4. Perform DAT.
5. State the differences between forward and reverse typing.
6. Perform antibody identification in both tube and gel.
7. Select appropriate blood units based on above testing.
8. Follow procedures.
9. Define antibody and antigen.
10. State shelf-life requirements for blood bank units.
11. State the importance of testing for MRSA, VRE and C diff in blood bank

Applied Clinical Microbiology:

1. Perform and report specimen gram stains accurately.
2. Use sterile techniques.
3. Streak for isolation.
4. Describe colony morphology adequately, using color, shape and hemolysis.
5. Describe the purpose and appearance of organisms on commonly used media.
6. List normal flora and common pathogens for body specimens.
7. Recognize pathogenic fungi and parasites and determine the clinical need for further testing.

Clinical Semester Policies

Attendance

Students are scheduled Monday through Friday on day shift rotations for eight hour/day periods. The clinical day will begin and end at times established by the clinical affiliate and individual programs.

Lunch periods and breaks are assigned at the discretion of each individual department and/or supervisor. No student shall expect, request, or otherwise arrange for altered clinical hours or early release in order to participate in paid employment. If possible, students should make appointments at times that do not interfere with the rotation schedule or require leaving early.

Each student is expected to arrive on time each day during his/her clinical rotation. If the student is unable to attend for legitimate reasons, the student shall notify the clinical affiliate AND the MLS Clinical Coordinator. Days missed will be made up during the school breaks (spring break/Thanksgiving break) or during the week before graduation at the discretion of the clinical coordinator AND clinical affiliate.

Schedule Changes

If the rotation schedule changes in terms of the order of the specific lab areas, that is completely acceptable, but it is important that the student and MLS Clinical Coordinator are made aware of any changes immediately.

It is also important that the changes are made in 4-week increments, if at all possible, which is how the original schedule is set up. This will ensure that the major areas still align with the comprehensive exam schedule. The reason that this is important is because the students are responsible for completing homework activities and passing the comprehensive exam for the clinical rotation sections that they have just completed.

When a 4-week section is spread halfway over 2 comprehensive exam sections, it is difficult for them to complete both sections of homework assignments in time and pass the section-specific comprehensive exams.

Weather Related Events

In case of a weather-related event, students along with their Clinical Affiliate sites, will make decisions on attendance using their best judgement based on the situation. Since students are placed in locations all over Kansas and outside of the state, WSU-specific weather closures are not followed for clinical students.

Safety of our students is of utmost importance, so we encourage students to pay close attention to weather and road conditions and make decisions accordingly. If the student is unable to attend due to a weather-related event, the student shall notify the clinical affiliate AND the MLS Clinical Coordinator.

Days missed will be made up during the school breaks (Spring break/Thanksgiving break) or during the week before graduation at the discretion of the clinical affiliate AND Clinical Coordinator.

Clinical Assignment when placement cannot be immediately guaranteed

The MLS program never admits more students than they can place in clinical rotations. However, if an unforeseen event occurs such as illness, disability, or clinical affiliate cannot participate in the clinical instruction, the program will modify the clinical experience or find an alternative site for clinical placement.

Housing during the Clinical Semester

Neither WSU nor the Clinical Affiliate assumes responsibility for housing during the student's rotations.

It is the student's responsibility to identify and secure adequate housing.

Student Employment

Students are encouraged to commit their energies to the development of professional performance skills during their clinical rotation. While it is recognized that financial requirements might necessitate student employment during the Clinical Semester, at no time shall that employment jeopardize the student's academic performance, the assigned clinical hours, or the student’s health.

The WSU MLS Program requires that students work no more than 20 hours per week and working less is strongly recommended. The schedule of coursework and clinical rotations, coupled with the amount of studying required can hinder a student’s success in the program.

Service Work

• Definition of Service Work. Service work is defined as working at a clinical site during a student’s 17-week clinical rotation.
• Restrictions on Student Substitution. Students may not be substituted for laboratory employees/personnel to perform direct patient and/or reportable work, during their applied learning experiences.
• Employment Requirements During Applied Learning. Student employment at an applied learning site must be non-compulsory (not required) and must be outside of assigned applied learning experiences/academic hours.
• Compensation Limitations. Students may not receive any type of compensation for work performed during assigned classroom or clinical procedure rounds.
• Conditions Under Which Service Work May Occur. While not recommended, service work may be performed after demonstrating proficiency by passing the section-specific comprehensive exams and earning passing grades on the section-specific checklists AND must be scheduled outside of the assigned applied learning experiences/academic hours.
• Program Responsibility Disclaimer. Any service work performed outside of program-scheduled rotations is not the responsibility of the MLS program.
• Limitations on Duties Performed. Service work by students in a clinical setting outside of regular academic hours must be noncompulsory (not required by clinical facility) and limited to lab assisting duties until the student has demonstrated proficiency in the specific areas.
• Student Academic Priority. The students’ top priority should remain on their schoolwork in order to ensure successful completion of the program, graduating with their degree, and preparation for the national BOC exam.

Laboratory and Clinical Semester Attire

During student laboratories and the Clinical Semester:

• Official WSU MLS scrubs will be worn at all times without accessories and maintained by washing them on a regular basis.
• Shoes that protect the entire foot including the toe and heel should be worn.
• Long hair should be secured so as not to obstruct vision or is a danger to being caught in any instrumentation or falling into biohazardous material. Beards, mustaches, and other facial hair must be kept well-trimmed and clean.
• Head coverings such as baseball caps, beanie style hats, etc. are prohibited from being worn in the laboratory. Surgical or medical style scrub caps are allowed, as well as headwear worn for religious reasons. Acceptable head coverings need to be maintained by washing them on a regular basis, must not interfere with laboratory tasks, must be non-lint producing, and be well secured at all times.
• Jewelry, such as dangling necklaces and long earrings, should not be worn in the laboratory.
• Students are expected to maintain proper hygiene.
• Students will adhere to any additional requirements of their rotation site.

Professionalism

Students will follow the safety and confidentiality policies of the facility at which they are completing a rotation. Students will maintain a professional attitude during all aspects of the MLS program.

Professional attitude includes accepting responsibility for didactic and laboratory course work, maintaining confidentiality and academic integrity, arriving on time and ready to go at the beginning of the day and after breaks, demonstrating ethical behavior, maintaining respect for others at all times, and following safety protocols at all times.

Non-professional behavior includes non-completion of tasks, unexcused tardiness or absences, failure to follow instructions, verbal abuse including swearing, rudeness, overly argumentative, violation of confidentiality or copyright policies or safety policies, or using communication devices that are designated for clinical use only.

Conduct

Conduct in direct violation of professional ethics or standards or conduct in direct violation of the policies and procedures of either the clinical affiliate or Medical Laboratory Sciences program, will result in the immediate removal of the student from the clinical assignment and may result in termination from the professional program. The decision for removal and termination will be made jointly by the clinical faculty, on-campus faculty, MLS Program Director and Chairperson of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Personal Electronic Devices

Students may NOT bring personal electronic devices into the clinical laboratory. Personal electronic devices are defined as electronic, portable, entertainment, communication, or information storage devices, such as cell phones, computers and media players. Students may not use the communication devices present at the clinical affiliate facility for purposes other than patient care. Students may request permission from the clinical instructor to carry a personal electronic device under unusual circumstances, such as monitoring a sick child at home.

Holidays and Student Breaks during Clinical Rotations

Student holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, etc.) conform to the holiday schedule of the clinical affiliate for the current rotation. Student breaks (spring break, Thanksgiving break) are at least one week in length and are listed on the rotation schedule.

Reflection Meetings and Comprehensive Examination Fridays

On assigned Fridays during the rotation period, the students will return to WSU for reflection meetings in the morning and comprehensive exams in the afternoon. The students will not go to the clinical site on these Fridays. The synthesis of information and experience is a critical part of transforming a student into a professional.Reflection classes are designed to help the student integrate knowledge and skill domains and to promote a thorough understanding of information in its entirety.

Students must successfully pass all 6 sections (Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Bank, Lab Ops, Urinalysis) of the comprehensive examinations in order to pass clinical rotations courses and achieve eligibility to apply for certification examinations.

Clinical Rotation Evaluation Checklists

The student in the clinical facility is expected to develop required competencies in each MLS area. It is expected that the student will improve their performance during the clinical experience as a result of their learning experience. Evaluation is based on observation of skills and behavior during the rotation period, and by potential written and oral quizzes which help the clinical instructor determine competency development.

Final evaluation is documented on Rotation Checklists and discussed and signed by clinical instructors and the student. Clinical affiliate instructors should feel free to provide both constructive and positive information. Comments during and at the completion of the rotation are important to the student and will shape the student’s practice for years to come. These checklists are sent, or brought by the student, to the school and given to the Clinical Coordinator. These evaluations contribute to the grade for clinical rotation courses.

Student Survival Guide

(From Previous MLS Classes to You)

Parking

DO NOT BE LATE

• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before class in order to find a parking spot (similar for lunchtime)
• If you have problems in the morning, give the office a call and let them know. It is much more likely to be forgiven if you do so.

Main office: (316) 978-3146

Study Tips

• Exchange e-mails and phone numbers with your classmates. Find out who lives close to you and start study groups (you can reserve rooms in the library).
• Start good study habits now. Meaning: STUDY YOUR NOTES EVERY NIGHT!!! DO NOT CRAM, IT WILL NOT WORK. First, the volume of information is too large to do so and second, we actually need this stuff in our profession, so learn it.
• Find what works for you early. Experiment with different methods of taking notes: handwritten, laptop, tablet, etc.
• Figure out how you learn. If you are visual, draw pictures, charts, graphs to help yourself. If you are an auditory learner, then get a recorder and listen to the lectures.
• Extra resources – get advice from past students on which resources to utilize and/or purchase to help with your studies. Some suggestions from previous students:
• Online Flashcards: Quizlet, Brainscape, StudyStack (helpful during the on-campus portion of the program)
• Clinical Laboratory Science Review Books (Robert Harr is a good example) (helpful during the clinical rotation semester)
• BOC Study Guides (ASCP) (helpful during the clinical rotation semester)
• Quick Review Cards for CLS/MLS Examinations (Flash Cards) (helpful during the clinical rotation semester)
• Lab CE http://www.labce.com/start.aspx  (helpful during the clinical rotation semester)

If you feel overwhelmed (which you will), don’t be afraid to ask for help. However, your teachers and classmates can’t help you during the last week of class, GET HELP EARLY!!!

Hints

General Information

• Come to class, seriously. Don’t be late, it’s rude and unprofessional
• PAY ATTENTION, TAKE NOTES, STUDY A LITTLE BIT EVERY DAY
• Plan for full days. Ask questions!
• Pick out important information in test questions.
• Use study guides/learning outcomes to help guide your focus for exams.

The Clinical Semester

• The Comps: will cover all material from the program, including reading assignments from the texts. Save everything.
• Clinical days: Arrive to the site on time and be ready to work
• Remember this is a job interview. Keep a positive attitude, show respect for your clinical mentors. Remember, they are not getting paid extra to train you, and they still have their own work to complete.

Miscellaneous Hints

• On a stress scale from 1 to 10, it changes daily and depending on your strong points, it will range between 5–10
• Get into a routine
• You will probably be lost your first semester, latch onto someone who has been here and stick with them (ask questions, get help, etc…..)
• Be prepared to try new skills
• Purchase and review the assigned textbooks before the first day of class!!!
• On-campus students really do have Fridays off, don’t come to school. Fridays are for clinical rotation students.
• Take advantage of your breaks, you will need them!!!
• Remember that your actions affect the students who enter after you!!!
• KEEP ALL MATERIAL, BOOKS, AND NOTES FROM ALL CLASSES
• THESE ARE NEEDED FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS AND THE REGISTRY

Don’t be afraid to go and talk to the professors if you don’t understand something.

Try your best to get enough sleep. You’re in lecture for six hours, and it’s much easier to use those six hours effectively (taking notes, filling out study guides, generally trying to comprehend new concepts) if you’re well rested.

Revised May 2025