Admissions Requirements

Distance Learner       

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROFESSION
 AND COMPETENCIES COMPETENCIES 

The clinical laboratory scientist / medical technologist is an allied health professional who is qualified by academic and practical training to provide service in clinical laboratory science.  The clinical laboratory scientist / medical technologist must also be responsible for his / her own actions, as defined by the profession. 

The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are qualities essential for a clinical laboratory scientist / medical technologist.  They must demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles, which are essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient and family.  An attitude of respect for the patient and confidentiality of the patient’s record and/or diagnoses must be maintained. 

Upon graduation and initial employment, the medical technologist will demonstrate entry-level competencies in the following areas of professional practice: 

1. Developing and establishing procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances;
2. Performing analytical tests on body fluids, cells, and other substances;
3. Integrating and relating data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments while making judgments regarding possible discrepancies;
4. Confirming abnormal results; verifying quality control procedures; executing quality control procedures, and developing solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data;
5. Making decisions concerning the results of quality control and quality assurance measures, and instituting proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision;
6. Establishing and performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments as well as identifying appropriate sources for repairs.
7. Developing, evaluating, and selecting new techniques, instruments, and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory's personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources;
8. Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public;
9. Establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence;
10. Providing leadership in educating other health personnel and the community;
11. Applying principles of educational methodology, and
12. Applying principles of current information systems

Upon graduation and initial employment, the clinical laboratory scientist / medical technologist should be able to demonstrate entry-level competencies in the above areas of professional practice. 

Source:   NAACLS Essential of Accredited Educational Programs for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Technologist (1995)