MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca

http://198.164.152.3/handbooks/handbooks.htm

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Handbook

2005-2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Getting Down to Study...13

Policies and Regulations...14

Professional Affiliations ...20

Code of Professional Conduct...21

Class Schedule...22

Consent Form...23

HANDBOOK USAGE

This handbook is a source of detailed information about the Medical Laboratory Technology program. Understanding of and compliance with the rules within this handbook are the responsibility of the student. Please see the Department Head or Coordinator Instructor for clarification or interpretation of rules as necessary.

The College reserves the right to alter the curriculum of any program to keep pace with technological change and the demands of industry.

Students who do not meet the curriculum outcomes in the time period identified in the New Brunswick Community College-Saint John (NBCC-SJ)/Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) program handbook may be considered on an individual basis with regard to program completion. The program reserves the right to determine /define a reasonable timeframe to complete the program to ensure graduates meet current practice requirements. Students who require a longer time period to complete the program must meet the certification (Curriculum Standard) and program handbook regulations in place for the program to which they have been re-admitted.

Cathy Moran Robinson Carol E. (Betty) Brown, Dean

Coordinator Instructor Continuing Education, Health and Industrial

WELCOME

It is a pleasure to once again extend to each of you a welcome to the NBCC-SJ/NSCC Medical Laboratory Technology Program. We are excited about this unique partnership; a partnership designed to support Nova Scotia’s emerging need for

medical laboratory technologists and to facilitate your employment in Nova Scotia following graduation.

How many short weeks have passed since we gathered for your program

orientation at the Institute of Technology Campus, NSCC? You are about to put to test the tool-kit you received at orientation – your recipe for success.

The NBCC-SJ/NSCC med lab program has been designed with your success in the forefront. Please do not hesitate to take advantage of the many student supports available to you. We wish you every success as you embark on an exciting journey to become a competent qualified health professional.

Carol E. (Betty) Brown, Dean Heather Bishop, Dean Continuing Education, Health & Industrial Health & Human Services

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Health Department and to the joint NBCC-SJ/NSCC Medical Laboratory Technology program.

The pace and sophistication of resources in hospitals and industry now demand that employees be personally suitable, competent, and of high moral calibre. The level and intensity of our post-secondary two year, diploma program ensures that the successful graduates are able to meet industry needs.

The combination of theoretical instruction, laboratory work and clinical experience ensure application of knowledge gained. The teaching is presented and evaluated by staff who are both professionally and academically well-qualified. Classroom and clinical experiences have such scope that the instruction is guaranteed to be practical and academically challenging. Continuous dialogue among students, faculty and industry partners has resulted in the creation and maintenance of a program which remains both relevant and current.

The above factors combine to help ensure that the chances of graduates obtaining satisfying and gainful employment are excellent. Historical data indicates a successful record in this regard.

Our goal is to work together to assist you in achieving a successful and rewarding career through an adult educational experience.

June MacDonald, Department Head - Health New Brunswick Community College – Saint John

Kelly McKnight, Projects Director School of Health and Human Services Nova Scotia Community College

STAFF LIST

Name Phone #

NEW BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE – SAINT JOHN Department Head

June MacDonald, R.N., B.N., MEd. 658-6673

Coordinator/Instructor

Catherine Moran Robinson, RT(gen), MLT, MT(ASCP),

BSc(MLS), MSc(MMID), MEd(AdEd) 658-6624

Instructors

Margaret Clifford, BSc, RT(gen), MLT 643-2943

Ruth Creaghan, RT(gen), MLT 658-6674

Crystal Lockhart, RT(gen), MLT 658-6509

Rosalie MacDonald, RT(gen), MLT 658-6509

Bonny Muir, RT(gen), MLT 658-6674

Sharon Nason, RT(gen), MLT 658-6509

Administrative Assistant

Cindy McGrath 658-6674

SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Project Coordinator

Kelly McKnight, RN, BScN, MSc, Dipl.Ad.Ed. (902) 424-7628

OR (902) 543-0681

Clinical Coordinator

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Carol E. (Betty) Brown Dean

International

Customized

Contract Training June MacDonald Health Department Head

Academic & Human Development Medical Laboratory Technology Other Allied Health Programs Coordinator Instructor

Catherine Moran Robinson

NSCC Clinical Coordinator TBA Instructors Margaret Clifford Ruth Creaghan Crystal Lockhart Rosalie MacDonald Sharon Nason Bonny Muir Peter H. McGill Principal Continuing Education

DISCIPLINE DESCRIPTIONS

The Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) is a member of a team of health care professionals whose role in the community is prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and illness. The role of the MLT in this team is to, on a physician’s request, obtain specimens, to conduct a variety of chemical, microscopic, immunological and microbiological tests and to provide accurate, precise, timely results of these tests to the appropriate members of the health care team.

This program of studies is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge required to function effectively as a MLT in this team. After successful completion of this program, the graduate may apply for national certification, and if successful, licence to practice as a professional MLT in Nova Scotia.

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY

Clinical chemistry is primarily concerned with the chemical balance of the body. Blood and other body fluids are analysed for a large number of compounds, using a variety of analytical techniques. The information gained is used, in conjunction with laboratory data from other disciplines, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease by other health care professionals.

Introductory studies include a survey of the basic concepts of chemistry; the periodic table, bonding, stoichiometry, oxidation-reduction, solution chemistry, acid-base relations, radiation, and laboratory mathematics. More advanced studies include biochemistry related to human physiology; topics are discussed in normal anatomy and physiology, immunology and selected pathophysiological states. In the laboratory, the concepts of qualitative and quantitative analytical chemistry using basic and advanced laboratory instrumentation are studied. Laboratory safety methods are learned and practiced throughout. Statistical methods, quality control and quality assurance methods are applied in all phases of laboratory work; including sample collection and handling, analyses, data collection and reduction, record keeping and communication of results.

HEMATOLOGY

Hematology is a branch of medical science in which blood and blood forming tissues in health and in disease are studied. The diagnosis and treatment of a patient often depends on many haematological findings.

In Hematology, students study the development of blood cells, their names, morphology and function. They also learn to do such procedures as cell counting, evaluation of the hemostatic mechanism, and measurement of blood components such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

HISTOTECHNOLOGY

Histotechnology is the science that deals with the preparation of body tissues, fluids and cells for microscopic study and analysis. This discipline involves the special treatment and processing of tissues removed during surgery or at autopsy in order to preserve the original micro-anatomical structure.

The techniques learned enable the student to receive and process tissue, to prepare wax blocks, then to cut thin slices of the tissue using instruments called microtomes. Students learn the theory and application of a wide range of staining methodologies used to assist pathologists in diagnosis and interpretation. In addition, students learn basic histology so that they can identify tissue they cut and stain.

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY

Medical Clinical Microbiology is the science that deals with the study of human diseases caused by micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsiae and parasites. The subject teaches isolation and identification of various micro-organisms and specific immunological studies to determine an infection or an infectious disease. This involves organizing, processing clinical specimens, documenting and reporting accurately reliable test results, plus cooperating in working as part of a complete health care team including physicians, nurses, infection control officers, Department of Health officers, pharmacists and other allied health workers to help in assessing and monitoring the health status of the patient.

TRANSFUSION SCIENCE

Transfusion Science is the branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the blood of which the cause, pathogenesis or the clinical manifestation have been shown to be determined by an antigen-antibody reaction. One of the major interests to students in Medical Laboratory Technology is the Blood Transfusion Service. This operation collects units of blood to be used for transfusion, i.e., units that will NOT harm patients in any manner.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

This program is 88 weeks in length and commences in March 2005. Three weeks are spent in a small hospital laboratory between the first and second term. In the senior year a regional hospital clinical rotation will be conducted. This internship will be governed by competency-based objectives and supported by evaluation feedback.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

The diploma program in Medical Laboratory Technology is an articulated program with the University of New Brunswick. Persons successfully completing this program may apply to continue their studies in this field and complete a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree.

Graduates are also eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Marine Institute of Memorial University.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Registered Medical Laboratory Technologists may be employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, medical clinics, industrial medical labs, veterinary hospitals, research centres and in public health labs.

Other Considerations

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to write the national registration examinations of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The Registered Technologist (R.T.) certificate is recognized throughout Canada. Advanced training and experience can lead to an Advanced Registered Technologist certification (ART) with the CSMLS. In order to practice in the province of Nova Scotia, each successful student must first be registered with NSSMLT.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

2005

January 4 Classes resume

March 7-11 Program Begins

March 25 Good Friday

March 28 Easter Monday

May 23 Victoria Day

June 17 Last day of

September 6 Classes resume

October 10 Thanksgiving Day

November 11 Remembrance Day

December 16 Last day of classes before Christmas

2006

January 3 Classes resume

March 6-10 Spring Break

April 10 Good Friday

April 14 Easter Monday

May 22 Victoria Day

GETTING DOWN TO STUDY

Many students, especially those just beginning to take the Medical Laboratory Technology program, find a great deal of difficulty in getting down to study. The following tips should be of some help.

- Plan your study times. Study at the same time and place each day. Make studying a habit.

- Concentrate during study time. Be strict with yourself when your thoughts wander.

- Listen carefully in class. Attentiveness pays big dividends. Make notes about key ideas, but don't try to take everything down. You'll miss the main ideas if you do. - When reading, do a fast once-over; then a more detailed

reading. Check for summaries, or an author's listing of key points. Question yourself about the work.

- Note items you can't remember. Make a list or file card of these. If you own the book you're reading, mark it up. That's part of studying.

- Do read some of the suggested extra readings.

- From time to time think about how you can use the knowledge you are acquiring. Then, use it.

- Memorize key ideas and facts. Before doing so, have a clear picture of what you intend to memorize.

- Participate in classroom discussions. Ask questions of the instructor and other students.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

Additional expenses include Hepatitis "B" immunization (approximately $100.), lab coats, classroom and lab supplies, adequate clinical rotation attire, safety goggles, name tag, travel, lodging, etc., graduation expenses. Professional fees paid to the CSMLS include liability insurance ($4 per year), student membership fee ($33), and certification examination fee (applies only to graduates and is approximately $265).

HOURS, HOLIDAYS AND VACATION

A. Hours - regular hours are 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Students may be required to attend additional classes outside of regular hours.

B. Holidays and Vacation -

1. Students are entitled to statutory holidays

2. Christmas and summer vacations are specified by the College.

MISCELLANEOUS A. Definitions:

Program - the sum total of ALL courses, theoretical and laboratory.

Discipline - In Medical Laboratory Technology there are five (5) disciplines,

each comprising both a didactic (theory) and laboratory course. The five disciplines are: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Histotechnology, Clinical Microbiology, and Transfusion Science.

Course - Area of study, ie., Clinical Chemistry laboratory constitutes one

course. Clinical Chemistry didactic consists of one course. A discipline consists of two courses - laboratory and didactic. If a course is not completed before the end of semester, no mark will be reported on that semester transcript.

Competency Based Objectives (CBO’s) - performance standards for the

functions required of an entry level medical laboratory technologist.

B. Biological Material - Students will be working with hazardous biological

material (serum, plasma, blood, urine, SF, etc.) obtained from hospital laboratories and biological supply houses. This material has the potential to contain infectious agents including, but not limited to: HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B. Students are expected to adhere to universal precautions for their own safety

and that of their fellow students. All accidents/incidents must be reported to the instructor immediately.

C. Supervision of Labs – Never work alone in the lab. The presence of an

instructor is required for the safety of the student.

D. Agreement Form - Each student signs a form at the commencement of the

program indicating that he/she has carefully read the policies and regulations and is willing to abide by such policies throughout the program, including a declaration of confidentiality.

E. Confidentiality - All student records, including marks and evaluation reports,

are considered confidential. Marks may be released only upon the College’s receipt of a "Release of Information" form signed by the student. Medical information to which the student may, from time to time, have access is considered to be confidential and may not be released.

F. Laboratory Books - Books in the laboratories are for use in the laboratories

only. In order to take the book on loan, permission of the Instructor is required. G. Library Books - There is a wealth of program information in the College Library.

Students are encouraged to use the facility and are responsible for books signed out in their name.

H. Hospital Rotations - Students' hospital clinical experience will be determined

by the program.

I. Blood Donations - Students are under no obligation in this program to donate

blood specimens for practice testing. Donation is strictly voluntary and students are invited to sign a voluntary consent form.

J. Collection of Blood Specimens - Students practice venipuncture technique

only under the supervision of an Instructor. Needles, syringes or vacutainers may not be taken from the laboratories.

K. Contact Lenses - In the event that caustic or irritant liquids are accidentally

splashed into the eye, the danger of permanent damage to vision is greatly increased by the presence of contact lenses. Such liquids may be concentrated under the contact lens by capillary action, and irreversible corneal damage can occur within seconds. THE WEARING OF CONTACT LENSES IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE LABORATORY.

M. Immunization - Since part of the training will take place in a Hospital

Laboratory, students are strongly recommended to receive Hepatitis B immunization * in addition to the standard immunization. Students may be required to submit proof of Hepatitis B immunization to hospitals prior to clinical

practice. Should a student not wish to be immunized, she/he will be required to submit documentation.

* Arrangements will be made through the VON to have Hepatitis B

immunizations.

DRESS

In the context of acquiring knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a professional in their field of study, students are encouraged to be aware of appropriate dress for their work environment. Students are encouraged to maintain a standard of dress in their programs appropriate to the expectations of similar positions in business and/or industry.

In laboratories, outer garments (ie. coats, jackets), book bags, etc. are not permitted. Clean white lab coats and closed-toed, low-heeled non-slip shoes are to be worn. Prescription glasses with side shields or safety glasses (purchased by the student) are to be worn in each laboratory. Masks or goggles are provided when appropriate. Long hair must be adequately and securely tied back. General Safety Regulations are reviewed at the beginning of the program and specific safety practices are emphasized in the laboratories. These regulations are to ensure student safety. (See Laboratory Safety Manual). Lab coats and gloves worn in the laboratory are not to be worn outside the laboratory.

Students are to follow safety practices and dress in a professional and safe manner to be permitted to attend laboratory sessions.

Laundry services are provided by the program. Students are not permitted to launder

their own lab coats.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Students have a responsibility to maintain contact with the College and explain their reason for any absence or lateness.

A. Notify the College of absence each day before 8:15 a.m. by calling 658-6624

stating name, program and reason for absence. Upon return to class, the leave form is submitted to the Coordinator Instructor.

TESTING AND EVALUATION

A. Frequency - A minimum of two tests per discipline are written in each semester.

Laboratory examinations (written and/or bench practical) are held at the end of each laboratory rotation.

B. Test review - tests and exams will be reviewed with students and returned to

the instructor for safekeeping. Students may arrange with the instructor to have access to tests and exams at mutually agreed upon times.

C. Policy on keeping tests and exams - Tests and exams will be kept by the

instructor until the student successfully completes the program.

EVALUATION OF STUDENTS A. First Year Students

1. All Semesters - Students must attain the minimum requirement as defined by

the course outline in each course of study. Students not achieving the requirements in any course will have their progress reviewed by a College Assessment Committee.

2. Clinical Rotation - Students must successfully meet the competency objectives

(CBO’s) of the three-week clinical laboratory rotation. Students will be evaluated on an individual basis as either having met (complete) or not met (incomplete) each competency. Students who are not successful in meeting all of the applicable CBO’s for this clinical rotation will be assessed by a College Assessment Committee as to eligibility to continue training.

3. Supplemental Exams: Supplemental exams are not available in laboratory

courses.

Students will be permitted to write a supplemental exam in a didactic course when the following conditions have been met:

A. a score of 50% to 59% has been achieved on the course, and

B. a score of at least 60% has been achieved on the term/semester work for the course and

C. no more than two supplemental exams are allow in the 2-year program. Only one attempt at a supplemental exam for a course will be allowed. The supplemental exam will cover the same material of the original evaluation tool(s). Students who pass a course as a result of writing a supplemental exam will be awarded a score of 60% for that course and the official transcript will indicate that a supplemental was written.

Supplemental exams will normally be held within two weeks of posting the marks for a course. Exceptions to this may occur just prior to Christmas vacation, to on-the-job training, or in June.

Students will be permitted to begin a course for which a failed course is a prerequisite pending the result of the supplemental exam. Failure to pass the supplemental will require the student to withdraw from that course immediately.

4. Laboratory:

(a) Students must successfully complete the CBOs for each laboratory. Students not meeting the academic standards of the program will have their progress reviewed by a College Assessment Committee.

(b) Students who have not demonstrated competency as defined by the course outline will be considered to have been unsuccessful in a laboratory course. Students not meeting the academic standards of the program will have their progress reviewed by a College Assessment Committee.

5. Academic Probation - Students will be assessed on an individual basis by the

College Assessment Committee as it relates to eligibility to offer a probationary status.

Second Year Students

1. All Semesters - Students must obtain a minimum as defined by the course

outline in each course of study and successfully meet all the Competency Objectives for the Clinical Laboratory rotations. Students not achieving the minimum requirement in a course will have their progress reviewed.

2. Clinical Rotation - Students who have successfully completed the laboratory

courses in all disciplines will spend 16-weeks training at a clinical laboratory. Students will be evaluated on an individual basis at the clinical site as to whether they meet (complete) or do not meet (incomplete) the competencies (CBO’s) for each discipline. Students who are not successful in meeting all of the applicable CBO’s will, as recommended by a College Assessment Committee, be required to receive additional training and/or repeat the clinical rotation.

3. Laboratory

(a) Students must successfully complete the CBOs for each laboratory. Students not meeting the academic standards of the program will have their progress reviewed by a College Assessment Committee.

(b) Students who have not demonstrated competency as defined by the course outline will be considered to have been unsuccessful in a laboratory course. Students not meeting the academic standards of the program will have their progress reviewed by a College Assessment Committee.

4. CSMLS certification examinations - Students who have successfully

completed all requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technology program are eligible to write the “General” certification examinations held three times per year (June, October, and February).

LABORATORY EVALUATION REPORTS

In addition to evaluation of daily work, students are provided feedback on a number of behavioural characteristics that are important to the professional practice of Medical Laboratory Technology. These include such behaviours as: cooperation, teamwork, planning and organization of work, critical thinking, attention to detail, adherence to laboratory regulations and safety practices, Code of Professional Conduct, etc.

COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS

A. PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC) – One student representative from

the class will be invited to serve on the PAC. Class input is to be received in written form, signed by the contributor(s), and presented to the Department Head two-weeks prior to the meeting.

B. PROGRAM MEETINGS – A class representative is invited to provide ongoing

feedback at program meetings on a regular basis.

GRADUATION

Students are normally responsible for raising money for miscellaneous graduation items, i.e., photographs, rings, banquet, individual bouquets. The College Students' Representative Council approves all class fund-raising and other activities. (Forms are available from Student Services).

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is a national professional society of Medical Laboratory Technologists which sets the entry level competency profile for Medical Laboratory Technology training programs across Canada. The society grants membership, for an annual fee, to those who have fulfilled its' training requirements and successfully passed the CSMLS certification examinations. Students in the NBCC-SJ/NSCC Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) training program are required to enrol as associate "trainee" members of the CSMLS prior to participating in the 3-week practicum period.

A. The curriculum in this program follows the national competency profile of CSMLS.

B. Upon successful completion of the program, students are recommended to write the national CSMLS Certification examinations. Upon successful certification, the RT will be licensed to practice in Nova Scotia.

C. Student members of the CSMLS are expected to abide by their rules and regulations, behave and perform in a manner consistent with the Code of Professional Conduct of the CSMLS.

D. Students are encouraged to participate in CSMLS meetings, seminars and conventions where possible at their own expense.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Students are expected to abide by the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct when in the classroom and laboratories, and when representing the college or their societies to the public.

1. Medical laboratory technologists are dedicated to serving the health-care needs of the public. The welfare of the patient and respect for the dignity of the individual shall be paramount at all times.

2. Medical laboratory technologists work with other health care professionals, to provide effective patient care.

3. Medical laboratory technologists shall promote the image and status of their profession by maintaining high standards in their professional practice and through active support of their professional bodies.

4. Medical laboratory technologists shall protect the confidentiality of all patient information.

5. Medical laboratory technologists shall take responsibility for their professional acts.

6. Medical laboratory technologists shall practice within the scope of their professional competence.

7. Medical laboratory technologists shall endeavour to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge and keep current with scientific advances.

8. Medical laboratory technologists shall share their knowledge with colleagues and promote learning.

9. Medical laboratory technologists shall be aware of the laws and regulations governing medical laboratory technology and shall apply them in the practice of their profession.

10. Medical laboratory technologists shall practise safe work procedures at all times to ensure the safety of patients, co-workers and the environment.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:15-9:05 9:15-10:00 10:15-11:05 11:15-12:05 12:15-1:05 _{L U N C H} 1:15-2:05 2:15-3:05 3:15-4:00

CONSENT FORM

It has been explained to me by my instructors that during my training in the Medical Laboratory Technology program the following may take place:

1. A fellow student or an instructor may obtain from me a venous specimen of blood.

2. A fellow student may be performing one or more of the following analyses on my blood specimen: a) C.B.C. b) Differential c) ESR d) Mono Test e) Platelet Counts f) PT/APTT

3. Any of the above procedures may also be performed by the Hematology Laboratory of the Saint John Regional Hospital for comparison of test results. 4. Should there be results outside of normal ranges as set by the Atlantic Health

Sciences Corporation, I am assured the results will be forwarded to my family physician.

5. A copy of the above analysis may also be given to an instructor of Hematology for instructional purposes.

I hereby authorize the above procedures and consent to them. I certify that I have read and understand the above authorization.

Student’s Signature Witness Signature

Date

DECLARATION OF CONFIDENTIALITY

I hereby acknowledge that, as a student in the Medical Laboratory Technology program, I may be entrusted with knowledge of the personal and private affairs of individuals, staff and significant others during my time of training.

I hereby undertake not to divulge any of this knowledge, nor to discuss it at any time or in any place or with any unauthorized person either during my time in the classroom, practicum/field work or thereafter.

I also acknowledge that I fully understand the above and that a breach of this undertaking may result in a review by the College Assessment Committee.

Name: please print Signature

Date:

I have explained the implications of signing the Declaration of Confidentiality to the person named above and am fully satisfied that he/she understands the above and is aware of the necessity to hold the knowledge of personal and private affairs of individuals, staff and significant others in absolute confidence.

Signature Date