Goals & Objectives

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science Program at the University of Utah is to provide the highest standards of learning and scholarship to a diverse student population. The faculty are committed to prepare competent Medical Laboratory Scientists with the necessary skills, attitudes, and professional integrity to become contributing professionals in the health care community. The Medical Laboratory Science Program supports the mission of the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, at the University of Utah.

I.  Program Goals

A. Support the goals and mission of the University of Utah.

  1. Assist the student in planning to meet the academic requirements for a bachelor of science degree from the University of Utah or a certificate of completion from the MLS Program.

  2. Maintain appropriate and adequate academic standards consistent with those of the University.

  3. Provide the student with opportunities to accept the role as a professional, relate to those outside the medical community, grow personally and adapt to change.

B. Meet the student's requirement for education in the profession of medical laboratory science as defined by accreditation standards.

  1. Provide the student with the cognitive and psychomotor competencies to meet the entry requirements for the profession of medical laboratory science.

  2. Provide the student with an environment in which those affective requirements of the professional medical laboratory scientist are developed.

  3. Assist the student in developing techniques and attitudes for continuing education.

C. Provide opportunity for the student to become aware of the medical team and its responsibility for delivery of quality health care.

  1. Provide the student with opportunities to grow professionally in developing ethical and moral attitudes regarding duties and responsibilities to the patient and which are consistent with a member of the health care team.

  2. Encourage interaction with persons from other medical disciplines in cooperative efforts in areas of education and development of the team concept.

II.  Program Affective Objectives

MLS students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. After completing MLS courses, students will be able to accurately or positively:

  • Follow written and verbal instructions, as well as all program policies.
  • Adhere to established safety procedures.
  • Maintain attendance and punctuality for classes.
  • Display honesty, reliability and integrity when performing laboratory procedures.
  • Display ethical conduct during classes and in interactions with instructors, other students, patients, and additional members of the healthcare team.
  • Display interest and motivation for classes.
  • Maintain good interpersonal relationships with instructor(s), other students, patients, and additional members of the healthcare team.
  • Organize tasks and work area, and maintain a clean work area.
  • Accept constructive feedback given in the educational environment.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information and test results.
  • Utilize laboratory equipment and supplies for the purposes intended.

III. Expected Learning Outcomes and Career Entry Competencies for Medical Laboratory Science Graduates

After successful completion of the University of Utah Medical Laboratory Science Program, graduates will be able to:

  • Collect and prepare human samples for analysis. Store or transport samples for analysis using appropriate preservation methods.
  • Follow prescribed procedures, and with adequate orientation, perform routine testing in chemistry, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, hematology, hemostasis, and molecular diagnostics.
  • Operate and calibrate clinical laboratory instruments or equipment after proper orientation.
  • Recognize and correct basic instrument malfunctions. Refer serious instrument problems to a senior laboratorian or a supervisor when necessary.
  • Prepare reagents or media from a prescribed procedure, including calculating necessary computations, using an analytical balance, and adjusting the pH if necessary.
  • Evaluate media, reagents, and standards according to established criteria.
  • Conduct established quality control procedures on analytical tests, equipment, reagents, media, and products; evaluate results of quality control and implement corrective action when indicated.
  • Establish basic quality control procedures, confidence limits, and normal ranges for new procedures or methods.
  • Perform comparison studies on new or existing procedures and report results according to conventional scientific formats.
  • Assess the reliability of laboratory results through correlation of data with common physiological conditions.
  • In prescribed instances indicate the need for additional laboratory tests for definitive diagnostic information.
  • Provide clinical orientation and supervision for students and new or less skilled laboratory personnel. Lecture or provide class demonstrations.
  • Practice established safety measures.
  • Inform superiors of activities including unusual patient data or results.
  • Recognize and act on the need for continuing education to maintain and grow in professional competencies.
  • Present effective in-service continuing education sessions when asked.
  • Apply managerial/supervisory skills for completion of projects as assigned.
  • Comply with applicable regulatory statutes.
  • Practice quality assurance and performance improvement techniques for optimum laboratory analysis.
  • Manage laboratory operations and human resources to ensure cost-effective, high-quality laboratory services.
  • Communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team, external relations, and patients.
  • Evaluate research and published studies to remain informed of new techniques and procedures.
  • Utilize information management systems to provide timely and accurate reporting of laboratory data.
  • Behave in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Maintain focus on the patient to provide quality laboratory services.