Medical Laboratory Technology: Fieldwork

Fieldwork requirements

Health profession student clinical training administrative requirements

In order for students to complete the required clinical training, PCC requires all students to meet the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 409 – Division 30 for students in clinical training prior to clinical placement. Students are to meet any requirements mandated by their clinical site as well. A detailed description of these requirements are listed in the requirements for clinical and field education. They include:

  • Successfully pass a criminal background check.
  • Successfully pass a ten-panel drug screen.
  • Submit proof of current immunizations.
  • Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance training modules.

Students will complete CPR/Basic Life Support Training in MP113 and must provide copies of their Basic Life Support and First Aid cards. In addition, training facilities may require that students show proof of valid personal health insurance.

At the time in which these requirements are due, students will be provided with information to access the third-party vendor that the program uses to collect immunization documentation, conduct the background check and drug screen, and provide the training modules. Students are required to complete these tasks and purchase these services prior to the start of the fourth term of the MLT program.

Affiliate procedures

Students are required to adhere to the institutional policies of each affiliated clinical facility in which they are scheduled. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with general policies and procedures of the assigned laboratory rotation relating to work, safety, patient care, and guest relations. The clinical affiliate will make its policies available to the student. Student violations of clinical affiliate guidelines could prompt a program dismissal review process. See Due process for violations.

Communications

Since communications are an extremely important aspect of clinical practice, it is the responsibility of the students to keep current with all changes and announcements. As such, students are expected to check MyPCC email daily. In the event a student discovers that they are not getting messages that have been issued, the clinical lab coordinator should be contacted so that the problem can be resolved. For problems related specifically to MyPCC, contact the Student Help Desk.

Protocol for when applied experience cannot be guaranteed

In the unlikely event that clinical sites are not available for all students, an alternate plan for program completion may be necessary. In such circumstances, priority to clinical sites will be given to affected students as sites become available, dependent upon academic standing, program participation, and professional conduct.

If a clinical site cannot continue to train a student due to unexpected or uncontrollable circumstances (such as unplanned low staffing, natural disaster, or other situation that prevents the site from continuing to provide training), the MLT program will immediately start to seek an alternate clinical site. The clinical lab coordinator will attempt to secure another clinical site to allow the student to continue their training with as minimal disruption as possible. It may, in some cases, be necessary to delay graduation. If this should occur, a letter of understanding will be drafted and signed by the student and the MLT program director stating that the MLT program will give priority to the student affected and assign a clinical site to them in the following year.

Transportation requirements for clinical/field sites

Students are responsible for costs and transportation pertaining to their clinical rotations. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Fuel
  • Maintenance
  • Parking fees

Accommodations for a “local” CLP site for students without their own transportation cannot be guaranteed. Students should be aware that some sites are located in rural areas and/or may require start times otherwise incompatible with public transportation.

Fieldwork attendance

Students must adhere to the Attendance requirements.

Fieldwork sites

Please see the MLT partner labs webpage for a complete list of clinical facilities.

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