Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 University Catalog 
    
2022-2023 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Clinical Laboratory Management (MS)


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Mission Statement


Our mission is to prepare highly qualified graduates equipped to perform as clinical laboratory managers in a collaborative, diverse and rapidly changing health care environment. Students will be active participants in learning and developing into a competent, effective and ethical manager. We prepare graduates who have a spirit of inquiry, a commitment to lifelong learning and service, and are dedicated to advance the quality and availability of health care.

Vision Statement


Our vision is to provide the highest quality clinical laboratory management graduate program that is recognized as the national leader for outstanding preparation of managers entering the clinical laboratories. 

Clinical Laboratory Management (MS): Program Overview


The online Master of Science degree program in Clinical Laboratory Management, or CLM, is designed for the practicing medical laboratory scientist who desires formal but flexibly delivered graduate education in management. The CLM program emphasizes the following: management principles and quality management, organizational structure and management functions, managerial decision-making and process improvement, human resource management, financial management, compliance and regulatory issues, health care informatics and legal issues in health care. This program provides a practical approach to managing the day-to-day aspects of the clinical laboratory.

Clinical laboratory managers are employable as supervisory personnel in a hospital, reference laboratory, clinical pathology, physician’s office laboratory, industry, public health laboratory, clinical diagnostic company, educational institution or government agency. Students who successfully complete the CLM program and possess two years of full-time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management within the last 10 years may apply to take the Diplomate in Laboratory Management certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. Students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis.

Student Learning Outcomes


At the completion of the Clinical Laboratory Management program, the learner will be able to:

  • Compare traditional and non-traditional organizational structures and construct an organizational chart
  • Create five steps that managers should take to make the best decisions and utilize the tools that are used in a decision-making process
  • Summarize the various aspects involved in the management of human resources, such as employee benefits, recruitment, termination and compensation, along with the laws and regulations that affect them
  • Construct a performance evaluation mechanism that incorporates the basic components of a job description
  • Perform a cost/benefit analysis and justify the implementation of a new laboratory test, automation and/or information system
  • Compare and contrast the different forms of reimbursement that are currently used to pay for costs associated with health care with regards to their impact on the clinical laboratory
  • Reflect on current management skills, identify areas that need improvement and utilize course resources to become a more effective manager
  • Demonstrate effective leadership and effective communication in the clinical laboratory
  • Identify issues and trends in clinical laboratory management such that change can be anticipated and accommodated through appropriate planning
  • Conduct a research project with faculty/mentor guidance to include applying principles of research design, evaluation of published research studies, accurate interpretation of data and dissemination of results

Technical Standards


Rush University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population.

Our core values-I CARE (innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence)-translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Rush actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful, accountable culture through our confidential and specialized disability support. Rush is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

The following technical functions are required of all students enrolled in the Clinical Laboratory Management program:

Acquire information

  • Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in courses, such as lecture, group and physical demonstrations
  • Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searches and data retrieval)
  • Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description, and transparencies
  •  Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

Use and Interpret

  • Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers
  • Use and interpret information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools

Motor

  • Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide or assist in holistic clinical laboratory management care and perform or assist with procedures and treatments
  • Practice in a safe manner and appropriately provide clinical laboratory management care and assessment in emergencies and life support procedures, and perform universal precautions against contamination

 Communication

  • Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families
  • Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors and all members of the health care team during practicum and other learning experiences
  • Accurately elicit information, including a medical history and other information to adequately and effectively evaluate a population’s, client’s or patient’s condition

 Intellectual Ability

  • Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations
  • Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the clinical laboratory management role
  • Synthesize information, problem-solve and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment or treatment strategy

Behavioral

  • Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances
  • Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need
  • Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to rapidly changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings

Character

  • Demonstrate concern for others
  • Integrity, accountability, interest and motivation are necessary personal qualities
  • Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the Rush University and Clinical Laboratory Management code of ethics

The technical standards delineated above must be met with or without accommodation. Students who, after review of the technical standards, determine they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs.
Given the clinical nature of our programs, time may be needed to implement the accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged. Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to learn more about accommodations at Rush University

Marie Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Director, Office of Student Accessibility Services
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 901
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5237
Marie_Lusk@rush.edu

Clinical Laboratory Management (MS): Admission Requirements


  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. The program will accept a BS/BA degree from a foreign institution for admission into the CLM MS and CLMB MS programs with the following stipulations:
    • The foreign transcript must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES), and the evaluation must result in a determination that the student has earned a BS/ BA that is equivalent to a U.S. BS/BA.
    • The applicant must satisfy the CHS policy for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, exam 
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
  • Documentation of MLS (ASCP), MT (ASCP) or comparable certification
  • Two years of working experience in an accredited laboratory (specifically blood bank if completing the SBB program)
  • For non-native English speakers, Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, scores to satisfy the College of Health Sciences’ policy on the TOEFL
  • Evaluation by the Educational Credential Evaluators of coursework completed at a non-U.S. college or university
  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • Three reference letters
  • A phone interview

Academic Policies


Academic Progression


High academic performance in required courses is expected. Students will be considered in good standing at Rush University unless placed on academic probation.

A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 is required in the CLM program. Cumulative grade-point averages will be reviewed after each term. The faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, health or performance demonstrates lack of fitness for continuance in a health profession. Any such student not voluntarily withdrawing will be dismissed from the University.

Academic Probation


Academic probation is assigned to any student who receives a term grade-point average below 3.0 or whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 3.0. Students placed on probation have two terms to regain the status of good standing as follows:

  • In the term after being placed on probation, the student must attain a term grade-point average of at least 3.0.
  • Two terms after being placed on probation, the student must have a cumulative grade-point average above 3.0.
  • Failure to make the minimum term grade-point average one term after probation, or the minimum cumulative grade-point average two terms after probation, will result in dismissal from the University.
  • Note that the receipt of financial aid may also be impacted when the grade-point average falls below 3.0.

C, D, F or N Grades


Students may not receive more than two grades of C or lower in the program. Students who receive a third grade of C or lower will be dismissed from the program. Students who receive a D, F or N grade in any course must repeat that course.

If a student is required to repeat a course that is a prerequisite for an advanced course, the advanced course may not be taken until the student successfully passes the prerequisite course. Thus, the student’s progression in the program may be affected. Students who receive a second D or F grade will be dismissed from the program.

Clinical Laboratory Management (MS): Curriculum


Clinical Laboratory Management (MS) With Specialist in Blood Bank Certificate: Curriculum


Students who are interested in completing the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) certificate program along with the Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Management, (CLM), will start by taking courses in the SBB certificate program followed by CLM courses.

Graduates of a CAAHEP-accredited SBB program other than the Rush program, must have their transcript evaluated to determine the transferability of the SBB courses and assignment of credit. Such students may need to take additional credits to be awarded the Master of Science in CLM.

First Year


Second Year


Program Total: 45 Credit Hours


Note: For students completing an SBB from another program, an SBB Course Equivalency Evaluation is required. Professional credits may be granted after completion of this evaluation for students graduating from an AABB/CAAHEP-accredited SBB program outside of Rush University.

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