Marshall University

Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department

College of Health Professions

 

 

 

PART I: INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION *

MLT-MT Ladder Curriculum

Pre-Med Option

Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department Faculty *

Accreditation *

Academic and Professional Advisement: *

Description of the Profession *

Essential Functions, MLT and MT Program Entry Expectations *

Outcomes Desired by Typical CLS Students *

Physical Requirements of CLS Students *

Academic Standards *

Course Evaluation by Students *

Readmission *

Student Services *

Appeals and Grievances *

Content of CLS Courses and Student Assessment *

Computer Access Requirement

PART II. MLT Associate in Applied Science Degree Program *

MLT Pre-Clinical CLS Courses  *

MLT Clinical Practicum Courses *

Hospital affiliates of the MLT program: *

MLT-MT Ladder Curriculum *

PART III. Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology *

General Academic Requirements *

Employment and Personal Commitments vs. Study *

MT Program Pre-clinical Courses *

MT hospital clinical practicum *

Advanced Placement *

Hospital affiliates for the  MT clinical practicum *

Part IV. Graduation and Certification, MLT and MT *

Applying for Graduation *

Applying For Professional Certification Examinations *

PART V. ON-CAMPUS LABORATORY POLICIES AND RULES *

Waste Management *

Security *

Safety Procedures *

Specimen Handling *

Protective Clothing *

Laboratory Accidents, First Aid *

Handling, Hazards, and Proper Disposal of Chemicals *

Student Lab Stations *

Equipment *

General: *

PART VI. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION, JOB PLACEMENT *

Professional Certification and Licensure *

Job Placement *

Professional Organizations *

Professional Scholarships and Financial Aid *

PART VII: Bulletin Boards *

This guide is for students already admitted to the MLT and MT programs and as additional information for individuals looking for information about the Marshall University CLS Programs . For information on admissions, check the current MU Undergraduate Catalog.

These degree programs are quite adaptable to individual student backgrounds, goals, and needs. It is convenient to think of these as two one-year programs with prerequisites. For example, a student who has already completed most of the general course requirements for the bachelor's degree might  choose to complete the MLT and MT programs sequentially in two years. Another student may choose to complete the MLT program, take prerequisites for the MT program over a period of a year or more, then continue into the MT program. Some MLT graduates have found employment and then continued working toward the bachelor's degree with tuition paid by an employer. 

Students who successfully complete the MU MLT program are eligible to continue on into the MT program. In order for program officials to know your intentions and to schedule clinical MT practicum experiences, admission to the MT program requires that you submit a letter of intent to the MT Program Director in the spring of the academic year you intend to begin the preclinical MT course sequence.

Graduates of other NAACLS-accredited MLT programs are also eligible for direct admission to the MT program. See the MU catalog. Graduates of a NAACLS-accredited MLT program with work experience at the MT level may apply for advanced standing in the medical technology program. 

The Marshall Plan does not apply to associate degrees. However, CLS students who want to complete the bachelor’s degree program in medical technology should plan with their academic advisor to include as many "Marshall Plan" requirements as possible while completing the MLT program curriculum. A listing of Marshall Plan courses offered in the current semester may be found in the schedule of classes and on MILO.

Pre-med Option

Clinical Laboratory Sciences programs are excellent pre-medical curricula, when supplemented with additional general studies courses. Students planning to seek admission to  postgraduate professional schools should plan their academic program with an additional pre-professional advisor. 

Dorothy (Dee) J. Fike, MS, MT (ASCP), SBB (AABB). Professor Fike joined the MU faculty in January 1995. She earned the bachelors degree in biology from Capital University (Ohio) in 1968. She completed the medical technology program at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH in 1967 and earned the Master of Science Degree in Biology (Immunology) at Cleveland State University in 1972. She has done additional graduate study at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ms. Fike holds the rank of full professor and is associate director of MU MLT and MT programs. She currently teaches CLS 100 (Intro. To Health Professions), CLS 110 (Clinical Hematology), CLS 210 (Clinical Immunohematology), CLS 310 (Clinical Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics), CLS 410 (Advanced Hematology / Transfusion Medicine), and CLS 466 (Diagnostic Physiology). She also coordinates MT clinical practicum experiences (CLS 472 and CLS 473) and is departmental content coordinator for clinical hematology, hemostasis, immunology - serology, and clinical immunohematology.

Jean M. Chappell, MS, MT (ASCP). Professor Chappell joined the MU faculty in January 2000. She earned the Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Marshall University 1983 and the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Marshall University School of Medicine in 1988. She completed the MU MLT Program in 1994 and subsequently earned C (ASCP) and MT (ASCP) certification. Previously employed at the Huntington Veterans Administration Medical Center, she holds the rank of assistant professor and currently teaches CLS 200 (Clinical Biochemistry), CLS 255 (Laboratory Problems),  CLS 460 (Laboratory Management and Supervision), and CLS 421 (advanced clinical biochemistry portion). She also is departmental content coordinator for clinical biochemistry.

Jennifer Perry, MS, BSMT (ASCP) joined the MU faculty in August of 2005.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Marshall University in 1994 and her Master of Science in Health Care Administration also from Marshall University in 1999.  Professor Perry spent twelve years in the clinical laboratory field where she supervised operations in the Chemistry and Hematology sections, as well as educated CLS students at the clinical site.  She currently holds the rank of assistant professor and teaches CLS 200 - Clinical Biochemistry, CLS 100 - Introduction to Health Professions and the senior Seminar course. 

Accreditation

Medical Laboratory Technician:

Medical Technologist

Students entering training for a laboratory career should expect develop the capability to perform the duties required. The following list of essential functions is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of CLS jobs.

Graduation from a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT or CLT) or Medical Technologist (MT or CLS) educational program

Certification eligibility: ability to qualify for and attain professional certification through ASCP-BOR or NCA.

License Eligible: qualified to apply for a license in the state government of West Virginia to practice as a Medical Technician or Medical Technologist.

Attain Entry Level Skills: Ability to perform all laboratory procedures, ability to cope with the stress of emergency situations, and ability perform work in an experienced manner after orientation to the workplace.

Attain Professional Status: Attain the respect of practicing professional colleagues and their recommendations for employment.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in each CLS course to remain in the program. Feedback on student performance on examinations and practical exercises is usually available the next class or laboratory period. The instructor provides periodic summaries of grades students are earning during each course.

Suggestions for improving instruction may be submitted at any time. These may be done anonymously, if the student so desires. Email or other written comments may be sent to the instructor at any time.

Students will be invited to evaluate instruction in each course and clinical practicum. The purpose of this evaluation is to help faculty make their instruction more effective. These evaluations are done anonymously. Some course/instructor evaluations use standardized data forms, while others are designed by the CLS Department. Students are encouraged to include both positive and negative comments regarding their instruction.

Students previously in a CLS program may seek readmission apply by letter to the program director during the regular admissions period, using the regular admissions procedure. Cover letters of should clearly indicate that the student is seeking readmission. Decisions regarding readmitting students to pre-clinical CLS courses will be made by the admissions committee.

No student is guaranteed readmission. Readmitted students may be required to repeat one or more CLS courses or to undertake directed independent study.

The process for appeals and grievances is found in the MU Undergraduate Catalog under the title, Academic Rights and Responsibilities of Students. It is also found in the MU Student Handbook. Both can be found on the Marshall University website.

CLS Courses generally have three content components: a knowledge component (lecture/discussion), a laboratory performance (practical experience) component, and an affective (attitudinal) component. Course content is arranged in ways the instructors consider appropriate for student mastery of the content and for professional socialization. CLS class meetings may include both lecture and laboratory content, at the instructor’s discretion.

Academic credit for course components is defined based on the structure of the learning environment. Generally, the lecture/discussion classes are highly structured and have a ratio of one hour of class for each credit hour. On-campus student laboratory is not as highly structure and lasts 3 hours for each 1 credit hour. Clinical practicum experiences are highly variable regarding instructor – student interactions, so the CLS Department estimates that 40 - 50 hours of clinical practicum is equivalent to one academic credit hour.

The instructor develops each course from written objectives that include knowledge, psychomotor performance, and affective objectives. The syllabus for each course should make clear to students the expectations for each course and the manner in which knowledge and performance will be assessed.

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Computer Access Requirement

All MLT and MT students need to obtain a username and password from MU Computing Services for access to the Marshall University computer system. Some courses use online supplemental materials that require secure access.

 

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The pre-clinical technical course sequence includes on-campus courses in clinical specialties and a clinical problems course. Final student evaluation for each course is based on the demonstrated level each student’s demonstrated preparation for hospital clinical practicum training

CLS 110, (4 CH) Clinical Hematology prepares students with general medical laboratory vocabulary, knowledge and skills in safety, blood sample collection, use of the clinical microscope and photometer, and ability to manually perform tests done in the complete blood count and coagulation profile. Knowledge and skills learned in this course are utilized in subsequent CLS courses

CLS 200, (4 CH) Clinical Biochemistry prepares students with general medical laboratory vocabulary, knowledge, and skills needed for performance of routine testing of blood serum or plasma and other body fluids in the clinical chemistry section of a hospital laboratory. Emphasis is on the methods of testing blood and other body fluids, including routine urinalysis. It includes the physiologic connections between blood chemistry test results and disorders they can detect.

CLS 210, (4 CH) Clinical Immunology is designed to prepare students to perform grouping, safety, and compatibility testing on blood samples prior to transfusion testing, to process and store donor blood and test materials, and to perform serological or immunologic testing.

CLS 220, (4 CH) Clinical Microbiology. Students may take this course without previously completing BSC 250, general microbiology. If possible, however, students should plan to take BSC 250 before entering this course. Students learn to prepare sterile materials, to grow bacteria in pure culture, to identify their genus and species, and to test organisms for susceptibility to antibiotic drugs

CLS 255, (3 CH) Clinical Laboratory Problems, is designed to integrate laboratory knowledge gained in CLS and related courses with respect to patient care and current professional medical laboratory practice. Certain skills are practiced for proficiency prior to entry to clinical practicum. During this course, students are introduced to the hospital setting, rotations are assigned, and the plan for individual clinical experiences is determined. Note: If a student should successfully complete CLS 255 but not enter clinical practicum the same calendar year, that student will be required to register for 1 credit hour of independent study (CLS 285-287) during the term immediately before entry to clinical practicum.

MLT Clinical Practicum, is a 15-week sequence of hospital based experiences in the clinical laboratory areas studied in the preclinical program. Students must be determined eligible before entry, and must provide documentary evidence of health insurance coverage (minimum $1 million per occurrence and $1 million per year), and documentation of hepatitis B immunization, recent tuberculosis test, and written statement regarding personal health. Students are given an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned on campus to actual testing situations in a patient care setting under the instruction and supervision of clinical faculty.

Students are selected for available clinical practicum rotations by the CLS faculty. Tentative assignments are usually made during the month of March. Student preferences and academic achievement will be considered. Reasons for specific preference of summer or fall or for an affiliate laboratory should be submitted in writing during the course CLS 255 to the CLS program director, Dr. Brown. Students are allowed up to one week to consider changes.

Orientation to Clinical Sites: One-day orientations to clinical sites are arranged during the month of April for students taking summer rotations and during the month of August for those taking fall rotations.

Should it happen that there are insufficient clinical rotation sites for all qualified students, available rotations will be assigned on the basis of overall grade point average. A waiting list would be established, and those on the waiting list would have first priority for the next available clinical rotations.

 

Depending on their rotation schedule, students register for the following sequence for either summer session or for the fall term,.

CLS 270, Practicum in Clinical Hematology (3 CH).

CLS 271, Practicum in Clinical Biochemistry (3 CH).

CLS 272, Practicum in Blood Banking (Immunohematology) (3 CH).

CLS 273, Practicum in Clinical Microbiology (3 CH).

Hospital practicum hours are normally 7:00 to 3:30 Monday through Friday during the rotation period, except for specifically designated holidays. Work hours may vary by departmental rotation. Costs of uniforms, transportation, and housing are borne by the student.

The MLT Clinical Practicum Handbook includes specific details about the clinical practicum rotations. A copy of the most recent edition of this publication is available in the student laboratory.

Hospital affiliates of the MLT program:

The number of student rotation slots at each affiliated clinical site varies each year, based on the needs of individual hospitals. The affiliates are:

 St. Mary’s Hospital (Huntington, WV)

Thomas Memorial Hospital (S. Charleston, WV)

Charleston Area Medical Center (Charleston, WV)

Putnam General Hospital (Hurricane, WV)

Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV) (inactive)

 

The pre-clinical courses at the MT level include CLS 310 (Clinical Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics or equivalent), CLS 450 (Advanced Hematology and Microbiology), CLS 460 (Laboratory Supervision), CLS 464 (Laboratory Instruments and Data Systems), CLS 466 (Diagnostic Physiology). The student must meet prerequisites for these courses, including completion of a MLT program.

CLS 310, (3 CH) Clinical Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics. This course requires that the student have basic, practical knowledge of the human immune system. It involves discussion of the of immunoglobulin development, cell-cell interactions in the immune response, and the role of cytokines as they apply to diagnosis and treatment of disease. Transplantation immunology, immune disease processes, flow cytometry, DNA analysis, and DNA probe technology are examined. This is a writing intensive (WAC-approved) course.

CLS 460, (3 CH) Clinical Laboratory Management, requires that a student has successfully completed a MLT program, including clinical practicum, as well as ECN 200 (survey of economics). The course prepares the student for supervisory and leadership roles in a hospital laboratory. Students learn to prepare budgets, delegate duties, make effective supervisory decisions, comply with professional standards and regulations, to evaluate performance in the clinical laboratory, and conduct educational programs in the clinical laboratory setting.

CLS 464, (3 CH) Laboratory Instrumentation and Information Systems, requires that a student has successfully completed a MLT program as well as two semesters of physics. Students learn to identify technical malfunctions in laboratory instruments and to make effective purchase decisions about instrument maintenance and. Students also learn to effectively utilize microcomputers as tools for word processing, data information analysis, and data entry and retrieval. This on- campus course includes laboratory work on digital electronics circuits, laboratory instrument troubleshooting & repair, and computer projects.

CLS 480, (4 CH),  Special Topic: Advanced Clinical Hematology and Blood Banking requires that a student has completed a MLT program, including CLS 110 and CLS 210, or equivalent, as well as CLS 310 (Clinical Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics). This course instructs the students in advanced theory and practice of analyzing the formed elements and the clotting mechanism of human blood.  Other body fluid analysis will be discussed.   This course will also instruct students in advanced red cell antigen biochemistry, organization of each system and resolution of serological problems that occur in patient’s samples.  Appropriate component therapy and storage biochemistry will also be discussed. It is split into two 8-week components.

CLS 481, (4 CH), Special Topic: Advanced Clinical Biochemistry and Microbiology. requires that a student has completed a MLT program, including CLS 110 and CLS 220, or equivalent, as well as CLS 310 (Clinical Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics). It is split into two 8-week components. Part of the course is a survey of current knowledge and techniques used in the laboratory identification and treatment of microbial infections. The other part is a survey of current knowledge and techniques involving chemical analysis of blood body fluids.

Students are selected for available MT clinical practicum rotations at the discretion of the CLS faculty. Student preferences and academic achievement will be considered in making student placements. Students should submit reasons in writing for specific preference of an affiliate laboratory during the course CLS 466 to the MT Education Coordinator, Ms. Fike. Tentative assignments are usually made during the month of November. One-day orientations to clinical sites are arranged during the month of December.

Should it happen that there are insufficient clinical rotation sites for all qualified students, available rotations will be assigned on the basis of overall grade point average. A waiting list would be established, and those on the waiting list would have first priority for the next available clinical rotations.

After successful completion of the pre-clinical courses, the student registers for the hospital practice sequence of CLS courses taken concurrently in the spring semester. Since this rotation is 18-weeks long, it begins the first available workday in January and usually lasts until the day before graduation in May.

CLS 466, (3 CH)  Diagnostic Physiology, requires that the student has successfully completed a MLT program. This advanced course assumes a comprehensive knowledge of medical laboratory testing, which is applied to case studies of diseases in complex diagnostic situations. Students learn to use critical thinking with regard to laboratory test data to assist physicians in confirming and ruling out alternative diagnoses and in detecting pathologic alterations. This is an on-campus course.

CLS 468 (2 CH), Clinical Laboratory Research, requires that the student has completed a MLT program and is actively involved in a hospital laboratory setting in which to conduct research. This is a capstone course and is writing intensive (WAC). The student identifies a research project of use to the hospital laboratory, prepares a written research proposal, gains approval of all authorities involved, completes the project, and prepares both written and oral presentation of results within one semester. Most students do the research project while also engaged in hospital rotations of the MT program. Students meet one hour per week on campus with their faculty research advisor and other times as necessary. The written report must be prepared on a word processor and is expected to be suitable for publication in a state or regional laboratory journal. Oral reports will be presented to an audience of laboratory professionals and video recorded for use by university and hospital personnel.

CLS 471 (9 CH), Medical Technology clinical practicum, involves the senior MT student in a series of projects and situations which prepare the student to perform technically in all areas of the clinical laboratory and to have additional attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed for technical supervision of a laboratory section.

CLS 491 (3 CH), Clinical Workshops, provides a series of technical exercises in which MT students gain skills in advanced laboratory techniques and methods. The workshops focus on highly complex knowledge and skills which require specialized equipment and resources not available in the typical clinical laboratory.

Students with more than a year of clinical laboratory experience may request shortened clinical rotations or credit by examination for senior CLS courses, including practicum. The CLS faculty reviews such requests on an individual basis.

Hospital affiliates for the MT clinical practicum include

St. Mary’s Hospital (Huntington, WV)

Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV)

Charleston Area Medical Center (Charleston, WV)

Huntington Veterans Administration Hospital (Huntington, WV)

The WV State Public Health Laboratory, South Charleston, WV is an enrichment site included for advanced workshops.

MT Students rotate among two or more sites, but have most of their experience at one site. Research projects may extend to more than one site.

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Students enrolled in the final courses of their curriculum and who anticipate successful completion of either MT or MLT sequence, related general studies, and Marshall Plan requirements (for bachelor’s degree candidates), apply for graduation during the semester in which those requirements will be completed. Students usually apply for graduation while in their clinical rotations. Students pay the $30graduation fee at the Office of the Bursar, and then complete the application for graduation at the Records Office for the College of Health Professions in Prichard 417..

Applying For Professional Certification Examinations

Information regarding professional certification and licensure requirements is available from the CLS Dept. office and on the World Wide Web.

·         Successful completion of the CLS programs prepares students for non-governmental professional certification. The student submits an application to the professional certification agency. The two major national certification agencies are the ASCP Board of Registry and, the National Credentialing Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

·         Applications for certification must be submitted at least three months in advance.

·         Applications require the signature of the program director and program identification codes.

·          Examination fees are listed on the certifying agency web site and in their current application packet. Current fees are MLT examination $100, MT examination $125. The graduate is responsible for submitting a complete transcript to the agency upon completion of the program.

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Discard waste paper, put reagents in their boxes and return them to their proper storage place; put sera or cells in refrigerator if they are to be reused.

Biohazard medical waste includes material that has been contaminated with human body fluids and has a reasonable possibility of transmitting infectious disease to someone who might pick through the trash. Waste sharp objects or glass must be placed into a safe, labeled container. Do not put ordinary trash into the biohazard waste container. We pay for disposal of each ounce of medical waste.

Reduce, reuse, recycle when appropriate. Copy paper and aluminum recycling containers are available in the lab or on this corridor.

Your personal materials, as well as laboratory educational equipment and reagents would take a long time and considerable expense to replace. Be careful that doors are locked and that portable equipment is out of sight upon leaving the laboratory. Ask any CLS instructor to let you in when you need to get into the locked laboratory.

Learn the locations and types of fire extinguishers in the laboratory. Learn how to use them and on what kinds of fires each type may be used. Be familiar with the fire alert system, the fire escape plan, and how to report a fire. When fire alarms sound, evacuate the building immediately.

Learn the location of all circuit breakers and master switches in the laboratory and Learn the procedure to follow if someone should be electrocuted. Learn the location and proper use of fire blankets, eyewash station, and shower.

Clothing should not be too tight to inhibit movement or so floppy that it could become entangled in equipment or catch on furniture. Long hair should be secured away from the face, and beards should be neatly trimmed. Long hair can become contaminated with chemicals and biological fluids and may also contaminate work areas, reagents, and specimens, and may be a fire hazard.

Develop the habit of keeping your hands away from the mouth, nose, and eyes to prevent self-inoculation with infectious agents. Develop the habit of frequently washing the hands, particularly between patient contacts. Always wash hands before leaving the laboratory area. Never eat, chew, smoke, or drink in the laboratory. Do not store food or beverages in laboratory refrigerators used for specimen or reagent storage.

Pens and pencils used when wearing protective gloves should be cleaned with bleach and left in the laboratory.

Prevent aerosols and the possible spread of infectious reagents by 1) never opening the lids of centrifuges until the centrifuge has come to a complete stop and 2) only opening specimen tubes using safety devices or by gently twisting the stoppers and lifting them out.

Always use protective gloves to handle body fluid specimens: they may carry the risk of hepatitis or other infection.

Disposable lab gowns are to be worn whenever you handle specimens or reagents. Remove your lab coat or change to a different lab coat when going to non-laboratory areas. When in the laboratory work area, keep the lab coat buttoned. Use safety glasses and face shields as directed. Wear protective gloves whenever working with reagents or samples.

Only closed-toe, nonskid-sole shoes should be warn in order to prevent possible injuries from falls, objects accidentally dropped, or broken glassware

Use safety glasses and face shields when manipulating potentially hazardous material.

Learn what to do if someone passes out or has an injury or common first aid emergency. Always make a written record after any lab-related injury, particularly needle sticks of any kind. Forms for these reports are available from the instructor. Both student and instructor should complete such forms and submit copies to the CLS Department chairperson.

If an accident or other health emergency occurs in the student laboratory, be sure first aid assistance is provided, and immediately notify campus ambulance Service, campus extension 4357 (HELP).

Please use the following steps following exposure to blood and body fluids and needlesticks:

 1.           Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water

 2.         Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water

 3.         Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants

 4.          Immediately notify faculty member or preceptor of exposure

 5.         Seek medical attention within two hours

 6.         Report exposure to Dr. Scott at Marshall University (304/ 696- 2633)

 7.         Follow CDC Guidelines for Bloodborne infectious diseases: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bbppg.html

Learn the hazards associated with each chemical you use. Store chemical reagents properly and learn the procedure for cleaning up after accidental spills of chemicals or biological fluids, and at the end of each laboratory period. Use care when transferring chemicals between containers; add strong acid to water slowly. Learn and follow the procedure for proper disposal of infectious and biologic specimens, needles, and broken glassware. Read all labels and instructions carefully.

This laboratory is for use of CLS faculty and students admitted to the CLS programs. The lab. should be locked when not in use. Guests are permitted only with the permission of a CLS department instructor. Each student is assigned to one station and is responsible for the equipment at that station. One small drawer at each station is for personal effects, and the other two are for materials unique to specific laboratory courses. Microscopes and other equipment are to be kept in working order and stored properly when not in use. Books not used in lab. should be placed along the wall, not on bench tops. Each student is responsible for the cleanliness and good order of his or her own bench area (including instruments on bench tops) and drawer space.

Students should not operate new or unfamiliar equipment until having received instructions and authorization. This includes audio-visual and computer equipment. If an item of equipment does not function properly, return it in its proper place, but leave a note with the laboratory instructor identifying the instrument, its location, and its problem. Borrowing of equipment from other stations must be approved by the instructor. Borrowed equipment is to be returned to its proper place at the end of the laboratory period in which it was borrowed. Storage and preparation rooms are not for student use.

The CLS Department Faculty care about students and want all of us to be safe, happy, and healthy. We’re proud of our lab and want to keep it looking great and operational. We expect your help.

Students prepare a cover letter and resume and practice interview skills during the course CLS 255 and are given tips on seeking laboratory positions after graduation.

Students and graduates are urged to use the MU placement services office to locate potential employers and to develop a self-presentation packet.

The Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department does not guarantee employment of graduates, and graduate is generally on his or her own for locating employment. Laboratory managers inform department faculty of job openings, so graduates seeking employment should check periodically with the CLS Department.

CLS students have, at various times, formed a student society at MU, but there is currently no active CLS student organization. Students are encouraged to form such an organization and to become student members of the WV Chapter of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and to attend annual meetings. CLS and CLT Students are expected to compete in interscholastic competitions at state meetings whenever possible.

The staff of Student Financial Assistance at Marshall University assists students in furthering their education through the use of scholarships, grants, low interest loans, and employment. The Student Financial Assistance staff, 122 Old Main, administers all forms of financial assistance, including scholarships.

The Mary W. George Medical Technology Scholarship is awarded to a senior MT student on the basis of professional dedication, academic achievement, and financial need and is worth approximately $500. Senior MT students may apply for this scholarship in the fall semester. Information is available at the CLS Department office.

Additional scholarships are also available to both MLT and MT students through national professional organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Additional information is available in the CLS Department. Marshall students have won such scholarships in past years.