Medical Laboratory Technician Program (MLT) Policies and Procedures Handbook

Description of the Medical Laboratory Profession

The Medical Laboratory Technician is an allied health professional qualified by academics and skills training to provide quality service in the field of clinical laboratory science.

CODE OF ETHICS

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE (ASCLS)

Preamble

The Code of Ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science sets forth the principles and standards by which Medical Laboratory Professionals and students admitted to professional education programs practice their profession.

Duty to the Patient

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ primary duty is to the patient, placing the welfare of the patient above their own needs and desires and ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality of care according to current standards of practice. High quality laboratory services are safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered. Medical Laboratory Professionals work with all patients and all patient samples without regard to disease state, ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Medical Laboratory Professionals prevent and avoid conflicts of interest that undermine the best interests of patients.

Medical Laboratory Professionals are accountable for the quality and integrity of the laboratory services they provide. This obligation includes maintaining the highest level of individual competence as patient needs change, yet practicing within the limits of their level of practice. Medical Laboratory Professionals exercise sound judgment in all aspects of laboratory services they provide. Furthermore, Medical Laboratory Professionals safeguard patients from others’ incompetent or illegal practice through identification and appropriate reporting of instances where the integrity and high quality of laboratory services have been breached.

Medical Laboratory Professionals maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and test results. They safeguard the dignity and privacy of patients and provide accurate information to patients and other health care professionals. Medical Laboratory Professionals respect patients’ rights to make decisions regarding their own medical care.

Duty to Colleagues and the Profession

Medical Laboratory Professionals uphold the dignity and respect of the profession and maintain a reputation of honesty, integrity, competence, and reliability. Medical Laboratory Professionals contribute to the advancement of the profession by improving and disseminating the body of knowledge, adopting scientific advances that benefit the patient, maintaining high standards of practice and education, and seeking fair socioeconomic working conditions for members of the profession.

Medical Laboratory Professionals accept the responsibility to establish the qualifications for entry to the profession, to implement those qualifications through participation in licensing and certification programs, to uphold those qualifications in hiring practices, and to recruit and educate students in accredited programs to achieve those qualifications.

Medical Laboratory Professionals establish cooperative, honest, and respectful working relationships within the clinical laboratory and with all members of the healthcare team with the primary objective of ensuring a high standard of care for the patients they serve.

Duty to Society

As practitioners of an autonomous profession, Medical Laboratory Professionals have the responsibility to contribute from their sphere of professional competence to the general well-being of society. Medical Laboratory Professionals serve as patient advocates. They apply their expertise to improve patient healthcare outcomes by eliminating barriers to access to laboratory services and promoting equitable distribution of healthcare resources.

Medical Laboratory Professionals comply with relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of Clinical Laboratory Science and actively seek, to change those laws and regulations that do not meet the high standards of care and practice.

Pledge to the Profession

As a Medical Laboratory Professional, I pledge to uphold my duty to Patients, the Profession and Society by:

• Placing patients’ welfare above my own needs and desires.
• Ensuring that each patient receives care that is safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable and patient-centered.
• Maintaining the dignity and respect for my profession.
• Promoting the advancement of my profession.
• Ensuring collegial relationships within the clinical laboratory and with other patient care providers.
• Improving access to laboratory services.
• Promoting equitable distribution of healthcare resources.
• Complying with laws and regulations and protecting patients from others’ incompetent or illegal practice.
• Changing conditions where necessary to advance the best interests of patients.

Essential Requirements

A Medical Laboratory Technician performs laboratory analyses, evaluates and reports laboratory results, recognizes and solves basic laboratory problems, and assists in maintenance of the laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

To accomplish these tasks the following essential requirements must be demonstrated:

• The ability to read, write, communicate verbally, and perform basic math calculations.
• The ability to understand and accurately follow directions from spoken and/or written material.
• The ability to manage time effectively.
• The ability to cooperate.
• The ability to begin or follow through on a project (display initiative).
• The ability to organize.
• The ability to work (and make sound judgments) under high stress.
• The ability to think critically.
• The ability to see and discern colors.
• The ability to sit, bend, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• The ability to correlate information.
• The ability to prioritize.
• The ability to interact effectively and sensitively with people.
• The ability to display empathy to people.
• The ability to adapt to change.
• The ability to be accurate.
• The ability to seek help and find information.
• The ability to work independently and as a team member.
• The ability to accept responsibility, limitations, and implications of one’s own actions.
• Excellent manual dexterity.
• Consistent display of professional behaviors, including good personal hygiene.

An acceptable demonstration of these essential behaviors and/or abilities is a requirement for success in the Medical Laboratory Technician program. They represent basic entry level competencies for the MLT program. Evaluation or measurement of these competencies will occur during the education and clinical segments of the program and will be accomplished by various means including: written tests, completion of projects, clinical assessment of practical skills, and instructor observation.

Medical Laboratory Technician – AAS Program

Mission

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program at Lake Superior College provides quality education and technical expertise using the most recent advances and technology available. The program is designed to prepare students in entry-level occupational skills, to promote technical competency while enhancing personal development, to increase economic opportunity, and to contribute services to local, regional, and global communities. Students are educated in accordance with the guidelines established by the national certification agencies for Medical Laboratory Technicians. Upon completing the program requirements, graduates will function as entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians as outlined by the professional role delineation.

Program Accreditation

The Medical Laboratory Technician program is NAACLS accredited. NAACLS is located at 5600 N River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, www.naacls.org
The Lake Superior College MLT program received a 10 year accreditation award October 2017.

Program Goals

To implement the program mission the following goals have been established:

1. To commit to the development of competent entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians.
2. To provide a broad occupational education by using a variety of resources and experiences which prepare students to become Medical Laboratory Technicians with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
3. To coordinate the course of study to provide development and general education opportunities which support entry-level literacy, including the ability to articulate and communicate ideas and engage in critical thinking and problem solving exercises.
4. To provide a supportive learning environment and offer equal opportunities for all people without regard to their race, creed, color, gender, sexual preference, national origin, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, religion or disability.
5. To maintain a high level and quality of instruction which may include incorporation of innovative teaching techniques and the latest in technological advances, as appropriate.
6. To provide responsive student services including advisement and referral services.
7. To develop in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of Medical Laboratory Technicians.
8. To support life-long learning and self-development and to educate students in the merits of continuing professional education.
9. To collaborate with business organizations, industry and other higher education institutions for professional opportunities.
10. To commit to on-going program improvement and development through a system of self-study and assessment.
11. To demonstrate accountability to students and governing agencies.

Program Outcomes and Competencies

Throughout the MLT program, the students acquire various skills that prepare them for entry-level positions. The graduates of the Lake Superior College Medical Laboratory Technician program will:

Upon successful completion of the MLT program the student will be able to:

1. Comply with laboratory safety and compliance procedures and policies.
2. Describe principles, operations, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.
3. Demonstrate preparedness for entry level employment as an MLT including professional behavior, and effective communication skills.
4. Correlate laboratory findings to common disease processes.
5. Demonstrate standard specimen collection and processing practices employed in medical laboratory professions.
6. Identify pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that affect test accuracy and take appropriate action.
7. Perform mathematical functions as required by laboratory procedures.
8. Perform a variety of diagnostic and screening tests procedures according to standard operating procedures.
9. Relate basic discipline principles (Hematologic, chemical, immunologic, etc.) to laboratory test procedures and test results.

Please Note: The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are essential qualities for a Medical Laboratory Technician. MLTs must demonstrate ethical and moral principles essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient and their family. As health care professionals, they must respect each patient and the confidentiality of patient information at all times.

Description and Requirements of the Medical Laboratory Technician Program at Lake Superior College

The Medical Laboratory Technician program offered by Lake Superior College is a two-year program. Students must complete pre-program and pre-technical courses with a GPA of 2.8 or better and meeting all requirements, as listed in the program guide sheet, for admission to the program. The MLT program consists of 3 semesters of didactic and laboratory work and a 1 semester clinical practicum. A new cohort of students begin each Fall Semester. Students are only admitted for the Fall semester. The MLT program admits up to fifteen students each fall but the number admitted depends on the number of qualified applicants and the number of clinical sites available for clinical practicums. Students should carefully review the program guide sheet with their advisor to ensure they meet all pre-program criteria before completing an application to the MLT program. All students must apply to become an LSC student first, then, the student can apply to the MLT program. Students should not register for courses until formally admitted to the program by the program director or if directed to do so by their advisor.

Program structure, grade, background check and health requirements

The program consists of 67 credits of general education and technical courses.

The 24 credits of general education and general allied health courses include: ALTH1410 Medical Terminology, ENGL1106 College Composition I, BIOL1140/BIOL1141 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II, CHEM1110 Aspects of Chemistry I, BIOL1170 Microbiology, any 3 credits from PSYCH or SOC (MNTC goal areas 5 or 7), and MLTN1574 Collection Skills.

The 43 MLT AAS specific technical course credits to be taken during the program* must be taken in sequence and are only offered once per year. This includes: MLTN1610 Medical Laboratory Assistant Basics, MLTN1410 Immunology and Serology MLTN1420 Hematology, MLTN1422 Medical Microbiology, MLTN1424 Urinalysis and Body Fluids, MLTN1426 Immunohematology, MLTN1428 Clinical Chemistry, MLTN1430 Molecular Diagnostics, MLTN2420 Special Hematology, MLTN2422 Special Medical Microbiology, MLTN2426 Special Immunohematology, MLTN2428 Special Clinical Chemistry, MLTN2440 MLT Simulated Laboratory, MLTN2500 MLT seminar and MLTN2505 Medical Laboratory Technician Clinical Practicum. * MLTN1610 MLA basics can be taken prior to entering the program.

Eleven of the technical credits are reserved for the clinical practicum which is assigned only during the third semester of the program or the last semester of classes for a student.
Assignments are made at health-care facilities with which LSC has affiliation agreements (legal contracts). Available sites are covered later in this document.

LSC has engaged in legal contracts with its affiliates. These contracts place many obligations on us. Students who have attendance problems, do not complete their health and immunization records, background studies or other requirements prior to the assigning of clinical sites will NOT be assigned a clinical slot.

Attendance at orientation is mandatory. Students who do not attend orientation will have their registration removed from the MLT courses.
Evidence of recent immunization status and the passing of national and state background checks is a program requirement. Students who cannot supply the required documentation prior to clinical practicum will not be granted a clinical rotation, and will not graduate.

Health Requirement Documentation and Background Checks

All forms and instructions required for health assessment, immunizations, required background studies and instructions for setting up an electronic document tracking account are available from the program director at orientation prior to starting the program and are posted on the MLT Student Center Orientation course shell on D2L.

Electronic Document Tracking

All health forms, proof of immunization, MN DHS background check with fingerprinting, National/Federal background check and any other requirements must be uploaded into an account established for electronic document tracking.

You MUST use the data system with which LSC has designated. This information will be available on the MLT student center orientation website on D2L and from your program director. Once given the information for the correct document tracking system, including the log in information, you must create your own account following the instructions provided by the program director.

The Clinical sites contract with professional companies that provide secure storage for documents. These companies allow the program director access to these documents to ensure that students have met the health requirements. LSC maintains legal documents called affiliation agreements (contracts) which require us to provide proof to the clinical sites that students designated for placement at the clinical site meet all the health standards of the clinical site. Not all clinical affiliates require the same documentation, and not all sites use the same documentation system. Health requirements may change at clinical affiliates for any reason at any time and students will be expected to adhere to the requirements of their assigned facility.

Specific instructions for creating an electronic storage account(s) are provided to students prior to their final semester in the program. Students should start collecting their documents ASAP after being accepted into the program.

Physical Exam

All students are required to sign a Health Declaration form. Physical exams are no longer required. You must attest that your physical health is sufficient to perform the job. If you are unsure, talk with the program director and schedule a physical exam with your personal physician.

The completed Health Declaration form must be provided hard copy to the program director. Incomplete forms are not accepted. This form will be handed out at orientation and is also available in D2L on the MLT student center orientation shell.

Hearing and Vision

Be aware that the laboratory, emergency room and other areas of the hospital can be noisy places. People with hearing impairments may not be a good fit for an environment where there is significant background noise, such as a laboratory. Your physician should perform a full hearing assessment if you have any concerns about your hearing before you begin the MLT program.

Colorblindness is a significant hindrance to personnel who choose to work in the medical laboratory. Be advised that clinical facilities may test you for color blindness before hire. All students who may have a concern, should have their vision assessed using the Ishihara color plates (also called pseudo-isochromatic plates) before signing the Health Declaration form and before you commit to the MLT program. Be aware that using a website to test yourself is not in any way diagnostic as conditions under which the tests are given affect the results.

Furthermore, there are different types of color deficiency and additional test plates for color deficiency other than Red/Green deficiency. You must have a professionally administered exam by a physician or physician’s designee if you are concerned about your color vision.

Immunizations

Prior to starting clinical practicum, students must have their up to date proof on MMR (3), Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap <10 years old) Hepatitis B series, and varicella (2) and also provide proof of the vaccine administration on letterhead paper or website. Alternatively, the student may order a titer to prove immunity to hepatitis B or begin the immunization series upon admission and prove completion of the series before attending the clinical practicum. Students must have proof of chicken pox if they did not receive the Varicella vaccine. This means either a direct diagnosis from a physician at the time of the disease and letter confirming that the patient was diagnosed by a physician at that time or the student must have a titer performed or take the chicken pox vaccine.

Students must prove that they have had an annual test for Tuberculosis, either Mantoux, QuantiFERON or TSPOT. This test must be completed within 12 months of clinical practicum. So, it is advised that students wait until their second year to complete this test. Students who test positive should meet with the program director to determine the next course of action.

Be aware that many clinical sites also require a flu shot or have other specific requirements or recommendations regarding immunization status. Students who wish to attend clinical practicum must meet the clinical site requirements BEFORE the assignment of clinical sites during the 2nd fall semester. Everything must be completed prior to Oct. 1st of the 2nd year in the program.

Students who do not have all the requirements completed will not be assigned a clinical slot. Students who fail to sign the health declaration form or to provide the information requested by the clinical sites should understand that a clinical site may refuse placement at their facility. The MLT program does not guarantee an alternative facility placement.

Background Studies

Both Minnesota and Wisconsin laws require that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, have a background study performed by that state. All students are required to pass a Minnesota background study, including fingerprinting, in accordance with current state requirements. Students who may complete clinical rotations in Wisconsin must also comply with Wisconsin law and complete the Wisconsin background study. Wisconsin background studies are currently on paper and processed by the Allied Health and Nursing at this time. Minnesota background studies including fingerprinting are applied for, and paid for, by the student. Instructions are provided on the MLT Student Center Orientation page.

All students are required to pay for and complete a national criminal background study.

All background studies must be ordered through the instructions provided by LSC through the approved vendors websites. Outside background checks such as those completed through your current or past employers are not acceptable. Follow the instructions provided through the online MLT student center orientation shell on D2L. There are fees associated with background studies and these fees are paid directly by the student when completing the background studies.

If a student is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the state or national background study, and this disqualification is NOT SET ASIDE by the Commissioner of Health, they will NOT BE PERMITTED TO CONTINUE in the Medical Laboratory Technician program. It is the student’s responsibility to pursue the “set-aside” of any state or federal background study disqualification. Set asides usually take a significant amount of time. Students may be required to step out of the program until the set aside is complete. Even if a student meets health and background requirements, a clinical site may still choose to reject a student for any reason. If you anticipate your background check is not clear, work with the program director to address concerns early in the program. If a student is unable to complete MLTN2505 because their background checks are not cleared and approved by the clinical site, they will not be able to graduate.

Students admitted to MLT program must complete all health documents and background studies by Oct. 1st of their second year in the program. Students who do not complete health requirements before this time will not be able to attend clinical practicum, which will prevent them from graduating.

Program Completion

To earn their AAS degree in MLT, students must pass all courses that are included on the program guide sheet and apply for graduation. Some courses have specific grading standards, which can be found in the course syllabi. An Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements including the clinical practicum. See the section regarding grades for more specific information on grading policy. The granting of the AAS degree, after successful completion of all of the MLT program courses, as listed in the current program guide, is not in any way contingent upon the student passing an external certification or licensure exam.

Certification and Licensure as an MLT

Graduates of an accredited MLT program are eligible to sit for the MLT National Certification Exam, which is offered through several different professional organizations. The MLT program faculty strongly encourage all program graduates to take the national certification exam. It is most beneficial to take the exam as soon as possible after graduation. Most employers require employees to be certified or certified within a certain period of time after hire. It should be noted that some states are requiring MLTs to be licensed. As of February 2020, the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin do not require licensure.

According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) websites. the following 11 states require state licensure: California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia. The territory of Puerto Rico also requires licensure. This list changes from time to time so if you plan to leave Minnesota or Wisconsin to seek employment, please be sure to check with the individual state regarding MLT licensure.

Program Faculty and College Administrators

• The program director is available for specific questions regarding the program, courses, safety, and advising. The program director is Crystal Schmidt M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)CM .
• Faculty are available for course specific questions and academic support. Full time faculty include: Christian Lindquist, MLS (ASCP)cm Adjunct faculty include: Anne Laible, MT(ASCP) .
• The dean of students is available to students with questions about campus environment, and student personal and education needs. The Dean of Students is Wade Gordon. .
  The Dean of Allied Health and Nursing oversees faculty. If you have concerns about faculty, please reach out to The Dean of Allied Health and Nursing, Anna Sackette-Urness, MSN, RN. .
• Other adjuncts may teach courses from time to time. All instructors must be MLS ASCP certified, have a Bachelor of Science level education and experience working in the clinical laboratory.

MLT Course Schedule

Below is a detailed list of the courses and the order in which they are taken. MLT program courses must be taken in order unless specific arrangements have been made with the program director.

Pre-technical and pre-program work

Basic college level English and Math skills must be demonstrated prior to admission either through entrance exam, ACT, SAT exams or course completion. MATH0970 Intermediate Algebra completed with a C or better (or equivalent) is required for admission to the program. These requirements are detailed in the school catalog and the program guide sheet that is posted on the program website.

Pre-program coursework includes (21-23cr):

• ALTH1410 Medical Terminology (1cr)
• BIOL1140 Anatomy and Physiology I (4cr)
• BIOL1141 Anatomy and Physiology II (4cr)
• CHEM1110 Aspects of Chemistry I or CHEM1210 (MLS track) (3cr or 5cr)
• ENGL1106 Composition I or equivalent (3cr)
• MLTN1574 Collection Skills (3cr)
• PYSC or SOC from MNTC goal areas 5 or 7 (7a or 7b) (3cr)

All pre-program courses must be completed with a “C” or better and equal a total GPA of 2.8 or better before program admittance. Higher GPA students will get priority in case of a full program. Use the program guide sheet and work with your advisor to ensure you are prepared to enter the program.

First semester after admission to the MLT program (1st Fall semester 11 credits):

• BIOL1170 Microbiology (3cr)
• MLTN1610 Medical Laboratory Assistant Basics (2Cr)
• MLTN1410 Immunology and Serology (3Cr)
• MLTN1424 Urinalysis and Body Fluids (3Cr)

Second semester of the MLT program (1st Spring semester 12 credits):

• MLTN1420 Hematology (3Cr)
• MLTN1422 Medical Microbiology (4Cr)
• MLTN1426 Immunohematology (2Cr)
• MLTN1428 Clinical Chemistry (2Cr)
• MLTN1430 Molecular Diagnostics (1Cr)

Third semester of the MLT program (2nd Fall 11 credits):

• MLTN2420 Special Hematology (3Cr)
• MLTN2422 Special Medical Microbiology (2Cr)
• MLTN2426 Special Immunohematology (2Cr)
• MLTN2428 Special Clinical Chemistry (2Cr)
• MLTN2440 MLT Simulated Laboratory (2Cr)

Fourth Semester (2nd Spring, 12 credits):

• MLTN2500 Medical Laboratory Technician Seminar (1Cr)
• MLTN2505 Clinical Practicum I (11Cr)

TOTAL CREDITS (pre-program courses + program courses) 67

NOTE: MLTN courses with the exception of MLTN1574 Collection skills, is only offered once per year and is not offered during the summer sessions. However, due to potential scheduling difficulties, students should be prepared to occasionally have clinical practicum rotations that extend into the summer. While both the college and clinical sites try to avoid this, sometimes it is necessary to ensure that all students have adequate time in clinical rotations.

With the exception of MLTN1574 Collection Skills, courses in the MLT program may only be taken by students formally admitted to the MLT program. They may not be taken out of order.

Teach Out Plan

Orderly Academic program suspension

In the event that the administration of Lake Superior College or Minnesota State should decide to discontinue the MLT program, every effort will be made to follow the following teach out plan:

1. No new students will be admitted to the program
2. All students currently participating in the program will be allowed to finish
3. Only courses needed for the completing students will be offered
4. Students may decide to transfer to another MLT program. Acceptance of any coursework completed at LSC will be up to the accepting institution.
5. Students may choose to leave the MLT program.

Example: Administration decides in February 2025 to close the MLT program.

• Second year students are participating in clinical practicum at this time. Students participating at clinical sites will complete their clinical work, seminar course and be allowed to graduate.
• First year students are in second semester courses at this point. Students will be able to finish the courses in progress. They will be offered courses for fall of 2025 according to the program planner.
• Only second year courses will be offered.
• No first year courses will be offered fall 2025
• Clinical practicum will also be arranged for spring of 2026 and the students allowed to complete their degree and graduate.
• Students who do not pass classes during this second semester spring of 2025 will need to leave the program as no three-year option will be offered.

Lake Superior College defines “Academic program closure” and “Academic program suspension” on their website.

Emergency Shutdown plan

In the event that an emergency occurs, such that, Lake Superior College deems that the campus must be closed, or the MLT lab specifically must be closed, immediately on an emergency basis for an indeterminate amount of time, for any reason, the following plan will be put into place:

1. If lecture rooms are not available, MLT lectures will be converted to online delivery.
2. MLT laboratory sessions will be moved to an appropriate Minnesota State affiliated campus.

Associated Program Costs (updated spring 2026)

• Application fee to LSC ($20.00 but currently waived): $0.00
• Application fee to MLT program $0.00
• Tuition per credit $174.01
• Online per credit $190.82
• Fees are per credit, per semester
  • MLT program tuition differential $53.95/credit
  • Access fee (parking): (not charged for fully online courses) $5.00/credit + tax
  • Student Activity fee (Max $114.15 per term): $7.61/credit
  • Student Association fee ($9.25 max per term): $0.61/credit
  • Technology fee ($150 max per term) $10.00/credit
  • Textbooks: (approximate cost for all MLTN course textbooks) $900-1200.00
• Other costs to be aware of for Allied Health and Nursing:
  • Background studies (may change as LSC does not set these fees):
    • MN state DHS $65.00
    • WI $15.00
    • National $65-$200+ (varies based on number of names and states)
  • Immunizations: Based on your insurance
  • Hepatitis B Immunization: Based on your insurance
  • Quantiferon/Tspot: Based on your insurance
  • Test Out/Credit by Exam Fee: $125/credit
  • Personal property fees may also apply $10-$20.00 one-time fee
  • National Certification Exam (after program completion): approx. $220.00

Program surcharges and personal property fees are attached to the MLTN technical courses and vary. This is a per credit surcharge and is in addition to tuition. Personal property fees vary by course and may cover basic liability insurance during clinical practicum, practice exams and other services or goods that might be provided to the student through LSC. Please check the LSC website for more current information as prices change.

Textbooks

Required textbooks are listed on individual course syllabi and through the LSC store. All books are purchased in the first year and used through graduation and to study for the board exam.

Liability and Health Insurance

Liability insurance is included as an additional fee for any practicum course. The fee is attached to the tuition. This is a mandatory requirement for MLT students while at the college and on practicum.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are many scholarships available through the LSC Foundation, including one that is available to second year MLT students. Please use the LSC Foundation website instructions to apply for scholarships. Applications usually open in February but be aware that application deadlines change.

Several scholarships for MLT students are available through professional societies such as ASCP and ASCLS, St. Mary’s Essentia Auxiliary and other sources.
Do not wait until the applications for scholarships are open to begin your application. Start writing practice essays ahead of time and have some examples and ideas ready to edit and submit when the application opens.

An emergency fund is available through the LSC Foundation. Students must apply and justify the emergency need. Application is made through the foundation. Funds may be provided in a variety of formats including a short-term loan or a grant.

Academic Standards

Admission Policies: The MLT program can accept up to 15 students in the technical portion of the program each fall semester. Acceptance is based on completion of applications to LSC and the MLT program, completion of pre-technical courses and pre-program courses as outlined previously in the section on program structure. Fewer students may be accepted if clinical sites are not available. However, this changes rapidly and is hard to predict.

It is expected that students will use the program guide sheets and meet with an advisor before applying to the MLT program. Students who apply to the program but who do not meet the requirements will not be offered a slot in the program.

All pre-program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better and a minimum GPA of 2.8. Students must meet minimum Math and English requirements as listed on the program guide sheet. Transcripts indicating completion of these courses at another institution must be on file with, and accepted by, Lake Superior College prior to beginning the MLT program in fall semester. Students who transfer to LSC from another MLT program must meet the same grade, math and English requirements as other students. They may not have any “D” grades in their pre-technical, pre-program or MLT coursework. Students with prior “D”, “F” or “FN” grades in any course are admitted to the program only with program director approval.
All students are required to complete an application to Lake Superior College before completing an application to the MLT program. Please follow the instructions on the LSC Website or contact your advisor.

Students must apply specifically to the MLT program. Students are not eligible to register for MLT courses unless formally admitted (receive a letter of acceptance) to the MLT program through their application process from the program director.

The program director notifies all students with completed applications of their acceptance status by June 30. Students who must complete coursework through the summer can potentially be admitted provisionally, if there is a slot available and the student completes the coursework with a “C” or better.

The program director may choose to accept the maximum of 15 students per year based on market demand, expected attrition, adequacy of staffing levels, available clinical placement and adequacy of lab space. No student is guaranteed a clinical placement upon admission.

Orientation

Students accepted into the program or considering applying to the MLT program should work with their advisor and attend a pre-orientation meeting with the director. Contact your advisor or program director for a date and/or meeting time.

Students accepted into the program will attend a mandatory orientation session. Students will be advised of the orientation date upon admission to the program

Electronic Requirements and Academic Honesty

Students should review the LSC policy and individual course syllabi regarding academic honesty, intellectual property and the use of electronics and social media on campus, off campus and in classrooms. Course information, including answers to quizzes, tests, worksheets and all other course information including any videos or recordings should not be posted on social media or shared through electronic means unless part of a course assignment.

Cheating includes looking up answers in any reference format when taking an online quiz or exam, reusing/recycling old projects or essays, sharing questions or answers on worksheets or exams with other students or posting to social media or anywhere on the internet and any other activity that does not reflect honest achievement.

Use of any electronic device such as cell phones or Smartwatches in class and during exams and quizzes is forbidden. Students should not record any class unless they have express permission of the instructor and all fellow students in writing. Review the LSC academic honesty D2L website. Students who violate academic honesty policies will be asked to leave the program.

Professional Appearance (Dress code)

In addition to the professional behaviors listed above, students are expected to follow general hygiene and grooming guidelines, which are in the interest of safety and professionalism while attending laboratory sessions. The MLT program appearance guidelines mirror the requirements of the clinical sites and is supported by the MLT program advisory board.
Adherence to these guidelines is expected. Students who do not adhere to the guidelines may be asked to leave the laboratory.

• Consistent hand washing and/or use of non-soap and water hand hygiene solutions while in lab.
• Hair: Hair will be clean and tied back while in the lab.
• No hats, scarves or other headpieces are allowed in the lab. Headpieces for religious observance may be worn but should be worn in such a way to avoid contact with surfaces and samples.
• Fingernails: Fingernails must be clean and neatly trimmed to be no more than the height of the tips of the fingers. Artificial nails are not allowed
• No offensive body odor, strong perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics or hygiene products. No odors from smoking.
• Use good oral hygiene. You will be near patients.
• Students should wear scrubs in the student laboratory and must wear scrubs at clinical sites.
• No chewing of gum, eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm in the lab.
• No sandals or open-toed shoes can be worn in the lab. Closed-toed shoes should not be made of mesh or have holes through which sharps (needles) or fluids could easily pass. Solid shoes that cover the top of the foot must be worn and be made of a material that will inhibit penetration by sharp objects such as needles. No high heels. Shoes must have a solid supportive sole. No untied shoes. All shoes must be laced and secure.
• Socks that cover the ankle must be worn in the lab.
• No shorts, capris, crop pants or skirts of any length worn in lab. Long pants that cover the ankle must be worn.
• Beards and mustaches must be closely trimmed and neat.
• No dangling earrings or other jewelry, no facial piercings in the lab that hang out away from
• the skin (take the jewelry out or switch to something flat). No oversized rings in the laboratory.
• Offensive tattoos must be covered (offensive messages, profanity, nudity, etc.)

Respect

Students are expected to show respect for faculty, clinical preceptors and fellow students by refraining from activities that disrupt class and/or lab. Disruptive behaviors may include but are not limited to:

• Arriving late to lecture or lab, thus disruption of the lecture or lab in progress
• Refusing to follow attendance policy
• Refusing to follow the dress code for the program and clinical sites
• Allowing cell phones to ring in lecture or lab
• Using a cell phone or Smartwatch during lecture or lab
• Excessive sidebar conversations during lecture or lab, especially during lectures and class discussions, or student presentations
• Lying to instructors, cheating and not complying with program requirements
• Disrespect may include any behavior including manner of dress that disrupts the learning environment and the educational goals of the program and college.

Promptness and Attendance

Students are expected to be on time for academic lectures, labs, and educational experiences held either on or off campus. Being on time includes being IN THE APPROPRIATE ATTIRE (in the lab or lecture) at the START of the lecture or lab class (worksite disinfected, work station inventory completed and ready to work). This will require you to arrive 10 minutes before the start of the lab session. Students should arrive for lecture 5 minutes before lecture and never after the official start of the lecture.

Students who know ahead of time they will be absent from class, lab, or any educational experience must notify the course instructor ahead of time and arrange IN ADVANCE to make-up work missed.

Students who must miss a class, lab, or other educational experience unexpectedly due to illness should call or email the course instructor PRIOR TO THE START of class or lab. This is expected on a job and is expected in a professional program.

Program coursework is NOT optional. You are expected to complete all coursework and complete it on time.

Exams

All students are expected to be present for scheduled testing situations including quizzes, tests, final exams, and skill checks. Low stakes quizzes will not be giving a make- up date for points.

Any student who misses one of these testing situations MUST:

A. Notify the instructor PRIOR to the time of the test AND
B. Take the test during the student’s FIRST DAY back to school.

• Only in EXTREME circumstances when “B” is impossible or the student has had a major life event, will the students take the test at another time arranged with the instructor.
• Students who do not notify an instructor of an absence will not be allowed to take the exam on return and will receive a zero. An exception will be made for unforeseen circumstances that prevent the student from notifying the instructor.
• Please make every effort to attend all scheduled classes and notify the instructor if you will be absent.

• Individual instructors may have additional specific attendance policies for their courses. These policies will be stated in the course syllabi and it is expected you will follow these policies.
• If absences are without good reason, become habitual, or place the student in jeopardy of failing, the student will be referred to a college counselor (Early Alert) and individual contracts will be arranged with the student to deal with the situation. This policy is outlined in the LSC policies.

Effective Learning

In order to integrate, relate, and understand lecture and lab material, the successful MLT student will:

1. Attend all lecture and lab sessions.
2. Utilize lab time effectively. Students who are NOT actively participating in lab activities and/or who are distracting other students may be asked to leave.
3. Study class material BEFORE lecture and lab.
4. Utilize open lab times to practice new skills and review previously learned skills (scheduled with individual instructors).
5. Clarify material and ask questions of the appropriate instructor as needed.
6. Utilize the Learning Centers at the college for study skills information and test-taking strategies.
7. Discuss program-related issues with program director/advisor at the EARLIEST sign of academic difficulty.
8. Seek assistance from a college counselor at the EARLIEST sign of personal problems that interfere with the ability to succeed in school.

Academic Integrity

MLT students must adhere to moral and ethical principles in the classroom and at clinical sites. This includes BUT IS NOT limited to that of honesty regarding the following:

1. Cheating on a test: Copying from another’s test paper or test questions, using unauthorized materials during a test, knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of an unadministered test, substituting for another student or permitting another student to substitute for oneself to take a test, or bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test.
2. Plagiarism: Meaning the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another person’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own work.
3. Collusion: Meaning the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.
4. Recycling one’s previous work to be graded anew for a current course.
5. Students who violate the integrity of their responsibilities in the performance of their role as a MLT student will be subject to dismissal from the MLT program.

Students should read the LSC policy on academic honesty. Examples may be given in class, and quizzes or worksheets may be incorporated into classwork. If you suspect another student of engaging in academic dishonesty, the course instructor and/or program director should be notified.

Students who violate any LSC student code of conduct policy may be dismissed from the program.

Probation, Suspension, Dismissal

The program director and all faculty have a role in guiding students throughout the program while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality. Faculty will provide oral and written feedback to students regarding professional behaviors observed if needed to address inappropriate behavior. If a faculty has a concern, they will address the student in person first. If the issue is not resolved, the faculty will provide written feedback for the student. The concerns will be discussed with the program director, if written feedback is provided. Copies of written feedback will be placed in the student’s file by the program director. Students not demonstrating an appropriate level of professional behavior will be asked to develop a plan for improvement along with a contract indicating what behaviors need to be addressed and within what time-period. If students continue to display inappropriate behavior, students will be asked to leave the program. The program director has a list of expected affective skills (soft skills) that are expected, and these are addressed with the student at orientation and are included on the MLT student center D2L page.

Any student who is found guilty of misconduct as outlined in the student code of conduct will be put on probation, suspended, or dismissed from the program following the LSC processes outlined in the student code of conduct.

Any student not meeting academic standards as outlined under “grades” above will be dismissed from the program.

Student complaints and Grievances

Any student who wishes to file a complaint or grievance should follow the LSC process outlined under policy
3.8 and 3.8.1.

Students can also reference the college wide process and forms.

Appeal Process

1. The student has a right to appeal the grievance decision by filing a written appeal to the appropriate Vice President.
2. Appeals must be filed within ten (10) working days of receipt of the grievance decision.
3. The Vice President shall respond provide a written response within ten (10) working days from receipt of the grievance appeal.
4. The President will reconsider an appeal decision if more information is presented. The President’s decision is final and binding.
5. If the complaint involves a Minnesota State Board policy or actions of the College President, a student may further appeal LSC’s decision through the Chancellor to the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. The decision of the Board of Trustees is final and binding.

View Forms for grade appeal, petition appeal, petition to policy, suspension appeal and respective procedures.

Communications

Students are expected to check their LSC college email a MINIMUM of 3 times a week. Faculty are legally REQUIRED to send student and program information to students by this primary mode of communication.

Failure to check email is NOT A VALID EXCUSE for missing important announcements. The official communication for Lake Superior College is the student LSC email account. Private email accounts are not used due to the potential for FERPA risks.

Communication is vital! The program faculty wants to help you succeed. Please reach out early and often if you have concerns or issues that you need help with.

Name or Other Changes

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the MLT Program Director in writing of any changes in personal status. Such changes include name, address, and telephone number.

Withdrawal from the Program

Students considering withdrawing from the MLT program should discuss this matter with their personal advisor and the MLT program director. Withdrawal is a formal procedure and needs to be completed by the student in Enrollment Services. Students need to follow LSC policies and procedures regarding program and course withdrawal. Be aware that withdrawing without contacting an advisor may affect financial status. If you must withdraw without direct discussions with the program director, please notify the program director as a courtesy.

College Policies

College and Program Policies and Procedures: The MLT program abides by Lake Superior College policies, including but not limited to policies of non-discrimination. The most current college policies can be found at the LSC Policies webpage. MLT students are expected to have a working knowledge of the location of LSC policies and procedures as found in the LSC student handbook and online.

MLT students are expected to have a working knowledge of the content of the MLT Program Policy and Procedure Manual, which is provided to students on the program website, during orientation, annually at the start of each fall semester and when updates are completed to notify students of important policy changes. The manual may be updated at any time.

Safety

All students and faculty engaged in learning in the MLT program must be aware that participation in the program includes the risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens and chemicals. As such, safety policies and procedures are an essential part of the MLT program.

Initial safety training will take place in the MLTN1574 Collection skills class. Early in the fall semester, program safety policies and procedures are reviewed during mandatory safety training during the first lectures. Students are quizzed on safety policies and procedures throughout the program. Students should be prepared to answer safety questions or demonstrate safe practices at any time during the program.

Students are expected to adhere to all safety guidelines, rules and training and must use all equipment in a safe manner at all times. Any student not following safe laboratory practices during student labs puts other students and instructors as well as maintenance workers at risk. Any student who is operating in the lab in an unsafe manner and/or not in compliance with safety training will be tutored on the error. If the safety violation is egregious, in other words, puts others at immediate risk, the student may asked to leave the class and may be removed permanently from the course and the program for safety violations.

Consistent and proper use of barrier and personal protective equipment (PPE) is continually evaluated and reinforced. The dress code is for the safety of the student and is enforced. Students violating the dress code or not using PPE correctly will be asked to leave the class to acquire the correct clothing, or tutored on PPE use, as appropriate. Students who are repeat offenders may be asked to leave the program for repeated safety violations.

Students will follow all safety rules throughout the program and during clinical practicum. Clinical sites may provide additional safety training and expect students to adhere to their policies while in their facility.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS), the chemical hygiene plan (CHP), Exposure control plan (ECP) and training records are maintained in the lab. These materials should be accessed as required.
Students who have questions regarding chemical use, biohazard materials use, waste collection and disposal or other safety questions after training should always ask the instructor before acting. Students are also encouraged to access the SDS, ECP and CHP at any time.

The student laboratory is subject to OSHA inspections and follows OSHA guidelines as well as CDC guidelines for Bloodborne pathogens as they apply to the laboratory. OSHA may come to inspect our laboratory at any time. Students will learn to recognize, understand and use the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) labeling. We follow all pertinent guidelines for the storage of chemicals, collection of chemical waste and collection and disposal of all biohazardous materials. To prevent the transmission of blood borne pathogens, transfer of pathogens from fomites and person to person transfer through needle sticks and aerosols, students are trained to understand Standard Precautions and are provided the correct personal protective equipment for the work required.

Engineering controls are also provided in the lab. These include a Biosafety cabinet, a fume hood, flammable storage cabinet, acid/base storage, hard sided sharps disposal containers, clean glass disposal box, phlebotomy equipment that includes needle covers or needle retraction devices, bleach or disposable sanitizing wipes, splash shields, goggles, face shields, and equipment to clean up chemical and biohazard spills in the laboratory should they occur. Students are trained to use all safety equipment properly and they expected to use the equipment when needed.

Phlebotomy

Before beginning phlebotomy training, students must agree to volunteer for phlebotomy practice, which is an invasive procedure. Students must understand that there is potential for exposure to communicable diseases during this process. Students are trained in the correct use of phlebotomy equipment with practice on artificial arms before they transition to humans.
Safety training regarding the use of engineering controls and good techniques is integral to this training. Students with specific concerns should address these privately with the instructor so arrangements can be made to comply with all safety regulations. Students with very difficult veins, physician waivers or other concerns may be temporarily placed on a waived list and cannot be drawn until the instructor indicates that the student is released for venipuncture practice. Phlebotomy is an integral part of the duties expected of MLTs. Most students overcome any anxiety about drawing blood or being drawn by others. Many even enjoy the patient contact aspect of phlebotomy. However, those students who feel they cannot surmount their anxiety about drawing blood, or being drawn by others for practice, should consider fields outside of MLT or even other Allied Health fields that require invasive procedures.

Grades

All lecture/lab courses and the clinical experience (practicum) in the MLT program must be taken in sequence. When a student starts the MLT technical courses, that student follows the program planner in place that year.

All courses are A-F grading except Clinical Practicum courses which are pass or non-credit (fail).

Evaluative Techniques and Grading Scale

Assessment is completed using multiple methods. Lab exercises, written exams, lab exams and skills assessment, worksheets, quizzes, projects and case studies will be translated into points and the points to grades. Grading will be based on the following scale:

90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 0%=F

Grading Policy

1. To pass each MLTN course students must:
   1. Earn a passing grade of “C” (70%) overall in the course.
   2. Earn 70% overall in the exam category of the gradebook
   3. Earn 70% on final exam
   4. Pass the lab practical
2. If a student does not meet the above requirements, the highest grade they can receive is a “D” in the course. A “C” is required in all courses on the program guide, to graduate from the MLT program.
3. The evaluation process and specific requirements for individual courses is stated in each course syllabus. Some courses may have more stringent grading policies due to the critical nature of developing high quality skills and knowledge. Read course syllabi carefully.
4. If a student is failing a course, a meeting will be set up with them and the program director to discuss an improvement plan. The goal of the program faculty is to help the student succeed by identifying barriers and working with the student to develop a plan for success.
5. If a student does not earn a “C” or above in the course, they will be asked to “step out” of the program and may request to return the next time the course is offered. The student must meet with the program director and request to return to the program. The faculty of the program will discuss the option to return. Faculty will consider the students’ academic success in the program courses, laboratory performance, and affective evaluations. A specific plan for a student awarded an extension must be devised. Students will not be allowed to register for courses unless the program director has agreed to allow the student to return and offered an extension plan. Students who do register without permission will have their registration revoked.
6. MLTN technical courses are only offered once per year. The program must be completed within 36 months of starting the formal part of the program (enrollment in: MLTN1410, MLTN1424).

Missed lab sessions

1. Every effort is made to provide at least 1 group make up lab session per semester. Individual make up labs for 1 student will not be provided. Students need to make every effort to attend all lab sessions. If a student misses a lab and can attend a scheduled make-up lab, they will receive credit for the lab session.
2. Students should be aware of the LSC FN policy.

Evaluations

Course work will be assessed by written tests, worksheets, practical exams, laboratory exercises, reports (oral and/or written) etc. as indicated in the individual course syllabi. Included in the evaluations are:

1. Academic (cognitive knowledge) evaluations: based on course test grades, class assignments, and class participation.
2. Technical (psychomotor) skills: evaluated by practical skill tests and/or laboratory exercises.
3. Affective behaviors: evaluated by some laboratory rubrics, during clinical practicums, and through faculty observations. Evaluations shall address honesty, cooperation, responsibility, confidence, confidentiality, respect, communication, reaction to criticism, etc. Any concerns will be addressed verbally immediately. Written documents will follow and remain confidential.

NOTE: Clinical evaluations will be performed by the supervising preceptors from the clinical site. Evaluations will be reviewed and signed by the student and rotation preceptor or educational coordinator. The student may write on or submit an attachment to the evaluation to document a specific disagreement with the evaluation. A grade will not be given for the rotation until the evaluation and checklist is turned into the program director fully signed.

Advisement

Lake Superior College Academic Advisors help LSC students achieve their educational and professional goals. All LSC students are assigned an academic advisor based on their program. During the program, the student’s advisor will be the program director. Our team of professional advisors assist students throughout the program with:

• Academic Planning and Course Registration
• Assistance in navigating the college experience
• Program and Career Exploration
• Degree Requirements
• Transfer Planning and Resources
• Academic Challenges
• Academic Warning/Suspension/Probation
• Connections with support resources

In addition, the program director will advise and provide guidance to students during the program. The program director and faculty will maintain contact with the student and meet with the student as needed to address academic questions or concerns.

If a student is falling below the benchmark of 70% on exams, faculty and/or the MLT program director will meet with the student to investigate what may be causing the student to underperform and work with the student to develop a plan to improve their academic performance. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check in on progress. Students continuing to not meet grading policy expectations after midterm exams will be asked to leave the program.

Clinical Practicum Placement

During the final semester of the program, students are placed on a clinical practicum at affiliated clinical sites. Students can only be sent to clinical labs that have signed affiliation agreements. Affiliation agreements are legal contracts arranged with each approved clinical site. Clinical practicum experiences are made available to students who have satisfactorily completed the required program courses and all health and background study requirements. The following list includes clinical sites in which LSC has a current affiliation agreement. Other sites may be available. If a student is interested in attending a rotation at a location that is not on the list below, they may request that the program director contact the site and arrange to have an affiliation agreement written.

Placement Order

Every effort is made to place students at practicum sites on schedule and in the region, but availability is dependent upon the sites’ capacity to accommodate students, and placement cannot be unconditionally guaranteed for each student within the two-year time frame. Delayed starts and rotation at more than one clinical site may be necessary to accommodate all students. Furthermore, the number of available slots will fluctuate from year to year based on clinical site conditions, which cannot be controlled by the program. No guarantee is made regarding placement of student, or at a preferred site. Students with good academic standing, with acceptable behavioral records, and who have completed all health requirements and background studies on time, will have priority for clinical practicum slots over students with lower performance in these categories. If there are more students than clinical practicum rotation slots, students will be ranked using academic performance in all MLTN courses. If there is a tie between two students using academic performance, the clinical sites will interview students, and the site will prioritize student selection. All placement decisions are finalized by the program director.

Students may be placed on clinical rotation out of town. Living arrangements and commuting are the responsibility of the student. Students may refuse a clinical site. However, another site may not be available to them at that time and their graduation may be delayed until the student can complete the clinical practicum portion of the program. Students may be required to complete independent study to refresh skills before attending any clinical site on a delay schedule. LSC MLT program policy requires that all work be completed within 3 academic years. Students who do not complete a practicum experience through Lake Superior College cannot graduate with the AAS MLT from Lake Superior College.

Expectations of Students Attending Clinical Practicums arranged through Lake Superior College

Clinical Practicums

The clinical practicums are about 12 weeks* in length and are broken down into the following weeks:

1. Microbiology – 2-3 weeks
2. Transfusion Services (Immunohematology)– 2-3 weeks
3. General Lab
   1. Hematology – 2-3 weeks
   2. Coagulation – ½-1 weeks
   3. Urinalysis -1/2-1 weeks
   4. Chemistry – 2-3 weeks
   5. Phlebotomy/Specimen Collection – ½-1 weeks (if prior phlebotomy experience is already completed, this portion of the practicum will be waived. Must submit employer documentation or proof of completion of MLTN2577).
   6. Other experience provided by the clinical site that is specific to their workload such as ECGs, observation of a bone marrow collection and preparation, observation of autopsy, preparation of histological slides, etc. Be open to participating in any other offered experience.

Students begin their clinical experience spring semester of the second year after successfully completing all technical and academic courses. Students are expected to attend clinical sites Monday through Friday for their scheduled shifts each day. Students should be allowed breaks, and lunch. During practicum, the MLT students will return to campus for the Medical Laboratory Technician Seminar. Students must attend scheduled class sessions. Students who are placed outside of the Duluth area may arrange professional video conferencing solutions with the instructor and attend class electronically.

If all goes according to schedule and no extra time is required at a clinical site, the MLT students will complete their rotation in time to graduate with the rest of the students in May. If a student needs to spend additional time in a rotation, they must apply for an “I” (incomplete) for the course. The student cannot graduate until all clinical work and assessment tools have been completed successfully and turned into the clinical coordinator. The practicums are graded on a Pass/No Credit (fail) basis (90% of the points is the pass cut off). If a practicum is scheduled to be delayed or extended beyond the end of the semester due to clinical site scheduling issues, the student will be warned ahead of time of the delay, as much as possible. The student must apply for an incomplete. Incompletes do not reflect poorly on students and do not affect GPA or graduation dates.

*clinical practicum uses a skills check-off and is competency based, meaning the student can finish prior to the 12 weeks.

Behaviors of Successful MLT Students and Graduates

Professional Behaviors are expected at all times during the program including during clinical practicum*.

Students are expected to demonstrate interest in the field of laboratory science, the skills and level of competence required to be successful in this career. Specific professional behaviors assessed during classroom, lab, and college or outside community activities include but are not limited to:

• Commitment to Learning: The ability to self-assess, self-correct; to identify needs and resources of learning; and to continually seek new knowledge and understanding.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interact effectively with patients, families, colleagues, other healthcare professionals, and to deal effectively with cultural and ethnic diversity issues.
• Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively (i.e. speaking, use of body language, reading, writing, and listening) with varied audiences and varied purposes.
• Effective Use of Time and Resources: The ability to obtain the maximum benefit from a minimum investment of time and resources.
• Acceptance and Use of Constructive Feedback: The ability to identify sources of and seek out feedback and effectively receive, use, and provide on-going feedback for improving skills and personal interaction.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to recognize and define problems, analyze data, develop and implement solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
• Responsibility: The ability to fulfill commitments and to be accountable for actions and outcomes.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to question logically; to identify, generate, and evaluate elements of logical argument; to recognize and differentiate facts and assumptions; and to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant.
• Stress Management: The ability to identify sources of stress and to develop effective coping behaviors.

Interest and Initiative

Students are expected to demonstrate initiative and interest in learning and are expected to participate actively in a variety of learning opportunities on and off-campus. Doing so helps to build the student’s professional portfolio, develop strong references for job interviews, build confidence and skill, and broaden the student’s knowledge base. Low levels of motivation, poor focus, and/or inconsistent attendance are likely to result in poor learning of subject matter and

difficulty successfully completing courses, developing technical skills, finding employment in the field, and keeping a job after graduation. Students displaying poor soft skills, including lack of empathy for other students or for patients will be asked to leave the program.

Clinical affiliates have established policies regarding the use of medications, drugs, and alcohol and these must be followed during the clinical practicums. Any concern for the mental stability of a student shall be communicated to the clinical practicum coordinator. Drowsiness, confusion, inability to concentrate, etc. may contribute to unsafe lab conditions for the student and co-workers and inaccurate patient results, which is an unacceptable outcome. Any student who is found guilty of misconduct as outlined in the student code of conduct will be put on probation, suspended, or dismissed from the program following the LSC processes outlined in the student code of conduct.

Attendance at Clinical Practicums

These policies are based on standards expected in the health care industry.

1. Good attendance is expected during clinical practicum experiences. Absence should be for serious illness or emergencies only and outside appointments should be scheduled around the clinical schedule whenever possible. Days missed will be tracked by the clinical facility and reported to the clinical practicum coordinator. A defined protocol should be followed for absences:
   1. Students must call the laboratory at least one hour before the scheduled starting time. Failure to do so will be tracked and reported to the clinical practicum coordinator.
   2. In case of a serious illness or accident, a doctor’s written release with “NO Limitations” is needed in order to continue in the program.
   3. Snow Days: If LSC is closed due to inclement weather, students do not need to try to get to the clinical site. They must call the laboratory and let them know they will not be coming in. However, students attending clinical practicum outside the immediate area and who are NOT affected by the same weather may attend their clinical per the usual schedule.
   4. A maximum number of 3 sick days are allowed during the clinical practicum. Any more days missed will need to be made up and if all 3 days are missed during a 1-week rotation, those 3 days will need to be made up.

   NOTE: Promptness (being on time) IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT of professional behavior. Tardiness will be recorded and reported to the clinical practicum coordinator. Be aware that clinical sites will make note of a student’s attendance. Poor adherence to attendance policies may result in poor or no references and lack of enthusiasm by the clinical site to hire a student who has earned a poor attendance record.

2. Students are to exhibit responsibility for their own actions.
   Inappropriate behaviors would include:
   1. Not meeting stated deadlines for completion of tasks including: written assignments such as worksheets and case studies; practical examinations; study slides; reports, unknowns, etc.
   2. Not showing up on time with no explanation prior to or after the incident. (A pattern of tardiness with a variety of explanations is also inappropriate.)
   3. Not alerting clinical site when unable to attend for whatever reason (illness, accident, etc.).
   4. Not following proper safety procedures and policies.
   5. Not following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
   6. Blaming others and “things” for mistakes and/or errors.
3. Students are to conduct themselves in a positive and professional manner when interacting with clinical staff, other students, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
   Inappropriate behaviors would include:
   1. Demanding clinical staff give extra time and help when they are busy or when the day is at the end.
   2. Demanding clinical staff be immediately available to address student concerns, problems, or questions.
   3. Arguing about why assignments have to be done based on instructor’s timetable.
   4. Making inappropriate comments and jokes, especially in the presence of patients
   5. Taking up instructor’s (supervisor’s, student’s, patient’s, etc.) time talking excessively and repeatedly about an issue or any number of unrelated issues.
   6. Use of aggressive body language (pointing of finger, pursing of lips, slamming of papers, talking loudly, and/or not leaving when asked to do so, continuing to argue and demand the person do what the student wants done).
   7. Not properly identifying patients and patient specimens.
4. Students will provide communication that is professional and appropriate.
   Inappropriate behaviors would include:
   1. Not respectfully listening to clinical staff as they provide direction, suggestions, and evaluation.
   2. Failing to maintain patient confidentiality (sharing inappropriate information about others). Any HIPAA violations
   3. Asking questions or for information not pertinent to work assignment. (**case study assignments must be worked through the education coordinator)
   4. Complaining about others and/or making derogatory comments about clinical staff, students, patients, instructors, education coordinator, managers, etc.

*If any student’s action (s) and/or behavior cause any clinical instructor, patient, health care professional, or fellow student to feel physically threatened or intimidated, they shall be removed immediately from the clinical practicum. Note: formal complaint must be made and both the clinical site and program must be made aware of the behavior and discuss the consequences of the behavior.

STEP #1:

The first time an inappropriate behavior is noted, the instructor will take the involved student aside privately, shortly after the incident and discuss with them the inappropriate behavior. The instructor will complete an INCIDENT REPORT making sure to complete all areas of the form. The student will sign the report. The clinical instructor will inform the Education/Clinical Coordinator about the incident. The Education/Clinical Coordinator will call the Program Director and record the time and date of that conversation. The incident report will be placed in the student’s file. The instructor will remind the student that the next time an inappropriate behavior is noted, another incident form will be completed and they will be sent home for a predetermined period of time, not to exceed 5 working days.

STEP #2:

The second time an inappropriate behavior is noted, the instructor will take the involved student aside privately, shortly after the incident and discuss with him/her the inappropriate behavior.
The instructor will complete an INCIDENT REPORT making sure to complete all areas of the form. The student will sign the report. The clinical instructor will inform the Education/Clinical Coordinator about the incident. The Education/Clinical Coordinator will call the Program Director and record the time and date of that conversation. The incident report will be placed in the student’s file. The student will be dismissed from the clinical site for no more than 5 working days. The instructor will remind the student that the third time an inappropriate behavior is documented, their clinical practicum will be terminated.

STEP #3:

The third time an inappropriate behavior is noted, the instructor will take the involved student aside privately, shortly after the incident and discuss with him/her the inappropriate behavior. The instructor will contact the Education/Clinical Coordinator and the Program Director, as soon as possible after the incident. One or both should be present during the rest of the conversation with the student. Complete an INCIDENT REPORT. The student will sign the report along with the Education/Clinical Coordinator and Program Director. The incident form goes in the student’s file. The student’s clinical practicum (experience) will be terminated.

NOTE: Make sure a decision and action is decided and acted upon in a timely manner. The idea is to modify the student’s behavior before it becomes a major problem providing each student with time in which they can change (modify or discontinue) inappropriate behaviors and complete the clinical practicum.

Expectations of Preceptors Responsible for Teaching Lake Superior Students at the Clinical Affiliate

Clinical affiliates have established policies regarding employee behavior, dress, professionalism and ethics. It is expected that employees will model professional behavior at all times by following all behavior expectations of the clinical sites.

Preceptors model professional attendance by:

1. arriving at work on time
2. being ready to work with the student at the time scheduled for the student
3. being prepared to work with the student. In other words, having a plan for the time they will spend teaching the student. They should introduce the student to the bench, the work they will be learning that day, week, etc. and the preceptor’s expectation regarding student theoretical knowledge.
4. completing the student evaluation forms in a very timely manner as the student and preceptor complete work together. Students are to keep notebooks and are responsible for recording daily actions in case the workload is too heavy to take time to record work performed on any one day. Students are responsible for obtaining signatures but it is preferable if the preceptor and student work together to remember to complete the forms.
5. completing the didactic and behavioral portions of the student evaluations, honestly and with careful thought that includes constructive feedback for the student.
6. reporting students who are chronically late or absent, have a poor attitude regarding the work, clinical site, preceptor, personnel, program, patients or fellow students.

A. Service Work

1. Please treat the student with respect and be cognizant of the fact that the student is attending the clinical site as part of their education, not as a new employee.
2. Please do not use the student to replace personnel who have called in sick, nor coerce the student to perform like an employee with the promise of a good evaluation or future employment.
3. Please do not require students to perform work that will be resulted if the student has not been trained or supervised on a particular procedure and has not yet been deemed competent to perform the procedure independently.
4. Please do not assume the student knows or understands more than they actually understand.
5. Do not assume that because a student is intelligent that they understand the details of your job.
6. Please do not assume that students who may be employees in other areas of the clinical environment are safe to work in the lab and report results without supervision.
7. Students should not be “on-the-clock” at the same time they are acting as a student

B. Modeling behavior of a responsible professional

Preceptors model professionally responsible behavior by:

1. following all HIPAA regulations at all times
2. following all clinical site SOPs at all times
3. following all OSHA safety guidelines and all guidelines in the clinical site chemical hygiene plan and exposure control plans
4. following the clinical site dress codes
5. refraining from the use or abuse of medications, drugs, and alcohol.
6. modeling calm, professional behavior in the face of instrument breakdown, error, heavy workload and conflict with coworkers
7. g. refraining from engaging in “office politics” in front of the student or involving the student in gossip, employee complaints or other situations which are not pertinent to the student learning experience.

C. Positive Professional behavior and Communication

Ideally, preceptors should model good communication by:

1. having a positive attitude toward the student and the level of education the student has currently achieved, and hopes to achieve in the future
2. promoting a positive attitude about the medical laboratory profession, the clinical site and the LSC MLT program
3. reporting to their supervisor and/or the educational coordinator immediately of any known incidents or infractions of any laboratory, hospital or clinic policies by the student so that any incidents can be addressed quickly with the student and program director.
4. communicating clearly and calmly with students who may feel out-of-place, overwhelmed, nervous, insecure or unprepared when being exposed to the newness of the clinical laboratory environment and the types of activities in which they are expected to participate.
5. listen respectfully to student concerns and take them seriously. Seek help from the educational coordinator, if necessary.
6. do not break the student’s confidence or be disrespectful to the student especially in front of patients or other students
7. do not complain about the clinical site, coworkers, administration, other students, program faculty or staff or make derogatory statements in front of the student about others
8. If the student points out an error, try not to become defensive. Show them that errors occur and how to correct the error in the proper way and avoid them in the future
9. Students are expected to be respectful of differences in institutional SOPs and policies which may differ from educational policies and SOPs. They should see respect at the clinical site for educational policies which differ from institutional policies as well as differences between other clinical sites to which students may have been previously exposed.
   1. Students follow educational policies and SOPs at LSC and are expected to follow institutional policies and SOPs specific to each site they attend.

Service Work Policy

Service work may be defined as repetitive work that no longer serves as a learning experience.
Service Work is not allowed by NAACLS in the practicum setting and a clear division between the clinical practicum experience for students and a paid position must be maintained for accreditation. It is important to note that service work is not the same as obtaining experience in the student’s newly acquired skill set. Sometimes clinical sites may offer paid stipends or scholarships toward a student’s education. Paid stipends, scholarships, or any monetary payment, do not imply employment and do not permit student responsibility for direct patient and/or reportable work during scheduled educational periods.

Students shall not, at any time, take responsibility or replace qualified staff (service work). Students will not be excused from scheduled MLT assignments, laboratory exercises, clinical experiences, job shadows, exams or practical exams to perform service work. Students cannot be compelled to provide service work, all paid or unpaid work during scheduled student experiences must be voluntary and educational.

Students may, after demonstrating proficiency, with qualified supervision, be permitted to perform direct patient and/or reportable work. This will be determined and arranged by the clinical affiliate.
If a student is employed at a clinical site the employment is non-compulsory and the above policy is followed.

Student Records

The MLT program maintains files that include advisor records, health declaration and other LSC Allied health forms, department/student contracts or correspondence, checklists, clinical education performance evaluations and potentially other program related records. All student files are kept in locked file cabinets.

Electronic services are used to collect required health and background check information from students. In this instance, files are not stored on campus. An electronic service company maintains the files for the students in a secure manner. These files are used by the MLT program to ascertain that a student meets all health and background requirements for attending clinical practicum as provided for in legal contracts with affiliated clinical sites.

Student transcripts are maintained by the LSC registrar indefinitely. All policies relating to accessing or use of personal transcripts is available online at the LSC website.

Services Available on Campus

Learning Center

The Learning Center provides a variety of student services including tutoring in math, science, writing and composition, study skills, English as a second language, and test-taking hints. All at no cost to the student. The Learning Center also offers small study rooms for group work. Students should not hesitate to contact the Learning Center if they feel they are struggling in any course. Instructors may refer students to the Learning Center if concerns arise. The learning center is open year round and tutor schedules are available on their website.

Library

LSC is fortunate to have an excellent library and highly qualified librarians. The library has a wide variety and number of reference materials including hard copy books, periodicals, references, films on demand, DVD’s, and access to almost all electronic journals that are appropriate for various MLTN course needs. When completing research projects for the MLTN program, students should not hesitate to contact the library for help. Periodicals that may be inaccessible online, or be costly, are obtained by the library at no cost to the student, per request. The MLT program schedules a session with the librarians once during a student’s program for an intensive understanding of what is available for the student both in hard copy and electronically. There are computers and technology rooms in the library as well as standard study rooms available for student use.

Do not hesitate to contact a librarian regarding your needs, they are very helpful and have many resources that you will find helpful for your studies.

Student Technology Center

Computer access and assistance is available in the Student Technology center, E1001. The center also assists students with online classes, student logins, software, printing, print cards, scanning email, student portal, and blogs. Students can walk in, make an appointment, instant message, or call for assistance (218-733-1016). The helpdesk available for troubleshooting computer access issues.

Health Services

Health Services on the LSC campus does not offer healthcare. It is a health resource for students. It provides students with educational information, referrals to healthcare agencies, health insurance information, and health promotion programs. Information is available in Health Services and on their website for many health service options in Duluth for Minnesota State health insurance. Students can also pick up information on other health insurance options through Health Services as well as educational information.

NOTE: Health Insurance is strongly recommended for all health care students. Should accidents occur, students may be sent to the hospital for evaluation and/or treatment. Associated expenses would be the student’s responsibility. If an accident occurs while on an practicum, emergency care is provided by the facility, at the expense of the student.

Dental Hygiene Clinic

LSC dental hygiene students provide services to the public such as cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments as part of their academic learning program out of the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. Expanded treatment options (sealants, mouth guards, and whitening) are available as needed for student experiences as part of the academic program requirements for the LSC Dental Hygiene Clinic and are not intended to take the place of a dentist appointment as there is no exam and diagnosis provided. Supervising dentists are on site at every Dental Hygiene Clinic, but they do not provide dental services. If any issue is noticed during the cleaning process (such as the need for periodontal treatment), the patient is referred to their own dentist. There is no income level requirement for treatment at the Dental Hygiene Clinic. Patients must be willing to take the extra time required to be treated in a teaching clinic; appointments take longer than in a dental office because every step of the student hygienist’s work is checked by an instructor before the process is continued. Appointments are scheduled on a first request basis, one semester at a time, without exception. See the dental clinic for information regarding scheduling an appointment.

Massage Therapy

LSC massage therapy students offer massages to the public during massage therapy clinics for a fraction of the price of retail massages. Schedule a massage with one of our students at a discount and enjoy a discount on the price of a massage while offering a student the opportunity to practice their skills. View the massage therapy schedule.

Telephones

Personal calls should never be made on phones in the classroom, lab or offices. Office, classroom, and lab telephones are NOT to be used by students. The following exceptions apply:

• When an emergency occurs in a classroom, students are specifically to use ONLY the classroom phone to call 9-911. This provides a direct and faster line to multiple first responders, which also clearly indicates location of the call. This provides the fastest possible response and reduces confusion to dispatch when multiple people call on cell phones to the same situation.
  • Cell phone use should always be avoided in classroom/laboratory emergencies to allow the fastest possible response.
  • The exception is when an emergency such as fire requires immediate evaluation and calls are made from outside the building
• Student workers may use the lab office phone to call supervisors while they are working, if they have immediate questions and the supervisor is not in the lab
• Instructors will indicate if other situations dictate that students use the classroom/lab phone, such as during simulation laboratory sessions.

If a student is expecting a critical phone call on their cell phone, they should notify the course instructor prior to the start of class. They should put their cell phone on vibrate (in their pocket), and when it vibrates, step out of the classroom or lab to answer the call. Students should use their own personal cell phones for such calls and ONLY outside the classroom. This means that students participating in lab must remove their gloves, remove their lab coat and wash their hands before leaving the lab to answer the phone.

Student Accessibility Needs

Students with documented accessibility needs may request reasonable accommodation through the campus Student Accessibility Services Coordinator. Requests should be made early in the term.

Veteran’s Resource Center

The Veteran’s Resource Center assists eligible student veterans, active duty personnel, dependents, reservists, and National Guard members with G.I. Bill benefits and questions regarding state and federal educational benefits programs. This on-campus office is available to

you and your family members if you are a veteran, current military member or dependent. Contact the Veterans Resource Center with your concerns or questions regarding VA benefits, employment, family assistance, and transition issues.

**Refer to Student Services Website for additional services available through Lake Superior College

Additional Information

MLT Open Lab: The MLT Laboratory is H360. Additional lab time must be scheduled with the instructor of the class that requires open lab. Students may not be in the laboratory without prior permission. The presence of an instructor is required. Open labs are not guaranteed but in certain instances, may be mandatory.

Student workers: Student workers are only allowed to enter the lab when scheduled to work. Student workers may not admit other students, or anyone else, into the laboratory at any time. Student workers found to be misusing their privilege of laboratory access will have their access revoked. Student workers should refrain from any activity in the lab that is not an assigned duty and use only the laboratory office computer for work related computer needs or to check email. Students should be courteous to maintenance personnel and behave in a professional manner.

Signature Page Acknowledging Understanding of MLT Policies

I have read and fully understand the MLT procedures and policies. ____(initial)

I understand that if I fail to sign this form and if I fail to comply with the requested Background studies, Health Examination, Immunizations and CPR/First Aid training as laid out in the Allied Health and Nursing forms, this means that I will not be given placement at a clinical facility. ____ (initial)

I understand that due to the nature of the work performed in this program there are no alternative placements available for MLT students. ____(initial)

I also understand I may be terminated from the MLT program if I cannot complete my clinical practicum as this is a requirement of the program. ____(initial)

I understand that if I have a color vision deficiency, although I may be able to complete my MLT degree, I will be tested for color deficiency upon hire at most clinical sites. This could result in my not being hired as an MLT or being given reduced duties. ____(initial)

Date: _________________

Student’s Printed Name: _________________________

Student’s Written Signature: ______________________

Student ID: ______________