Student and Clinical Handbook for Medical Laboratory Sciences

Arkansas State University

College of Nursing & Health Professions

Department of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences

Student and Clinical Handbook for the Medical Laboratory Science Programs

Updated 8/13/2026

INTRODUCTION

Arkansas State University (A-State) offers both an Associate of Applied Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS). Upon completion of the prescribed curriculum for these programs, the graduate is eligible to take the national certifying examination for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and/or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) offered through the American Society of Medical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) and the American Medical Technologist (AMT).

The Medical Laboratory Science Programs at Arkansas State University are accredited by the:

National Accrediting Agency for Medical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773 - 714 - 8880
Internet: http://www.naacls.org
Email: info@naacls.org

FACULTY/STAFF

Dr. Stacy Walz, CNHP Dean and Professor of MLS
Dr. Audrey Folsom, Program Director and Assistant Professor of MLS
Mrs. Jennifer Shrable, Assistant Professor of MLS
Mrs. Lana Hamilton, Assistant Professor of MLS
Mrs. Carly Farmer, Project/Program Assistant
Mrs. Rachael Post, Academic Advisor

HISTORY

The Medical Laboratory Science Program was initiated in 1976 as a Medical Technology Program on the Arkansas State University campus as a part of the Biology Department, when St. Bernard's Medical Center closed its program. Prior to that time, the program was a cooperative agreement between Arkansas State University and St. Bernard's Medical Center. In 1982, the Program was transferred to the newly formed College of Nursing and Health Professions. The BS Program, from the time it began on the A-State campus in 1976, was recognized and accredited by NAACLS. In 1986, the two-year Clinical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician Program was started. These two Programs have continued under full NAACLS accreditation. These programs are designed to provide skilled and competent health care professionals who can serve the needs of the citizens of the state of Arkansas. Over the past three decades, the Arkansas State University Medical Laboratory Science Programs have achieved an excellent reputation with the hospitals and clinics of northeast Arkansas and bordering states.

MISSION STATEMENT

A-State’s Medical Laboratory Sciences program educates, encourages, and empowers students who love the medical sciences and transforms them into laboratory professionals who provide high-quality laboratory diagnostic services in the Mississippi Delta region and beyond.

GOALS OF THE MLS PROGRAMS

The overarching goal of the Medical Laboratory Sciences programs at A-State is to provide educational experiences that produce clinical laboratory professionals with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary to perform high-quality clinical laboratory testing in accordance with nationally accepted standards.

The specific goals of this program are:

For their respective levels of practice, produce AAS and BS medical laboratory graduates who are proficient in the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of the primary disciplines of the laboratory:
1. Hematology/Hemostasis
2. Chemistry
3. Microbiology
4. Urinalysis & Other Fluids
5. Immunology
6. Immunohematology
7. Lab Operations
Instill principles of professionalism, ethics, team-building, and interdisciplinary communication in all MLS students.
Apply laboratory safety standards and adhere to governmental regulations as applied to the practice of clinical laboratory science.
Produce graduates who are successful in passing the ASCP-BOC or AMT certification examination at their respective level.
Maintain MLS program accreditation with NAACLS.

GENERAL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

(in alphabetical order)

NOTE: Most of these policies have an associated acknowledgment to check off in the Slate Program Application platform. All check-off items need to be completed before classes begin. Policies and regulations are subject to change.

Please see the MLRS Student Handbook of Departmental Policies for the following departmental policies:

Academic Integrity
Academic Standards
Access & Accommodation Services
Background Check Requirement
College Code of Honor
Confidentiality Contract
Credentials Maintenance
Disciplinary Action
Dismissal
Dress Code
Driver’s License Requirement
Grievance
Health Insurance
Malpractice Insurance
Petition for Reinstatement
Readmission to an MLRS Program
Social Media
Student Records
Substance Abuse Testing
Tobacco

Current MLRS departmental policies are found here: https://kb.astate.edu/books/department-of-medical-laboratory-and-radiation-sciences/page/medical-laboratory-and-radiation-sciences-student-handbook-of-departmental-policies

Academic Advising

Once admitted to the AAS or BS Program in MLS, each student is recommended to seek out an MLS faculty mentor who will work with the student and the academic advisor to plan their orderly progression through the curriculum. Advisees must follow the degree plan outlined in Degree Works or meet with the academic advisor if changes to the degree plan are necessary.

Students are ultimately responsible for their own education. Each student is provided with a personal curriculum plan in Degree Works which clearly outlines the course requirements of the program. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow the requirements, policies, and procedures contained in this handbook.

Students should contact their academic advisor and their financial aid counselor before making changes in their class schedule.

Admission Procedure

Admission to A-State is not sufficient to be admitted to any of the professional programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and MLS is no different. Applications for admission to the professional MLS program are submitted via Slate and accepted each year from January 15th until April 15th. Students are notified of their status (admitted, denied, waiting list) by May 15th. Upon admission, students may begin taking professional MLS courses the subsequent fall semester.

Detailed admission requirements can be found at this link: https://admissions.astate.edu/register/cls_requirements

Attendance Policy

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a professional program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice as Medical Laboratory Technicians and Scientists. As such, students must attend and participate in all courses, both lecture and laboratory.

1. Students are required to attend all MLS courses, lectures, laboratories, clinical rotations, and seminars. Please arrange your schedule so that you are present, punctual, and attentive.
2. Students are held responsible for information covered while absent. In most cases, laboratory exercises cannot be made up, and the student earns a zero (0) for each missed laboratory exercise.
3. Attendance is recorded, and all absences are documented. Excessive absences and tardiness are unacceptable. The professionalism component of the course grade will be affected, based on the number of violations.
4. Over the course of the semester, students may miss no more than twice the number of lectures or laboratory sessions normally scheduled during a week. This is a maximum of 4 absences for classes that meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Mondays and Wednesdays, and 6 absences for classes that meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Students who miss more than the maximum number of class meetings will be assigned a grade of “FN”.
5. Attendance is recorded in Canvas as such: 5 points for each lecture attended, 4 points for tardiness, 0 points for absence, no points recorded for excused absences with prior authorization.
6. Arriving 5 minutes after the class has begun is considered tardy. Doors will be locked after the first 10 minutes of class.
7. Excused absences: Students needing special accommodations due to class conflicts with religious observances, military service, or competition in A-State athletic team events must notify course instructors within the first two weeks of class. An absence will not be recorded for that event.

Attendance policy modification for students with an attendance accommodation from Access and Accommodation Services (AAS), usually due to chronic or unforeseen illness, considering future healthcare employment:
1. If a student with accommodations wishes to use their AAS accommodation, they must email or send a Canvas Inbox message before the start of the class that will be missed.
2. If the student uses their accommodation (see #1), attendance will not be recorded for that day (no points recorded), but we will track the number of lecture or lab days missed.
3. If the student does not show up for class or lab and does not notify the instructor of their need to use their accommodation prior to the start of class, an attendance grade of zero will be recorded for that lecture or lab.
4. Over the course of the semester, if an AAS-accommodated student misses more than twice the number of lectures or laboratory sessions normally scheduled during a week (the standard university attendance policy), the AAS Office will be notified when the absences are getting excessive, and once the university attendance policy is exceeded, the student will be issued an FN. This is 4 missed classes for those that meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or Monday and Wednesday, and 6 missed classes for those that meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
5. AAS-accommodated students are subject to the same tardiness/door lock rule as regular students.

The Office of Access and Accommodations is here to make sure students have equal access to educational opportunities. Students must bear in mind that healthcare institutions may or may not have similar accommodations for chronically ill employees.

Attendance Policy for Clinicals

Each 4-credit practicum requires 168 hours of active, documented presence at the clinical site. (Note: 4-credit practicums will be phased out in 2027.) Each 3-credit practicum requires 120 hours of active, documented presence at the clinical site. Students will honestly record the start and end times for each day in the clinical tracker software, taking into account breaks and lunch times when calculating their total number of hours for the day. The clinical preceptor must verify the hours each day. If you need to miss a day or a few hours due to illness, you must work with your preceptor to make up the hours at a mutually-agreed-upon time. You may not miss more than 2 clinical days. If you miss a clinical, you must first notify your assigned clinical preceptor, and then notify your clinical coordinator. Notification must be made via a phone call to the clinical site, preferably directly to the clinical preceptor. After calling the clinical site, students may notify, via email, the clinical coordinator and/or the faculty in charge of the clinical practicum. If a student fails to notify their clinical preceptor of an absence, it will be counted as a "No call/No show" absence. Two instances of "No call/No show" absences will result in dismissal from the MLS (or MLT) program. Failure to reach the minimum number of hours will require a repeat of the entire clinical practicum. The attendance record is kept on our clinical software tracker (Platinum Planner). Arrangements may need to be made to add an extra day or two to the clinical practicum to make up for the absence. The clinical coordinator must be notified of this request so the days can be built in the clinical tracker software.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be audible in the classroom. If your phone rings during class, you will be asked to leave and not return. Family emergency calls can be routed through the departmental office. Personal texting in class is prohibited. Using devices to cheat on tests and papers is a violation of the Honor Code.

Cell phones are not allowed in the clinical setting. Use of any personal electronic device to store/enter any type of patient information is a violation of the Healthcare Information Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Cell phones and other electronic devices may be used as a student resource at the discretion of the faculty member or preceptor.

Taking unauthorized photographs in clinical settings is strictly prohibited.

Use of smart watches in the clinical setting or in the classroom should be limited or avoided. It is a distraction to the student wearing it, and to the students around them.

Cell phones are not allowed in campus laboratories, and cannot be used as timers or calculators. Cell phones may become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, blood or body fluids, and be carried home with students. Timers and calculators that stay in the laboratory will be provided for student use.

Violation of any of these policies may lead to a grade of F and/or dismissal from the program. Students violating the policy will be referred to the department chair. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which promotes a collegiate learning environment. Behaviors and attitudes which disrupt the learning environment will not be tolerated.

Certification Exam (ASCP or AMT)

Upon graduation from A-State’s MLS Program, students are eligible to become certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologist (AMT), as an MLT (for the AAS graduates) or as an MLS (for the BS graduates).

Certification through ASCP means that you are nationally certified to work as a medical lab professional. Licenses are state-specific, and right now, only 12 states require licenses to practice as a medical lab professional. The good news is that these 12 states will accept the ASCP certification as proof that you are eligible to get a license. Tennessee and Louisiana are nearby states that already require licenses, and many other states in the U.S. are working towards it. Eleven (11) of the states that require licensure or certification of laboratory personnel recognize AMT’s examinations for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and/or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) for purposes of satisfying state qualifications. New York is the only state that does not recognize the AMT as of 2025.

The MLS Program faculty strongly recommend that students take their certification exam shortly after graduating from A-State. Although students have up to five years post-graduation to sit for the exam, we recommend that students take it very soon after graduation when all the information is fresh in one’s head. Pass rates decline significantly once a year has lapsed since graduation. Lack of certification limits one’s employment opportunities in the future. With several states in the area requiring licenses, it makes sense to have the ASCP or AMT certification so a license to practice can be obtained. Also, many hospitals and clinics will refuse to hire uncertified individuals.

For information regarding how to register to take the exam, please go to:

The ASCP website: http://www.ascp.org/Board-of-Certification
- Because A-State graduates have completed an accredited program of study, they meet the requirements to sit for the exam via “Route 1”.
- A-State’s CLS Program code is 003012, which is needed to sign up for the exam.
The AMT website: https://americanmedtech.org/
- For the AMT you need to submit your official A-State transcript to verify completion of the CLS program (A.A.S. or B.S)
- MLS: https://americanmedtech.org/medical-laboratory-scientist
- MLT: https://americanmedtech.org/medical-laboratory-technician

Clinical Practicums

Each clinical practicum is a course that the student must enroll in and is overseen by an A-State MLS faculty member. The faculty member will provide you with materials such as a pre-practicum review, a practice examination, and learning activities to complete and hand in prior to sitting for the final examination. These materials are provided to you via Canvas, so make sure you understand how to access and navigate Canvas prior to the start of your practicum. The final examination is administered by the faculty member on campus, and it is your responsibility to schedule the date and time of the examination with the faculty member.

The clinical preceptor oversees your tasks and performance at the clinical site. They dictate the start and end times for each day, the list of tasks you are to complete each day, and your overall training schedule. Starting with the 2026-28 cohort, clinical practicums will all be 3 weeks, with at least 120 contact hours total. They will complete two evaluations of your performance: one on your technical skills and one on your affective domain (professional conduct). Students should view the clinical practicum as an extended job interview: preceptors and other clinical lab staff are actively observing and noting students’ performance, attitudes, attendance, initiative, and potential employability. The clinical lab community is small and close-knit, and poor performance during a practicum can affect your chances of getting a job at not just one clinical site, but many others.

Clinical Practicum - Clinical Placement Policy

In the unlikely event that we have more students requesting clinical placement than clinical placements available, we will rank the requesting students by GPA in the professional program classes. For those students who don’t make the GPA cut-off for placement during that cycle, they will have to wait until the next clinical placement cycle, at which time they will be at the top of the list and be guaranteed a placement in that next cycle.

Clinical Practicum - CPR Certification

Students entering clinical rotations are required to complete a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation course. This course may be obtained at the American Heart Association or another approved facility. Individual students are responsible for the costs of the course. A digital copy of a card or letter demonstrating completion of the course must be uploaded to the Verified Credentials System prior to being assigned to a clinical rotation. CPR certification is valid for 2 full years.

Clinical Practicum - ID Badge

Each student will be issued an A-State student name tag. The clinical coordinator sends a list to the card center in the Spring term, and badges are issued. Students are responsible for picking up this ID badge from the Card Center. Wear the name badge during each clinical practicum to clearly identify yourself as a student, not an employee.

Clinical Practicum - Incident Reports

Although we hope it never happens, in the event of an accident (such as a needlestick) during your clinical practicum, you need to complete an incident report for the A-State MLS Program. There may be institution-specific forms you need to complete in the event of an accident as well; this form is in addition to institutional forms. Please submit the incident report in the clinical tracker software and notify the clinical coordinator or program director within 3 business days of the incident.

Clinical Practicum - Malpractice Insurance

Students are required to carry their own malpractice/liability insurance and provide proof of insurance coverage each semester they participate in clinical rotations. Coverage must be for a minimum of $1,000,000/$3,000,000. A copy of the policy page containing the student’s name, policy limits, and effective dates should be uploaded to the Verified Credentials software prior to participating in clinical rotations.

Here are some options for coverage:

Clinical Practicum - Phlebotomy Requirements

In the campus laboratory setting, you developed basic blood collection skills with healthy individuals. The clinical practicum site represents an alternate experience where there are problems associated with sick and injured patients of all ages. Here you will be given the opportunity to develop additional phlebotomy skills.

The clinical preceptor will provide direction and instruction both verbally and by example. As a student, you will be expected to successfully collect blood specimens by the standards established at the clinical site. Over the course of the four rotations, the student will perform a minimum of 80 satisfactory blood collections. Successful collections will be logged daily under the Platinum Planner Benches for that day and verified by the preceptor. The objectives of “satisfactory blood collections” are:

Correctly identify the patient.
Correctly label sample containers/tubes at the bedside.
Position the patient and locate an appropriate blood collection site.
Correctly prepare equipment, patient, and puncture site.
Perform the blood collection according to institutional protocol.
Demonstrate proper hand-washing technique.
Deliver specimens to the laboratory according to institutional protocol.
Describe and/or demonstrate how to address unique situations, such as:
1. The patient becomes dizzy and/or faints.
2. The vein is missed.
3. A hematoma forms at the puncture site.
4. The patient has an IV.
5. The patient is obese.
6. The patient is allergic to the disinfecting solution.
Describe and/or demonstrate special collection procedures, such as:
1. Arterial blood gases
2. Capillary collection
3. Blood cultures
4. Glucose tolerance tests

If you have already worked full time as a phlebotomist, you can get a “Statement of Proficiency in Phlebotomy” from your employer. If you are a certified phlebotomist, you can upload your certificate. The statement or certificate should be submitted in our clinical tracker software.

Clinical Practicum - Platinum Planner

Platinum Planner is the clinical tracker used to assign clinical practicum days to students and log skills and attendance. Students are responsible for paying for access to the Planner. By default, students are billed for the Planner to their A-State account through the inclusive access program. There is only one charge for the Planner, and it is added to the summer bill. Access to Platinum Planner will be established in late April or early May before students start their summer practicums.

Students are responsible for downloading the Platinum Planner app to their phone and using it to check in and out each practicum day. Check-in and check-out are GPS-enabled to the assigned clinical practicum location. Students should use their actual check-in and check-out times whenever possible, striving to keep accurate attendance records. Lunch breaks are logged in the app and do not count toward the total hours of training. At the end of each clinic day, students log all their skills for the day under that day's "benches" tab, verify their actual check-in and check-out times under the "info" tab, log their lunch breaks under the "info" tab, and submit the day with the signature of their preceptor (or the tech currently assigned to them) under the "submit tab". As these clinic days are verified by the clinical coordinator or instructor, the hours accumulate in the student progress section of the Planner.

Clinical Practicum - Requesting Placement and Registering for the Course

Starting with the 2026-28 MLS cohort, clinical placements will be as described below unless the matter has been discussed with the program director and the clinical coordinator. All clinical practicums require a minimum of 120 contact hours total per clinical. Contact hours are hours actively involved in the clinical experience, not counting lunch breaks.

During the Clinical Practicum orientation meeting held in January, students will fill out the Qualtrics survey to indicate their preferred geographical area. Options are: Jonesboro/NEA area (Jonesboro, Paragould, Blytheville, Pocahontas, Newport, Walnut Ridge, Wynne), Memphis area (Memphis, West-Memphis, Blytheville, Osceola, Forrest City, Southaven), central Arkansas (Batesville, Searcy, Conway, Little Rock), north Arkansas and Missouri area (Harrison, Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau), south Arkansas (Monticello, El Dorado).

Students will be placed in their Clinical Chemistry (Clinical Practicum I) and Hematology (Clinical Practicum II) practicums in the Summer term of program year one, after successful completion of all the level 1 curriculum (Clinical Chemistry 1, Hematology 1, Clinical Immunodiagnostics, UA and Body Fluids, Medical Microbiology 1, Parasitology, and Immunohematology 1).

Students will be placed in their Medical Microbiology (Clinical Practicum III) or Blood Bank (Clinical Practicum IV) practicums in the Fall or Spring term of program year two, as they are completing their last year of the curriculum online. It will be at the discretion of the clinical coordinator as to which term, fall or spring, the student is placed in each practicum. Student A could do their Microbiology practicum in the fall and Blood Bank practicum in the spring, while student B does their Blood Bank practicum in the fall and Microbiology practicum in the spring.

Once the clinical coordinator has secured a clinical site and dates for the student for their practicum(s), he/she will issue a registration permit for the practicum course(s). An email notification will come to the student's A-State email address. This will allow the student to register for the course. Every effort should be made by the student to register for their practicums on time (before the start of term). Students need to consider their financial aid situation and plan to cover the cost of their summer practicum courses.

The clinical coordinator will publish the practicum schedule and notify each student of their assigned clinical site and start date for the practicum(s) for that term. Once the schedule is published, changes should not be requested. Each clinical practicum will be built in Platinum Planner by the clinical coordinator before the start of term.

Clinical Practicum - Service Work Policy

As part of the professional degree program, students are required to enroll in clinical rotations at various sites and locations prior to graduation. Students are not financially compensated for clinical rotations by either Arkansas State University or the entity that operates the site and location where these clinical rotations take place. Therefore, students cannot be compelled to be responsible for direct patient and/or reportable work during scheduled educational periods.

Students may perform service work, which is the opportunity to work in the clinical laboratory at one of the clinical sites. Service work is non-compulsory (voluntary), pays an hourly salary, takes place before or after clinical rotation hours, and cannot overlap with clinical rotation hours. Students are never to be used as a replacement for clinical staff while performing service work.

Students will not be placed for clinical rotations at the site where they are employed.

Clinical Practicum - TB mask fitting

Prior to participating in clinical rotations, especially the microbiology rotation, students need to be fitted for a TB mask. The CNHP hosts a mask fitting twice a year, in January and August, during the first 3 days of classes, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Students will be notified of the location via email. It is typically held in Reynolds 151. Students should plan to get this done in August of program year 2.

Clinical Practicum - TB skin test

Prior to participating in clinical rotations, students must present evidence to the MLRS department of a PPD skin test for tuberculosis given within the preceding 3 months and valid for the entire academic year, or a negative chest x‑ray for active disease. No clinical experience will be allowed until these requirements are completed. The cost of a TB skin test is the responsibility of the student. A new option that is becoming more readily available is a blood test, sometimes called “T-SPOT”, that can be performed to provide evidence that the student has not had tuberculosis. Students should plan to get this done in the spring term of program year 1.

Clinical Practicum - Transportation to and from the Clinical Practicum

As the student, you are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the clinical site each day, adhering to all the institutional policies and procedures (as if you were an employee), being on time, keeping up with the materials and learning activities assigned, staying in contact with the appropriate faculty member, and studying for the final examination. The MLRS department cannot guarantee that public transportation to and from clinicals will be available or that a student can carpool with peers. Many of our sites are in rural Arkansas. Therefore, it is expected that the student will have (or procure) a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle for transportation.

It is important for MLS students to know that A-State has a limited number of clinical sites, many of which are not in Jonesboro. Students can expect to drive a significant distance to and from clinical sites for one or more rotations. Clinical site placement is based upon a number of factors, including the number of students requesting rotations and clinical site availability. If there are more students than clinical sites available, selection for site placement will be based on professional program GPA. We will make every effort to place you at sites located near where you live or where close family or friends live, but we make no guarantees that your desired placement will always be possible. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging upon placement at a clinical site, and these costs should be factored into the total cost of an education.

Clinical Practicum - Unprofessional Behavior Reports

The clinical preceptor may report unprofessional behavior to the MLS Program by either calling or emailing the clinical coordinator. Starting in the summer of 2026, an unprofessional behavior report form will be available in the clinical tracker software (Platinum Planner).

Clinical Practicum - Vaccinations

Verification of a Tetanus Booster within the last ten years and proof of measles/rubella immunity as mandated by Arkansas law are required prior to participating in a clinical rotation. Also required is a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization record, which must include either a documented history of HBV infection, antibody status positive titer showing previous antigen response to HBV, or documentation of the first (in a series of three) HBV immunization. When participating in a clinical rotation during the months of October through April, a flu shot must also be received. Some clinical sites also require COVID-19 vaccination as well. The cost of these vaccinations is the responsibility of the student.

Clinical Practicum - Verified Credentials

Students will register an account with Verified Credentials using the MLS code (xxxxx) and upload these required documents before the start of the first clinical practicum:

Vaccination record, including completion of Hepatitis B series
Documented malpractice/liability insurance (must be renewed yearly)
Current CPR training certification (must be renewed every 1-2 years)
Current TB skin test (must be renewed yearly)
TB-mask fitting (must be renewed yearly)
Annual flu vaccine (for rotations occurring October through April)
COVID-19 vaccination for most sites

Please note: Some clinical sites require additional tests/tasks be completed prior to practicum start date, such as urine drug screens, a physical exam, additional background checks, and orientations, to name a few examples. Students will be notified of these additional requirements by the Clinical Coordinator.

Students who fail to complete the aforementioned requirements will forfeit their clinical practicum placement. Students should plan to get this done in the spring term of program year 1.

Clinical Site and Preceptor Evaluation

Upon completion of each practicum, we ask that students complete an evaluation of the clinical site and preceptor. These evaluations are utilized to enhance and modify clinical practicum experiences. We ask that you offer constructive criticism and honest responses. These evaluations are completed on our clinical tracker software.

Dress Code

In addition to the dress code outlined in the MLRS Student Handbook, MLS students will wear the proper laboratory safety gear while performing experiments in the lab. The lab safety gear consists of Personal Protective Equipment such as a waterproof lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles or face shields.

Essential Requirements and Functions in Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty and staff in the Medical Laboratory Sciences and Radiation Sciences Department have a responsibility for the welfare of the patients treated or otherwise affected by students enrolled in the Clinical Laboratory Science Program, as well as the welfare of other students in the Program. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the Program has established minimum essential requirements that must be met in order for students to participate in the Program, graduate, and enter the field of Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science.

Admission and retention decisions for Clinical Laboratory Science are based not only on prior satisfactory academic achievement, but also on non-academic factors which serve to ensure that the candidate can meet the essential requirements of the academic program. Essential requirements, as distinguished from academic standards, refer to those cognitive, physical, and behavioral abilities that are necessary for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the curriculum, including the professional attributes required by the faculty of all students for graduation. The following essential requirements have been developed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (PL101-336) and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

The A-State Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science curriculum requires essential abilities in information acquisition. The student must have the ability to master information disseminated in a variety of forms-- lectures, online, written, and self-instructional materials, laboratory demonstrations and experiments, projected images, etc. - at a level deemed appropriate by the faculty.

The Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science curriculum requires students to perform delicate manipulations safely and accurately on patient specimens and instruments necessary for complete and valid diagnostic test results. The student must be able and willing to work with blood and body fluids which may be infectious, and be able to work carefully with a wide variety of chemical reagents. The students must be able to distinguish objects both macroscopically and microscopically, characterizing color, odor, clarity, and viscosity of biological samples, reagents, and chemical reactions. The students must have the visual acuity to discriminate among structural elements and fine lines in a minimal contrast setting. Students who have applied to the MLS program will be required to take a color discrimination test to ascertain if accommodations will be necessary for color-blindness.

The student must have sufficient upper body muscle coordination to practice safe specimen handling. The student must be able to perform moderately taxing and continuous physical work, which may require prolonged sitting and/or standing for several hours. The student must be able to lift and move objects, e.g., load individual tubes in an instrument and move test tube racks from one bench to another. The student must have the touch discrimination to discern veins and arteries in order to perform venipunctures. The student must have the manual dexterity to fill and dispense liquids using a bulb and calibrated pipette, streak agar plates for isolation, and dilute specimens accurately.

The student must possess the emotional stability needed to work accurately and safely under stress, e.g., work under time constraints, read and record numbers, perform repetitive tasks, concentrate in distracting situations, and make subjective evaluations and decisions, realizing that mistakes may have a high impact on patient care. The student must be able to adapt to changing work environments and be able to prioritize tasks.

The student must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written English in order to transmit information clearly and accurately to patients as well as members of the health care team. The appropriate communication at times will rely on the student’s ability to make a correct judgment in seeking supervisory assistance in a timely manner.

The student must possess attributes which include dependability, integrity, responsibility, and tolerance. The student must show respect for self and others, work independently as well as with others, and project an image of professionalism.

The student is advised that certain disabilities may limit employment opportunities. Further, immunocompromised individuals may put themselves at personal risk due to the presence of infectious agents in all areas of clinical laboratory science.

These technical standards identify the essential requirements of the Medical Laboratory Science Program for admission, retention, and graduation. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the student with disabilities to request those accommodations that he/she feels are reasonable and are needed to execute the essential requirements described. The CLS Program faculty will decide which accommodations can be provided without causing an undue burden.

Grading System

All MLS courses follow the same grading scale:

Letter grade Percent

A 90-100%

B 80-89%

C 75-79%

D 65-74%

F 0-64%

Each course in MLS has a descriptive course syllabus with course objectives and how the final course grade is determined. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and meet the requirements of each course.

Graduation

Students must complete an electronic “Intent to Graduate” form or “Graduation Application” form (available in Banner Self-Service, though the Pack Portal) at the beginning of their last semester of the CLS program. Their academic advisor will verify their projected program completion through Degree Works and submit any waiver or course substitution forms needed, as appropriate. The student is also responsible for checking their program matriculation through Degree Works.

Infection Control

Students and faculty may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and HBV when working with patient specimens. All CNHP students and faculty will employ standard precautions, hand washing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in both the student lab and clinical settings to prevent contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials. CNHP students will receive instruction and annual evaluation regarding transmission of blood-borne pathogens and the use of standard precautions.

If a student is exposed (via eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenterally) to a blood-borne pathogen during an on-campus laboratory session, the post-exposure protocol proceeds as follows:

The student will notify the faculty member supervising the laboratory experience.
The CNHP incident form will be completed as soon as possible following the incident.
The exposed individual will be referred to the Student Health Center for evaluation.
The post-exposure follow-up should be managed by the individual’s primary care provider at the individual’s expense.

Laboratory safety

There is absolutely no eating, drinking, chewing gum, or applying makeup in the student laboratory. See the MLRS Student Handbook section on “Dress code” for proper student laboratory attire.

Many MLS courses require the use of hazardous chemicals or equipment that the University Safety Committee recognizes as potentially hazardous to a student’s safety and health. Every instructor will provide instructional information and training on safe handling and usage procedures prior to engaging students in the use of hazardous chemicals or equipment. In addition, students are advised to notify the instructor or laboratory supervisor of any conditions that may impair their mental alertness and/or ability to safely engage in the use of any hazardous chemical or equipment. All students will participate in the use of hazardous chemicals and equipment only under the direct supervision of the instructor, using recommended methods and procedures. Failure to adhere to the outlined safety precautions could result in disciplinary action.

Laboratory instructors will introduce all students to the locations of fire extinguishers, chemical safety showers, eye wash stations, fire blankets, and electrical canes on the first day of student lab. Instruction for proper disposal of biohazardous and chemical wastes will also be provided. Students should always ask the instructor if they are unclear about any aspect of laboratory safety.

Late Assignment Policy

For all MLSC courses, a 10%-point penalty will be assessed per day the assignment is late. After 7 days (a week past the due date), a grade of zero will be assigned for the late assignment. This applies to homework assignments, labs, discussion boards, quizzes, tests/exams, finals, etc.

Professionalism

Five (5) to ten (10) percent of the final grade in each MLSC course is based upon the student’s professional behavior. All MLSC syllabi contain the professionalism criteria by which a student is evaluated.

Records Release

While a student is still enrolled at A-State, he/she may begin to apply for post-graduation jobs or graduate school. As such, students may request that MLS faculty serve as an academic reference on their behalf. For MLS faculty to share students’ relevant academic information (such as overall GPA or clinical preceptor comments) with potential employers or universities, they need the student’s permission. Students must have a completed and signed “Educational Records Release Form” in their file in the MLRS departmental office (or in the clinical tracker software) before requesting MLS faculty serve as academic references.

You are solely responsible for what you post online. Inappropriate postings specific to patients, classmates or faculty that include discriminatory remarks, harassment or threats, or violations of professional codes of conduct are subject to disciplinary action. Your actions could adversely affect your standing in your health professions program, which could include program dismissal.

You should be aware that future employers may view potential candidates’ websites. Students are advised to review their site (s) for any unprofessional images or language which could adversely affect successful employment upon graduation. Please make responsible decisions about your use of social media.

Required signature forms

The following attestation forms must be acknowledged in Slate in lieu of a signature, verifying that you read and understand the stated policies or procedures.

MLS acceptance form contains:

Attendance policy
Essential requirements & functions for admission & retention: technical standards form
Professionalism objectives
Academic standards policy
Readmission policy

Orientation acknowledgment contains:

Dress Code
Academic integrity policy
College code of honor
Substance abuse compliance contract
Student confidentiality contract
Educational records release form
Clinical rotations & service work policy
Student handbook verification

CLINICAL SITES

These sites are available for AAS and BS students.

Name	Street Address	City	Heme	Chem	Micro	IH
NEA Baptist Clinic	4802 E. Johnson	Jonesboro	X	X
St. Bernard’s Medical Center	224 E. Matthews	Jonesboro	X	X	X	X
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital	4800 E. Johnson	Jonesboro	X	X		X
White River Medical Center	1710 Harrison St.	Batesville	X	X	X	X
Great River Medical Center	1520 N. Division St.	Blytheville	X	X	X	X
Unity Health - Newport	1205 McLain St.	Newport	X	X	X	X
NEA Baptist - Paragould (Arkansas Methodist Medical Center)	900 W. Kingshighway	Paragould	X	X	X	X
St. Bernard’s Medical Center - Five Rivers	2801 Med Center Dr.	Pocahontas	X	X	X
Unity Health - Searcy	3214 E. Race St.	Searcy	X	X	X	X
Lawrence Memorial Hospital	1309 W. Main St.	Walnut Ridge	X	X
St. Bernard’s Medical Center - Cross Ridge	310 S. Falls Blvd.	Wynne	X	X
Forrest City Medical Center	1601 New Castle Rd	Forrest City	X	X		X
Fresenius Kidney Care	7318 Southcrest Pkwy.	Southaven, MS	X	X	X
Conway Regional Medical Center	2302 College Ave.	Conway	X	X	X	X
Baptist Health Medical Center- Drew County	778 Scogin Dr.	Monticello	X	X	X	X
Baptist Health Medical Center- Little Rock	9601 Baptist Health Dr.	Little Rock	X	X	X	X
SMC Regional Medical Center	611 W. Lee Ave.	Osceola	X	X
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Crittenden	2100 N. 7^th St.	W. Memphis	X	X
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Memphis	6019 Walnut Grove Rd.	Memphis, TN	X	X		X
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital	848 Adams Ave.	Memphis, TN	X	X	X	X
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center	1500 N. Westwood Blvd.	Poplar Bluff, MO	X	X	X	X
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center	620 N Main St	Harrison	X	X	X	X
Baxter Health	624 Hospital Drive	Mountain Home	X	X	X	X
St Francis Medical Center	211 St Francis Dr.	Cape Girardeau, MO	X	X	?	?
South Arkansas Regional Hospital	700 W Grove St.	El Dorado	X	X	?	?