Curriculum

Technical Development

The clinical phase involves rotations through each laboratory section, where students learn manual techniques and operation of automated lab instruments, supervised by practicing medical laboratory scientists. Judging specimen acceptability, validating test results through quality control protocols, troubleshooting common instrument malfunctions and correlating abnormal test results with associated pathophysiology are an integral part of this learning process.

The classroom phase consists of formal lectures by a microbiologist, a biochemist, pathologists and medical laboratory scientists. In-depth theory of lab practice is presented, including pathophysiology and related disease states. Case study discussions, audio-visual materials, and online resources supplement these courses.

Professional Development

Students will encounter a variety of situations which will promote the development of professional attitudes, values and behavior. Courses such as Educational Techniques and Laboratory Management along with a management clinical rotation and student project during the eleven month school year provide opportunities for students to learn more about the discipline and career than just technical knowledge and skills.

Although the student's primary education occurs in the clinical laboratory, alternate environments may be explored throughout the year. These allow the student to view first-hand different career possibilities. Students will spend time at the American Red Cross Blood Center in Peoria during their immunohematology rotation. Additionally, each class will attend, as a group, the annual spring meeting of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science – Illinois chapter -- to participate in professional workshops and compete in an academic student bowl with other lab science students.

Graduation

Affiliation allows undergraduate students who successfully complete the medical laboratory science program at OSF Saint Francis to receive a baccalaureate degree from their college or university. The program is accepted for 32 or more semester hours of credit, depending on the policies of each affiliate school. All graduates of the OSF Saint Francis MLS program receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the national certification exams.

Student Expectations

Students must complete the following minimum requirements to pass all courses in the MLS program. Specific grading protocol and additional requirements will be identified in each clinical and lecture course syllabus.

Lecture Courses

Minimum overall course score of 70%

Rotation Courses

Minimum overall course score of 70%; and

Minimum 70% score on final written exam; and

Minimum 75% score on final practical exam(s)

A final letter grade will be awarded on the final percentage grade calculated from exam and evaluation scores.

The following guidelines will be used: