School of Medical Technology
Internship Curriculum

Curriculum  |  Graduation/Certification  |  Competencies

Curriculum and Credits Awarded

The 45-week program provides comprehensive curriculum of theoretical and experiential knowledge in all aspects of laboratory science. The course content and clinical laboratory experience encourages excellence, independence and confidence in the application of skills, clinical theory and problem solving. The listed credits are suggested guides and are not awarded by WCA Hospital. Refer to the college catalog for the distribution of credits awarded by your college of university for the following courses.

MTS-1
IMMUNOLOGY / IMMUNOCHEMISTRY
5 Credits

Theory and principles surrounding the body’s immunological response to disease and the current means of detecting and determining such responses are covered along with topics in abnormal antibody production as seen in autoimmune diseases and multiple myeloma.  The serological diagnostic methods of testing are included.

MTS-2
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY (BLOOD BANK)
5 Credits

Coursework emphasizes the theory, practice and diagnostic principles in antibodies and red cell and tissue antigens related to transfusion medicine. Topics include blood group systems, hemolytic diseases, blood donor and autologous transfusion practices. Theory, procedures and techniques in the cross-matching of transfused blood and in blood component therapy are covered.

MTS-3
HEMATOLOGY / COAGULATION
6 Credits

The study of the cellular and formed elements of blood, body fluids and the blood-forming tissues and their relation to the diagnostic care of patients as correlated with the entire clinical condition. Theory and practice in coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. Manual methods, instrumentation and in depth microscopy utilized to study cellular morphology, physiology and pathology.

MTS-4
CHEMISTRY / INSTRUMENTATION
6 Credits

A study of analytical chemistry and qualitative analysis stressing the chemistry of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and etc., and their correlation with states of health and disease. The theory and practice of measuring these constituents in human blood and body fluids using manual and automated methods. Physiological topics and experience in therapeutic drug monitoring and the detecting of drugs of abuse. Quality control issues, statistical analysis, correlation studies and the selection, use and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments are presented.

MTS-5
URINALYSIS
1 Credits

This course considers the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and urinary system along with the physical and chemical properties of urine. Kidney function tests, urine microscopic examination, manual and automated methodologies are utilized in obtaining results for clinical disease evaluation.

MTS-6
MICROBIOLOGY
7 Credits

The study of various microorganisms recovered in clinical specimens through the principles of bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, virology and parasitology. Microbiological techniques and procedures for culture, isolation, staining, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogenic microorganisms are stressed along with molecular genetic techniques in the diagnosis of disease.

MTS-7
SPECIAL STUDIES
2 Credits

This combines several segments of instruction:

Orientation:
Orientation is designed to allow the student to become comfortable in his/her new environment and become acquainted with the laboratory staff and clinical routine. Lectures in safety, conduct, and introductory lectures in fundamental procedures are included.

Phlebotomy:
Instruction in the theory of specimen procurement including patient identification, proper tube/anticoagulant selection, specimen transport and sample processing. Ample practice in venipunctures provided throughout the internship year. Requires students to perform procedures on and submit to venipunctures by instructors and fellow students.

Pathology/Histology:
One-on-one personal experience with the laboratory pathologist(s) focusing on his/her role in the guidance and decisions of the laboratory and in the diagnosis of disease, including specimen gross examination, histological techniques and double-scope slide examination in real-time diagnosis. Student laboratory work in the microscopic identification of tissues is also included as preparation.

Etcetera Program:
Topics in management & supervision, laboratory operations, medical ethics, resume writing and interviewing, education methodologies, and more with completion requirements including lecture quizzes and a self-study project portfolio. The Portfolio includes required and optional projects allowing a student to select his/her own project grade based on the number and quality of completed options. The major required projects include the completion of a build-a-lab project entitled The Laboratory Apprentice, and the completion of a validation or parallel study (laboratory instrumentation-, kit- or procedure-based) and oral presentation of study results. For the optional projects, there are many choices available including keeping a trouble-shooting journal, participating in proficiency testing, preparing a patient case study, providing laboratory or nursing in-service training, performing a quality improvement study, and more.

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Graduation / Certification

After successfully completing the program a graduate is awarded a Certificate of Completion and is ready to take a national registry examination to become certified as a Medical Technologist/ Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Upon successful completion of the WCA Hospital School of Medical Technology, grades earned are transferred to the affiliated academic institution to fulfill graduation requirements. Refer to the college catalog for the number of credits the college/university awards for the internship year (most colleges award 30 to 32 credits).

The final course grade is determined from practical, academic, and attitudinal assessments in each discipline during both Rotation I: Didactic and Rotation II: Clinical.

Didactic Rotation Grade 40%
Clinical Rotation Grade 60%

Final Course Grade 100%

Grading Scale

WCA Hospital School utilizes the following grading scale. All grades reported to a student's college/university are given in numerical values allowing each college to access its own letter grade and quality points according to its policy.

Rotation I exams, practicals and overall Rotation I score
Rotation II rotation tests/quizzes
Percentage (%)LetterQuality Points
93-100 A 4.0
90-92 A- 3.7
87-89 B+ 3.3
83-86 B 3.0
80-82 B- 2.7
77-79 C+ 2.3
75-76 C 2.0
<75 Failure 0.0
Rotation II final exams and practicals
Overall score for each Rotation II rotation
Overall score for each internship course
Percentage (%)LetterQuality Points
93-100 A 4.0
90-92 A- 3.7
87-89 B+ 3.3
83-86 B 3.0
80-82 B- 2.7
77-79 C+ 2.3
70-76 C 2.0
<70 Failure 0.0

COMPLETION CRITERIA
A student must satisfy all of the following criteria in order to receive a Certificate of Completion from the WCA Hospital School of Medical Technology.  Receiving a Certificate of Completion is not dependant upon the student completing or passing any external certification or licensure examination.

  1. 75% (or above) overall in Rotation I: Didactic courses combined.
  2. 70% (or above) on the written FINAL EXAMINATION of each Rotation II: Clinical departmental rotation.
  3. 70% (or above) on the PRACTICAL EXAMINATION(S) of each Rotation II: Clinical departmental rotation.
  4. 70% (or above) in overall level of performance in each Rotation II: Clinical departmental rotation.
  5. 70% (or above) overall in each School of Medical Technology course (see Curriculum and Course Description).
  6. Complete all aspects of academic courses and clinical rotations according to established criteria and policies.
  7. Be competent in all routine procedures and techniques and meet the established Career Entry-Level Competencies.
  8. Meet all financial obligations to WCA Hospital School of Medical Technology.

A student who does not meet the Completion Criteria at anytime during the program year or performs at a level of competence inconsistent with the welfare of the patient will be placed on probation or may be dismissed from the program.

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Career Entry-Level Competencies

The WCA Hospital School of Medical Technology provides learning opportunities guiding the graduate to the following entry-level competencies. The role of the professional Medical Technologist demands knowledge and skills as a scientist and an awareness of their role in the health care team and their service to their patients.

The curriculum of the WCA School of Medical Technology is designed, through the acquisition of knowledge and practical experience, to expect a graduate to obtain the following entry-level competencies:

  1. PRETAINING TO PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
    General:
    Demonstrate commitment to the role of the Medical Technologist as part of the medical team by professional conduct and relationships to patients, peers, co workers, supervisors and other members of the health care team.
    Specific:
    1. Demonstrate a professional attitude and conduct.
    2. Advocate the ethical and legal responsibilities of the laboratory and its personnel.
    3. Value his/her position in the health care team and exhibit empathy and understanding in the care of the patient.
    4. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

  2. PRETAINING TO PROFESSIONAL LABORATORY SKILLS
    General:
    Demonstrate knowledge of biology, physiology, chemistry, and other basic sciences by being able to select, perform, and evaluate basic and complex automated and manual techniques according to norms of a quality control program.
    Specific:
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in the methodology of collection and handling of physiological specimens for evaluation by the laboratory.
    2. Apply the principles of clinical laboratory methodology by performing simple and complex procedures with precision and accuracy.
    3. Correlate principles of manual methods with those of automated methods when necessary in the practice of laboratory technology.
    4. Validate patient results, evaluating for possible errors and performing corrective action if necessary.
    5. Relate the effects of disease on the patient through the correlation of the basic sciences and the pathologic process and incorporate this knowledge into laboratory medicine.
    6. Evaluate data (test results) as they relate to normalcy and disease.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to organize and perform multiple procedures in routine and non routine (stressful) situations.
    8. Establish and monitor quality control systems utilizing statistical method.
    9. Follow governmental, hospital, laboratory and departmental safety guidelines and regulations.

  3. PRETAINING TO COMMUNICATIONS
    General:
    Exhibit an ability to keep adequate and accurate records having a working knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities toward privileged information, by proper handling and disposition of such information.
    Specific:
    1. Utilize the principles of effective communication in professional relations, both inside and outside the laboratory and between laboratory departments.
    2. Support teamwork among the members of the laboratory in both personal and professional arenas.
    3. Participate in the interaction of the laboratory with other units of the hospital.
    4. Exhibit care and compassion in direct and indirect contact with patients.

  4. PRETAINING TO INSTRUMENTATION AND COMPUTERIZATION
    General:
    Demonstrate a practical knowledge of physics and electronics by competent use, care, and minimal basic repair of all types of laboratory equipment. Utilize the laboratory information system for the reporting and manipulation of results.
    Specific:
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in the mathematical computation of laboratory methodology.
    2. Apply the principles of clinical laboratory instrumentation, including performance of preventative maintenance.
    3. Identify and solve technical problems relating to troubleshooting clinical laboratory instrumentation and/or methodology.
    4. Participate in the evaluation, recommendation and validation of new laboratory instrumentation and/or procedures.
    5. Record laboratory results accurately and timely, maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to laboratory policy.
    6. Utilize computer information system in the ordering, completing, reporting and querying of laboratory results, including providing patient results to qualified and eligible personnel.

  5. PRETAINING TO MANAGEMENT
    General:
    Demonstrate through performance of class assignments, a working knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the administrative aspects of the hospital laboratory.
    Specific:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and skills of management to effectively supervise a laboratory, its budget, equipment and personnel.
    2. Recognize the safety issues, requirements and physical environment considerations of the laboratory.
    3. Participate in a quality assurance program to help guarantee excellence and continue improvements.
    4. Utilizing management skills, identify a problem or area of concern within the laboratory setting and formulate a potential solution.
    5. Evaluate the necessity and comply with the guidelines of the government and private regulatory and accrediting agencies.

  6. PRETAINING TO EDUCATION
    General:
    Demonstrate the basic principles of education including the development of a lesson plan, behavioral objectives, and student evaluation. Evaluate the professional organizations pertinent to the advancement of medical technologists and the importance of staff development and continuing education. Possess skills necessary for independent inquiry and research, including the means for verbal, written and audiovisual presentation of conclusions.
    Specific:
    1. Research and present pertinent educational information in an organized, practical manner, utilizing behavioral objectives and assessment tools. Tailor presentation to the audience's knowledge level.
    2. Utilize primary literature and company research, evaluating the validity of their research conclusions, for acquiring pertinent, applicable, laboratory information.
    3. Support and seek continuing education and professional development.

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