Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Course is designed to allow students to further develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude required to function in a professional manner in the clinical laboratory setting. Includes approximately 320h of clinical practice under a qualified clinical site trainer during 10 consecutive weeks (4 days a week).  Basic procedures are reviewed, and advanced methodologies are introduced within each assigned department and affiliate laboratory. The laboratory settings for this course are varied, and may include a physician’s office laboratory or specialized laboratory setting. Students have the opportunity to learn new procedures and review procedures learned throughout the year, as well as to see differences in organizational patterns, workflow, and technical procedures of the affiliate laboratory.  

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Prioritize and organize workload according to degree of urgency of test results
• Perform laboratory technician tasks safely,  accurately and in accordance with laboratory protocol under minimal to no supervision
• Adapt laboratory techniques and procedures in a corrective manner when errors and discrepancies in results are obtained to effect resolution in a professional and timely manner
• Utilize communication skills necessary for working in the health care setting
• Exhibit professionalism, initiative, positive interpersonal skills, teamwork, respect and integrity

The course is presented by means of supervised practice in an affiliated clinical laboratory setting, complemented by web based instructional media, handouts, informal discussion, demonstrations, observation of  laboratory procedures.    Knowledge, technical skills and professionalism are emphasized. The laboratory setting allows students to develop their skills under minimal supervision of laboratory personnel to gain career entry level proficiency.

Student knowledge application, laboratory performance, problem solving skills, punctuality and attendance, participation, and communication skills are assessed in each laboratory department utilizing an evaluation rubric that includes cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning levels. In addition students are also required to take online quizzes in each of the departmental areas and to maintain a portfolio of clinical laboratory experience, procedures and instrumentation. The student knowledge application, technical performance and demonstration of personal growth determine competency and grade. The student receives an evaluation from each departmental area and the overall student performance is reviewed and shared with the student by the Clinical Coordinator at the end of the term.

Themes:

• Professionalism
  • Conduct oneself according to the clinical affiliate and college policies.
  • Consistently display the attitude and traits expected of a clinical laboratory professional.
  • Demonstrate competent written, listening and oral, communication skills expected of the clinical laboratory professional.  
• Safety
  • Locate and utilize appropriate clinical laboratory safety equipment and devices.
  • Utilize basic guidelines for safe use of chemicals including proper labeling, protective measures, location and use of SDS, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• General Laboratory Knowledge, Procedures, and Processes
  • Prioritize and organize workload according to degree of urgency of test results.
  • Preform daily maintenance and other basic laboratory responsibilities with minimal supervision.
  • Perform test procedures including QC, maintenance, troubleshooting and problem solving with minimal supervision.
  • Troubleshoot and incorporate critical thinking skills into problem solving.
  • Demonstrate proper care and safe, skillful use of laboratory equipment and instruments.
  • Demonstrate accurate and skillful use of the laboratory information system and other record keeping systems.
• Laboratory Departmental Areas
  • Further develop knowledge, knowledge application and technical skills in each of the departmental areas: hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, bloodbank, phlebotomy and specimen processing.
  • Further develop knowledge and technical skills in specialized laboratory areas as available.

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain  theory supporting test principles
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about test results  in the clinical setting
  • Predict expected results
  • Follow written protocols and verbal instructions
• Analysis skills
  • Collect and organize data in a systematic fashion
  • Present data in an appropriate form
  • Assess the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
  • Recognize errors
  • Draw appropriate conclusions based on the results
• Safety skills
  • Recognizing safety equipment and laboratory safety measures
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Recognize errors or discrepancies in results during lab procedures
  • Select corrective actions for problem solving
• Communication skills
  • Discuss and present lab results or findings in the laboratory
• Interpersonal and citizenry skills
  • Work effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
  • Effectively manage time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group

Performance (Psychomotor Skills):

• Utilize safety measures and equipment
  • Utilize universal precautions
  • Utilize adequate personal protective equipment, sharp container, fume hood and other safety devices
• Handle samples, reagents, materials and equipment with care and caution
• Dispose of waste in appropriate manner
• Perform laboratory tasks
  • Monitor, stock and store laboratory reagents and samples
  • Disinfect benches and equipment
  • Perform maintenance of equipment and instruments
• Perform laboratory testing in the areas of coagulation, body fluids, microbiology and  bloodbank
  • Operate equipment and instrumentation correctly
  • Handle specimens, materials and reagents correctly
  • Report results according to laboratory protocol
  • Operate LIS correctly and with ease

Professional (Affective) Skills:

• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn as seen through active participation.
• Show initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreased need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
• Adapt to stressful and/or new situations by maintaining composure and flexibility without compromising individual integrity.
• Exhibit teamwork through cooperation, courtesy, respect, and sensitivity towards others.
• Convey a professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
• Demonstrate integrity as shown by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
• Act responsibly and reliably as measured by punctuality, attendance, dependability, and quality of work.
• Respond favorably to supervision and feedback.
• Persevere until task is completed satisfactorily.