| Student Guidelines & Policies |
Basic information - which you should be aware, if you are to succeed in this program
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Summary of Philosophy
The field of Clinical Laboratory Science is limited only by the preparation and motivation of the participant. This discipline encompasses practice in a broad number of venues and requires preparation in an incredible number of subject areas. The objective of this program is to provide the student with the background and tools necessary to successfully navigate the credentialing process and secure entry level employment in a variety of venues. Equally important is the transition from student to professional and the beginning of a lifetime of learning. The field is changing rapidly and has a history of change. We feel strongly that this program should not be training for a specific job description but rather preparation for a variety of positions which will themselves change in time. A recent survey of professionals confirmed that change in their position was inevitable and for the vast majority took place within the first year of hire.
Teaching is not telling. Our role as educators is to mentor and guide and provide an environment in which learning can take place. The learning styles of students vary, so material is presented in various formats. Learning is an active process on the part of the student. The transition from student to professional is neither easy nor fast and will not occur without commitment on the part of the student, no matter how skilled or dedicated the teaching staff.
In order to reach the entry level competencies, motivation on the part of the student is essential. Much of this program is based on class participation, case studies and independent problem based learning. We concentrate on building critical thinking skills as much as mastery of facts and processes. There is no way that in the short time allotted all of the entry level competencies can be covered. You will become responsible for your own education. |
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Non-discrimination & Health Issues
Entrance into the program is regardless of race, religion or national origin. It is also regardless of disabilities so long as the essential functions can be met. If you have any conditions which need to be accommodated under ADA provisions, please contact the Americans with Disabilities Center – If you have any health conditions which put you at risk of contracting infections from human pathogenic organisms in the laboratory or you are pregnant or contemplating becoming pregnant – please contact a CLS faculty as soon as possible.
Prior to any work with human blood it is strongly recommended that you be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. If you do not wish to be vaccinated, you will be asked to sign a release indicating that you have been informed of the risks.
Some of the clinical experience sites to which you may be sent may require other vaccinations or tests such as TB, MMR, Polio etc. These are available through student health or the Public health departments. There is usually a fee associated with them. Students are responsible for obtaining and paying for these immunizations or tests.
You are eligible for health insurance and the use of the student health facilities the same as any other student. Please refer to the student handbook. A minimum fee per visit to student health is charged. You must be a registered student to use the facility. ISU Student Health |
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Essential Functions
The essential functions necessary for successful completion include: the ability to read, write, understand and speak English; the ability to move about a laboratory environment; the ability to manipulate equipment, samples, etc.; and the physical ability to operate a variety of standard laboratory instrumentation. Health conditions which put the student at unusual risk for contracting infectious diseases in the course of clinical laboratory practice should preclude entrance into the program.
Computer skills necessary include, but are not limited to: the ability to access ISU computers and technical support, to set-up and maintain a personal computer (if student so chooses), manipulate files, basic word processing, browse the Internet, use e-mail, make attachments, and utilize the available technical support provided in the CLS program.
Students intending on taking the clinical experience portion must also be capable of understanding and following both written and verbal instructions. They must be capable of working in an environment which is distracting, i.e. a hospital laboratory and in which tasks must be completed in a timely manner.
Self Declaration Form - Download form, sign and submit to program director. |
Time Commitment
For every hour you spend in class you should expect to spend at least two hours outside of class. In fact, the state board of education expects that for every credit hour granted a minimum of 45 hours of work is expected. Obviously there are differences among students but this is a good guideline.
Translated into hours, this means that in order to earn the 38 credits that are in the professional component, you will be expected to put in at least 1710 hours of effort. The average full time job at 40 hours per week requires just under 2,000 hours per year. Students who are trying to do multiple degrees, juggle work and family should take a realistic look at the time commitment. This is also a profession in which the consequences of not knowing something, or performing a test incorrectly can cost a patient life or health. Although we will try to afford as much flexibility as possible, professional standards do not allow for major accommodations to outside time constraints. Students trying to juggle multiple responsibilities, degrees, or jobs may have to take a longer period of time to finish the program or their degrees. |
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Multiple Degrees
Until recently, a separate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science with its own prerequisite education was not available. Most students added on a certificate or second BS degree in addition to their original or first BS degree. As of 2002-2003, that is different. Since a BS degree in CLS now exists, it is expected that enrollment in the program indicates commitment to that program first and multiple, simultaneous degrees are discouraged, although the option is still available for exceptional students. If multiple degrees are attempted it is suggested that increased time be allowed for the completion of all degree requirements and that both degrees be done sequentially rather than simultaneously. The student completing degrees in other disciplines now has the additional option of finishing their current BS and entering the CLS program as an entry level MS student. |
Online Work
There is significant attraction to online work. Our initial experience indicates that many students cannot handle the level or intensity of the online work.
Level I and Level II courses can be completed online with required laboratory sessions completed on campus. However, online participation will only be allowed by permission of the program director and the individual course faculty. In addition, students must consult with the Instructional Design Specialist to demonstrate their ability to navigate the courses on the computer, their access to appropriate technology, and demonstration of above average performance in academic course work. As of the 2003-2004 academic year, out of sequence online courses will not be offered. |
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Conduct
You will be expected to conduct yourselves in a professional manner at all times. Courtesy and respect for your classmates and faculty is expected. According to University policy, rudeness and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Any conduct which endangers a fellow student, patient, faculty member or employee at a clinical site will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. Infractions of the school honor code as outlined in the student handbook are grounds for dismissal. Any breach of confidentiality concerning patients, fellow students or information from the clinical experience sites will be grounds for dismissal. All HIPAA regulations will be followed and flagrant violation is punished with dismissal.
Specific expectations such as dress, telephone courtesy, use of personal protective devices, and observance of OSHA safety regulations may be required by clinical experience sites. In such cases, you will be made aware of these procedures and policies prior to your clinical experience.
Student handbook, Code of Conduct
Student Conduct in Faculty/Staff handbook
Student Code of Conduct, Rights, Responsibilities, and Judicial Structure |
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Financial Aid, Tuition & Fees
You are eligible for the same financial aid as any other graduate or undergraduate (if you have not already received a degree). There are some restrictions on the types of loans available if you already have a degree. Naturally, if you have used up all the available resources, they will not be available for an additional degree.
Tuition and fees are as outlined in the current catalog. There is a laboratory fee and malpractice insurance fees attached to some of the 411 classes.
ISU Financial Aid
Current Fee Schedule |
Working
Service work under any situation is non-compulsory. The program cannot restrict your part time work. It is advised that no more than 20 hours per week be attempted. The clinical experience is not considered work, although some facilities may supplement your income while you are doing the experience. Such arrangements are outside the venue of the program and must be arranged between the student and the clinical experience facility. Clinical experience must be during regular weekday working hours unless there is a documented reason that the experience cannot be provided during the day. On a case by case basis and with student as well as facility agreement, experience can be provided outside regular hours - for example if the student prefers nights and competent clinical faculty are available to teach on nights.
Some work study is available on campus and specifically through the biological sciences department. There is also an opportunity for CLS students to get paid as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses for which they are qualified. Graduate students are encouraged to apply for teaching assistantships in Microbiology or Biology.
Biological Sciences |
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Appeals & Withdrawals (Time Outs)
You are entitled to the same rights of appeal as other students. Please refer to the student handbook for the current procedures for appeals.
ISU Student Handbook
Refund policies and Appeals Process |
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite course work prior to entry into the professional block has been changed. Students who do not have the prerequisites are encouraged to get them prior to rather than simultaneously with the professional block if more than one is missing. Entrance into the second level of courses will be competitive and is partially based on preparation.
Undergraduate Catalog Description of CLS program
Required Courses
Recommended Sequence of Courses |
Advanced Placement & Credit for Experience
On a case by case basis, credit may be given for experience. That experience will have to be documentable, in a facility equivalent to those on our affiliate list and you may be tested over the content. Contact the Program Director with questions. |
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Enrollment Limits
Due to increasing interest in the CLS Profession, enrollment limits may be placed on classes, particularly Level II and supervised clinical experience. Entry into those classes may be available the following fall or spring. |
Computers
Many of your assignments and information sources will be on the computer or Internet using Moodle - even if you are not enrolled as an online student. It is the student's responsibility to obtain computer and internet access (hardware and software) prior to the semester of entry into the BIOL 411 courses. Suggestions and recommendations on hardware, software, and computer accounts can be obtained from the ISU computer center. In addition, suggestions are available through the Instructional Technology Resource Center (ITRC) and the CLS Instructional Design Specialist for settings and servers. However, it is the student's responsibility to assure access will accommodate their needs prior to the beginning of the semester and no later than the first week of classes. Computers are available for students throughout campus. Laptop computers may be checked out without charge at the ISU Library for immediate use.
Computer Center Help Desk - accounts, information and help
Moodle - Frequently Asked Questions |
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Required Books
You are not required to purchase any specific books. The ISU library in Pocatello has a very good collection of pertinent monographs and journals. As an ISU student you have complete access to these resources, including having them transferred to Boise if needed. ISU is the repository for the Idaho Health Sciences Library to which you have full access.
As you progress through your classes it is recommended that you purchase a reasonable collection of reference books. Suggestions are provided Required & Recommended Textbooks. These books can be special ordered at the ISU bookstore. |
Grading & Program Progression
In order to complete the CLS curriculum, a passing grade (C or better) is required in all BIOL 411 courses. Admission to the BIOL 411 Level II courses will not be allowed until the student has successfully completed BIOL 411 Level I courses, unless prior permission of the program director has been granted. Students will not be allowed to participate in supervised clinical experience until all Level II courses have been successfully completed. In unusual circumstances a grade of I or IP may be recorded for a student needing extra time in any of the courses rather than issuing a failing grade. However, this must be completed before the end of the next semester and a written contract between the student and the University executed. |
Minimum Entry Level Competencies for the Profession
Although the practice venues for entry level into the profession vary considerably, there are two consensus surveys of practicing professionals which suggest entry level competencies. They are the Body of Knowledge from ASCLS and the Consensus Report from ASCP. These are suggested guidelines. Both certification exams are based on these documents. |
Clinical Affiliates
Idaho State University is affiliated with a number of clinical sites in Idaho and surrounding states. A list of clinical affiliates is provided to the student upon entry into the CLS program. |
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