Student Information Handbook
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing and
Allied Health Professions
Bachelor of Science
in
Clinical Laboratory Science
July 2007
Information for Clinical Laboratory Science Students
Mission
The mission of the Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions is to define, provide, and advance the education and development of professionals within the fields of nursing, clinical laboratory science, nuclear medicine technology, respiratory care, and gerontology.
History
Indiana University of Pennsylvania first offered the Bachelor of Science degree program in medical technology in 1968. In 1973 the respiratory care program, then known as respiratory technology, graduated its first class. Allied Health was a separate department in the university until 1989 when it merged with Nursing to become the Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. The gerontology certificate program was approved in 1992. The latest allied health program, nuclear medicine technology, was added to the department in 1994. The name of the medical technology program was changed to clinical laboratory science in 2003. The most recent change, approved in 2003, was the addition of a special curriculum track for respiratory therapists who are already certified and interested in completing a bachelor of science degree.
Coordinator
The allied health and gerontology programs are coordinated by a faculty member in the Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. The coordinator serves as the academic advisor for all students in the programs and liaison with faculty, affiliating schools, and agencies.
IUP Allied Health Club
This officially recognized student organization provides an opportunity for IUP allied health students and those interested in allied health to engage in pre-professional activities and peer support and to promote the allied health majors. There is no membership fee and applications are available from the allied health coordinator and club officers.
Communication and Contacts
All allied health students are expected to use their IUP email address. Important and helpful information is sent to students from the coordinator, secretary, registrar and other campus offices. Assistance with the use of the IUP email system is available at www.iup.edu/ats/sts/email.
Mrs. Jodell Kuzneski Mrs. Elaine Pedaci
Coordinator Allied Health Professions Secretary, Allied Health Professions
243 Johnson Hall, 1010 Oakland Avenue 244 Johnson Hall, 1010 Oakland Avenue
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705-1063 Indiana, PA 15705-1063
Telephone: 724-357-7647 Telephone: 724-357-7647
Fax: 724-357-3267 Fax: 724-357-3267
Email: Kuzneski@iup.edu Email: Pedaci@iup.edu
Dr. Michele Gerwick Mrs. Deborah McCutcheon
Chair, Nursing/Allied Health Professions Secretary, Undergraduate Nursing
211 Johnson Hall, 1010 Oakland Avenue 210 Johnson Hall, 1010 Oakland Avenue
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705-1063 Indiana, PA 15705-1063
Telephone: 724-357-2557 Telephone: 724-357-2557
Fax: 724-357-3267 Fax: 724-357-3267
Email: mgerwick@iup.edu Email: mccutch@iup.edu
Dr. Carleen Zoni, Dean Dr. Jacqueline Beck
College of Health and Human Services Director, Office of Academic Planning and Assessment
216 Zink Hall College of Health and Human Services
Indiana University of Pennsylvania 222 Zink Hall
Indiana, PA 15705-1063 Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Telephone: 724-357-2555 Indiana, PA 1 5705-1063
Fax: 724-357-6205 Telephone: 724-357-2560
Email: cczoni@iup.edu Fax: 724-357-6205
Email: jbeck@iup.edu
Clinical Laboratory Science
The Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to prepare the graduate to be proficient in performing the full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, and other emerging diagnostics and will play a role in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive algorithms. The clinical laboratory scientist will have diverse responsibilities in areas of analysis and clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance with applicable regulations, education, and quality assurance/performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed or performed. The clinical laboratory scientist will also possess basic knowledge, skills and relevant experiences in
These goals are consistent with the Standards of Accredited Educational Programs for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, 2001).
Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, graduates are eligible for Medical Technology (MT) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) certification through the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).
Effective February 1, 2004, individuals with MT(ASCP) certification are required to maintain a valid certificate through completion of mandatory continuing education every 3 years (in 3 year cycles). Remaining certified involves submission of a minimum of 36 continuing education credits every three years and allows individuals to use the MT(ASCP)CM initials after their name, confirming “certification maintained (CM)” to their employer and peers. Individuals who do not maintain their certification will not be permitted to use the MT(ASCP) initials and their certification will expire and no longer be valid. For more information on continuing education/certification maintenance options see your clinical laboratory manager/employer and the ASCP-BOR Certification Maintenance Program (http://www.ascp.org/certification/CMP/).
Curriculum
The clinical laboratory science curriculum is divided into pre-clinical and clinical study. Students typically finish three years of study (88 credits) on the IUP main campus. To complete the program students study for one calendar year in an accredited affiliate School of Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology located across the state of Pennsylvania, one site in Ohio and one in New York. Upon graduation the students earn a Bachelor of Science degree from IUP with a major in clinical laboratory science and the possibility of a minor in both chemistry and biology. Typically, clinical laboratory science majors graduate in August of their senior (final) year.
Summer Course Work
Many students find it helpful to complete one or more courses during the summer months. IUP offers a number of courses during the summer that are included in the requirements for clinical laboratory science majors. The summer schedule is typically available for view in early March at www.iup.edu/ursa.
Students may also plan to complete courses at other colleges or universities during the summer months and should discuss these plans with the allied health coordinator. Course equivalency information is found at www.iup.edu/creditevaluation.
Upon completion of all off-campus coursework, the student must request (according to the procedures at the host institution) that an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions, Credit Evaluation, 117 Sutton Hall, 1011 South Drive, IUP, Indiana, PA 15705.
Learning Support Services
IUP offers a number of excellent learning support services including peer tutors, supplemental instruction and workshops. For a complete listing of services offered by the Department of Developmental Studies visit www.iup.edu/devstudies. The Department of Chemistry, the Department of Mathematics, and the Department of Physics also provide student tutors to help students with homework and assignments. IUP’s Writing Center (www.wc.iup.edu) is another valuable resource for students.
Clinical Sites
IUP currently has established affiliating agreements with the following accredited Schools of Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology
Altoona Regional Health System
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
814-946-2835
Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Cooperative Medical Technology Program
Of Akron
One Perkins Square
Akron, OH 44308
330-543-8720
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
1086 Franklin Street
Johnstown, PA 15905
814-534-5578
Lancaster General Hospital
Lancaster General College of Nursing/Health Sciences
410 North Lime
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-290-5511, Ext. 77354
www.LancasterGeneralCollege.org
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Front and Erie Avenues
Philadelphia, PA 19134
www.stchristophershospital.com
St. Vincent Health Center
232 West 25th Street
Erie, PA 16544
814-452-5365
WCA Hospital
PO Box 840
207 Foote Avenue
Jamestown, NY 14702-0840
716-664-8484
Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center
Susquehanna Health
777 Rural Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-321-2326
York Hospital
1001 S. George Street
York, PA 17405-7198
717-851-2458
NOTE: A temporary affiliation contract may be established to accommodate a student’s interest in attending an accredited school that is currently not an IUP affiliate. For a full listing of accredited programs go to www.naacls.org. Arrangements for a temporary affiliation must be made well in advance of the start date for the clinical year. For further details contact the Allied Health Professions Coordinator.
Academic Requirements for Clinical Placement
To be competitive for selection by a School of Clinical Laboratory Science students must earn a minimum overall QPA of 2.5 and a minimum QPA of 2.5 in required math and science courses. Offers for clinical site placement are competitive and not guaranteed by IUP.
Each School of Clinical Laboratory Science also has a policy for determining academic good standing in the clinical year courses. Details about academic policies are available from the Schools of Clinical Laboratory Science.
|
All pre-clinical courses required by IUP must be completed before progressing to the certificate year. |
Additional Requirements for Clinical Placement
Each School of Clinical Laboratory Science provides prospective students with application packets and handbooks specifying additional requirements for clinical placement. Typically, these requirements include
Details about these and other requirements and associated fees are available from the department office and the Schools of Clinical Laboratory Science.
Students who accept placement in the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at St. Christopher’s Hospital are required to meet the following health requirements: Satisfactory evidence that students are free from contagious disease and do not otherwise present a health hazard to hospital patients, employees, volunteers or guests prior to participation in the program. Such evidence shall include without limitation the completion of a two step tuberculin skin test (within the last six months) or evidence that students are free of symptoms of pulmonary disease if the skin test is positive, a chest x-ray following a positive TB test result, and physical examination and evidence of immunity from rubella, measles, and chicken pox. Students are responsible for arranging for medical care and/or treatment, if necessary, including transportation in case of illness or injury while participating in the program. In no event shall the Hospital be financially responsible for said medical care and treatment. Questions about these requirements may be directed to the Program Director at St. Christopher’s Hospital.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
During the clinical year students pay tuition and fees directly to a School of Clinical Laboratory Science. Costs vary among the affiliating schools. During the clinical year, IUP bills the student each semester for an administrative fee of approximately $75.00 and a $32.00 registration fee.
Students may apply for financial aid during the clinical year through IUP’s Office of Financial Aid. Amounts of financial aid awards will vary depending on several factors including the amount of tuition and fees charged by the affiliating School of Clinical Laboratory Science.
Refer to the registration information on the last page of the Student Information Handbook for details about financial aid and registration during the clinical year.
Timeline for Clinical Placement
The application for clinical placement typically begins more than one full year prior to the start of the clinical year. Students meet with the allied health coordinator during the spring semester of their sophomore year and receive guidelines and instructions for the application process. It is highly recommended that applications be completed and submitted to Schools of Clinical Laboratory Science no later than mid semester of the junior year.
Each affiliating school of clinical laboratory science selects its own start date which typically ranges from early July to late August.
Grades for Clinical Courses
Grades for the clinical courses are posted at the completion of the clinical year. In the interim, “L” grades (Late designation conversion) are recorded for each clinical course. Once final grades are received from the program director, the “L” designation is converted to IUP letter grades.
Each affiliating school has its own listing of courses with specific course names and credit allocation. A course equivalency chart has been developed between each affiliating clinical site and IUP. This chart is used to convert courses and grades from the affiliating school to IUP course grades.
Graduation Application
Undergraduate students are required to apply for graduation in their next to final semester of enrollment. The graduation application process is an online function at IUP’s webpage, www.iup.edu/ursa.
Students graduating in May should apply online by November 15th
Students graduating in August and December should apply online by April 1st.
Students will be invited to participate in the University’s commencement ceremony scheduled in December of their graduation year. Students have an option to attend the University’s May commencement ceremony. Details about commencement may be found at www.iup.edu/commencement. Regardless of which ceremony is attended, students will officially be August IUP graduates.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
Curriculum Organization
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
FRESHMAN YEAR
|
BIOL 111 Principles of Biology I 4 CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 4 ENGL 101 College Writing 4 Fine Arts: Introduction to Art/Music Theater/Dance 3 15 |
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 HIST 195 History: The Modern Era 3 Health and Wellness Requirement 3 MATH 217 Probability and Statistics 3 BIOL 150 Human Anatomy 3 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
|
PHYS 111 Physics I Lecture 3 PHYS 121 Physics I Lab 1 CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I 4 Social Science Elective 3 ENGL 202 Research Writing 3 14 |
PHYS 112 Physics II Lecture 3 PHYS 122 Physics II Lab 1 CHEM 232 Organic Chemistry II 4 BIOL 250 Principles of Microbiology 3 Liberal Studies Elective 3 14 |
Students begin the clinical application process the second semester of their sophomore year.
JUNIOR YEAR
|
CHEM 351 Biochemistry 4 BIOL 151 Human Physiology 4 Social Science Elective 3 Free Elective 2 13 |
BIOL 364 Immunology 3 CHEM 323 Analytical Methods 4 Social Science Elective 3 Philosophy or Religious Studies Elective 3 ENGL 121 Humanities Literature 3 16 |
SENIOR YEAR
|
MEDT 495 Clinical Chemistry 10 MEDT 497 Clinical Immunohematology 4 MEDT 499 Clinical Seminar 2 16 |
MEDT 494 Clinical Microbiology 8 MEDT 496 Clinical Hematology/Coagulation 6 MEDT 498 Clinical Immunology/Serology 2 16 |
MEDT courses are taught off campus for one calendar year at an affiliate School of Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science.
Non-western culture course – one required; may be fulfilled with a Social Science or Liberal Studies elective
Synthesis course – not required
Writing Intensive Course – one course required; may be fulfilled with certain sections of courses that also meet requirements in some graduation requirement categories.
· BIOL 263 Genetics – highly recommended and may also fulfill the writing intensive requirement.
· BIOL 364 Immunology may also be listed as a writing intensive course.
7/07
Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 15705
CLSC Clinical Year Course Registration Information
Students who will be APPLYING for summer financial aid
will register for the courses as indicated below:
|
Summer* (beginning of clinical) MEDT 497 4 crs MEDT 498 2 crs
Fall (clinical year) MEDT 495 10 crs MEDT 499 2 crs
Spring (clinical year) MEDT 494 8 crs MEDT 496 6 crs
Summer* (end of clinical) MEDT 497 4 crs MEDT 498 2 crs |
*Students can apply for summer financial aid only once during this 12 month clinical experience – either the summer at the beginning of the clinical experience or the summer at the completion of the clinical experience. The date your clinical experience begins and ends usually determines which summer is appropriate for financial aid application.
Students who will NOT BE APPLYING for summer financial aid
in either summer associated with the clinical year
will register for the courses indicated below:
Fall (clinical year)
MEDT 495 10 crs
MEDT 497 4 crs
MEDT 499 2 crs
Spring (clinical year)
MEDT 494 8 crs
MEDT 496 6 crs
MEDT 498 2 crs
Students will be assigned an “L” grade for all courses until the grades are posted at the completion of your clinical year experience
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