Elaine M. Keohane, PhD, CLS(NCA), MT(ASCP)
973-972-5510 keohanem@umdnj.edu

Deborah Josko, PhD, CLS(M), MLT(ASCP)M,SM
908-889-2422 joskotda@umdnj.edu
http://shrp.umdnj.edu/programs/cls/mt_disspec.htm

Medical Laboratory Scientists/Technologists in Clinical Chemistry
Operate complex automated analyzers and perform methods such as electrophoresis, chromatography, and various immunoassays to help diagnose cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, drug overdoses, and many other conditions

Medical Laboratory Scientists/Technologists in Clinical Microbiology
Isolate and identify disease-producing bacteria, fungi or parasites in medical specimens and identify the most appropriate drugs to treat infections.

Medical Laboratory Scientists/Technologists in Hematology/Urinalysis
Use microscopes and automated instruments to help diagnose anemia, leukemia, bleeding disorders, kidney disease and many other conditions, and monitor the effects of therapy.
Medical Laboratory Scientists/Technologists in Immunohematology and Clinical Immunology
Provide safe blood cells and components for transfusion through blood testing, and detect abnormal antibodies in infectious and autoimmune disease.

• Clinical Chemistry - 17 credits
• Clinical Microbiology - 16 credits
• Hematology/Urinalysis - 17 credits
• Immunohematology/Clinical Immunology - 17 credits

ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Upon completion of the coursework, students are eligible for national certification exams in the specific clinical laboratory science discipline given by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There is a national and regional shortage of clinical laboratory professionals and many employment opportunities are available in clinical laboratories of hospitals, commercial and reference labs, physician offices and health clinics, and local and State public health departments.

CURRICULUM

The Discipline Specific Program begins in June and ends in May of each year. The Program consists of classroom instruction, student laboratory sessions on the Newark and Scotch Plains campuses, online instruction and clinical practice in off-campus affiliated hospital and commercial clinical laboratories. Basic and advanced study in the specific discipline, as well as general courses in laboratory skills, statistics and method evaluation, molecular diagnostics, management, education, and independent study are provided. A minimum grade of C must be achieved in each course to continue in the Program, and successful completion of a Comprehensive Examination is required. A maximum of 17 credits may be taken as a non-matriculated student in this Program. The program of studies is as follows:

IMPORTANT: Since a part of some courses are delivered via the internet, students must have access to a computer, printer and internet service provider for online instruction.

Clinical Chemistry Option (17 credits):
Summer
MLSC 2119 Basic Practice Skills 2 credits
MLSC 2249 Clinical Chemistry I 4 credits
Fall
MLSC 4349 Clinical Chemistry II 3 credits
Spring
MLSC 4319 Advanced Practice Skills 3 credits
MLSC 4489 Independent Study 3 credits
MLSC 4449 Clinical Practice in Chemistry 2 credits

Clinical Microbiology Option (16 credits):
Summer
MLSC 2119 Basic Practice Skills 2 credits
Fall
MLSC 4279 Clinical Microbiology 6 credits
Spring
MLSC 4479 Clinical Practice in Microbiology 2 credits
MLSC 4319 Advanced Practice Skills 3 credits
CLSC 4489 Independent Study 3 credits

Hematology/Urinalysis Option (17 credits):
Summer
MLSC 2119 Basic Practice Skills 2 credits
MLSC 2129 Hematology I 3 credits
Fall
MLSC 2169 Body Fluids 1 credit
MLSC 4329 Hematology II 3 credits
Spring
MLSC 4429 Clinical Practice in Hematology and Urinalysis 2 credits
MLSC 4319 Advanced Practice Skills 3 credits
MLSC 4489 Independent Study 3 credits

Immunohematology/Clinical Immunology Option (17 credits):
Summer
MLSC 2119 Basic Practice Skills 2 credits
MLSC 2159 Clinical Immunology 2 credits
Fall
MLSC 2239 Immunohematology I 3 credits
Spring
MLSC 4339 Immunohematology II 2 credits
MLSC 4439 Clinical Practice in Immunohematology/Immunology 2 credits
MLSC 4319 Advanced Practice Skills 3 credit
MLSC 4489 Independent Study 3 credits

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
3. Completion of prerequisite courses
   
   All options require Baccalaureate Degree including 36 credits
   in biological sciences and chemistry; statistics strongly recommended
   
   Discipline Specific Requirements:
   Clinical Chemistry - 16 credits in chemistry
   Clinical Microbiology - 16 credits in microbiology
   Hematology/Urinalysis - No additional requirements
   Immunohematology/ Clinical Immunology - 3 credits in immunology
   
   Applicants who met the minimum requirements seven or more years before application must update their knowledge either through formal coursework, relevant experience or other documented mechanism.
   
   
4. Applicants with foreign degrees must have an acceptable foreign transcript evaluation and must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 79/80 (Internet-Based Exam) or 550 (paper-based exam). (TOEFL/TSE Services, 800-446-3319, 609-771-7100, http://www.toefl.org)
5. Applicants approved for the Discipline Specific Program must submit a Medical Evaluation and Immunizations Record Form, completed by a health care provider who is licensed to provide the indicated services. If the results of the medical evaluation are found to be unacceptable by the UMDNJ’s Director of Student Health, the School reserves the right to revoke the offer of enrollment.
6. The University of Medicine and Dentistry recognizes the value of diversity and is committed to providing appropriate support for its student body. UMDNJ-SHRP does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, handicap/disability, age and/or sexual orientation. The Essential Functions for Enrollment in Courses are enclosed at the end of this packet. The Disability Compliance Coordinator may be reached at (973) 972-8512.

TUITION AND FEES

There is $ 50 non-refundable application fee for the discipline specific program. Once accepted into the program, the following costs apply. (Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the UMDNJ Board of Trustees.)

Fees

Per-Credit Tuition Rates

Tuition for Web-Based Programs

All part time students who participate in clinical experiences are also required to join University Health Plans (UHP) unless a waiver is completed and submitted with proof of coverage under a comparable health insurance plan.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION

The following should be submitted to the UMDNJ-Center for Advanced and Continuing Education, School of Health Related Professions, PA Building, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854

1. Completed CERTIFICATE OF STUDY APPLICATION FORM with the $50 application fee.
2. Official copy of college transcripts.

Applicants with foreign degrees should submit the following:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Exam Scores
   TOEFL/TSE Services, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-615;
   Phone: 609-951-1100 (www.toefl.org)
2. Foreign Transcript Evaluation. The following agency may be contacted:
   World Education Services, Inc., PO Box 745, Old Chelsea Station,
   New York, NY 10113; Phone: 212-966-6311
   A list of other acceptable agencies is available in the CLS Department office.

Upon notification of acceptance into the Discipline Specific Program, the student must submit a completed Medical Examination/Immunizations Record Form and apply for UMDNJ’s health insurance plan or submit a waiver form documenting comparable coverage.

After acceptance, students register for courses on a non-matriculated basis using the NONMATRICULATED COURSE APPLICATION/REGISTRATION FORM through the Center for Advanced and Continuing Education. An additional $50 registration fee is required every semester that the student registers for courses on a non-matriculated basis.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Students are admitted into the Discipline Specific Program only in June on a space available basis. Applications are accepted from March 1st to April 30th for classes beginning in June, only if space is available in the Medical Laboratory Science courses.

APPLICATION TO MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PROGRAM

Acceptance into the Discipline Specific Program does not imply eligibility or acceptance as a matriculated student in the Medical Laboratory Science Program. However, coursework taken as a non-matriculated student may be applied toward a certificate or degree in Medical Laboratory Science if the student:

1. Meets all admissions requirements for the Medical Laboratory Science Program and is accepted for matriculation by the Departmental Admissions Committee, and
2. Coursework was taken within 5 years of initial matriculation into the Medical Laboratory Science Program.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deborah Josko, PhD, CLS(M), MLT(ASCP)M,SM
UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions
908-889-2422 or joskotda@umdnj.edu

UMDNJ-Center for Advanced and Continuing Education
PA Building, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 0884, 732-235-4458
Or Visit our website at: http://shrp.umdnj.edu/programs/cls/mt_disspec.htm

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MLSC 2119 BASIC PRACTICE SKILLS 2 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on the basic knowledge and skills required for practitioners in all areas of the clinical laboratory. Selected topics include specimen collection and handling, safety, quality control, preparation of solutions, lab mathematics, spectrophotometry and microscopy. Clinical practice in phlebotomy is included. (Lecture hours 24; Laboratory hours 6; Clinical Practice hours 40)

MLSC 2129 HEMATOLOGY I 3 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on routine manual and automated procedures in hematology such as complete blood count, differential count and coagulation screening tests. Blood cell maturation, hemostasis theory and selected hematological abnormalities are also discussed. Corequisite MLSC 2119 (Lecture hours 32; Laboratory hours 32)

MLSC 2169 BODY FLUIDS 1 CREDIT
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on the analysis of constituents of urine and other body fluids with emphasis on chemical and microscopic methodologies. Topics include profile patterns of selected disease states, renal function tests, routine urinalysis and tests performed on spinal fluid and stool. Corequisite MLSC 2119 (Lecture hours 15; Laboratory hours 9)

MLSC 2239 IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY I 3 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on routine blood bank procedures including blood typing, antibody screening and identification, and compatibility testing used in the identification of antibodies. Selected topics include basic immunologic principles, antigen-antibody reactions, diagnosis of disease, blood donor screening, phlebotomy and blood component preparation. Prerequisite MLSC 2119 (Lecture hours 30; Laboratory hours 30)

MLSC 2249 CLINICAL CHEMISTRY I 4 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on routine manual and automated chemical methods used to measure common constituents in the blood such as glucose, electrolytes and enzymes. Recognition of technical problems and selected abnormalities are also discussed. Prerequisite MLSC 2119 (Lecture hours 51; Laboratory hours 20)

MLSC 4279 CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 6 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on the isolation and identification of bacteria, including anaerobes, unusual pathogens, fungi, mycobateria, viruses, and parasites commonly isolated from clinical sources through the use of selected media, and biochemical, serological and microscopic techniques. Additional studies include epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial characteristics and susceptibility patterns. Prerequisite MLSC 2119 (Lecture hours 70; Laboratory hours 60)

MLSC 4319 ADVANCED PRACTICE SKILLS 3 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on the advanced study of the generic knowledge and skills required for practitioners in all areas of the clinical laboratory. Selected topics include statistics and method comparison and evaluation, educational methodology, laboratory management, and molecular diagnostics and clinical applications. Prerequisite MLSC 2119 (Lecture hours 42; Laboratory hours 18 )

MLSC 4329 HEMATOLOGY II 3 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on special procedures in hematology and coagulation with emphasis on problem solving. Selected topics include advanced concepts in the physiology of hematopoiesis and hemostasis, and clinical correlation of laboratory data in conditions such as anemia, leukemia and hemorrhagic disorders. Prerequisite MLSC 2129 (Lecture hours 30; Laboratory hours 32)

MLSC 4339 IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY II 2 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on special procedures in immunohematology with emphasis on problem solving. Selected topics include transfusion practice, adverse effects of transfusion, and clinical correlation of laboratory data in conditions such as hemolytic disease of the newborn and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Prerequisite MLSC 2239 (Lecture hours 23; Laboratory hours 29)

MLSC 4349 CLINICAL CHEMISTRY II 3 CREDITS
Instruction and student laboratory practice focus on special chemical analyses of blood and body fluids to determine normal and abnormal physiological conditions. Emphasis is placed on interdependency of test results, physiological conditions affecting test results, and clinical correlation of laboratory data. Selected topics include endocrinology, toxicology and tumor and cardiac markers. Prerequisite MLSC 2249 (Lecture hours 39; Laboratory hours 8)

MLSC 2159 CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2 CREDITS
Instruction and laboratory demonstration focus on immunophysiology and special techniques used in the evaluation of the cellular and humoral components of the immune system including serological identification of infectious diseases. Selected topics include antigen-antibody reactions, TORCH testing, Infectious Mononucleosis, Syphilis, Pregnancy testing, C-Reactive Proteins, Hepatitis, Lyme Disease, HIV/AIDS, cellular interactions, and correlation of lab data in conditions such as autoimmune states, hypersensitivity reactions, and immunodeficiency diseases. (Lecture hours 24; Laboratory hours 9)

MLSC 4489 INDEPENDENT STUDY 3 CREDITS
Instruction and seminar focus on research theory, design and evaluation, critical review of articles from the scientific literature and an independent study project involving research in a specific area of clinical laboratory science. Projects involve application of statistical analyses. A poster and oral presentation is required. Prerequisite MLSC 4319 (Lecture hours 16; Independent Study hours 90)

MLSC 4449 CLINICAL PRACTICE IN CHEMISTRY 2 CREDITS
Students practice manual and automated routine and complex analytical procedures in clinical chemistry such as electrophoresis, immunochemistry and automated clinical chemistry analyzers at an affiliated clinical facility. Emphasis is placed on accuracy in test performance, use of instrumentation, interpretation of results, problem solving and application of theoretical principles to clinical laboratory situations. Collection of blood by venipuncture and capillary puncture is also practiced. Prerequisites MLSC 2119 and MLSC 2249 (Clinical Practice hours 192)

MLSC 4429 CLINICAL PRACTICE IN HEMATOLOGY AND URINALYSIS 2 CREDITS
Students practice manual and automated routine and complex analytical procedures in hematology and urinalysis such as complete blood count, coagulation studies, staining procedures, and physical, chemical and microscopic analysis of urine at an affiliated clinical facility. Emphasis is placed on accuracy in test performance, use of instrumentation, interpretation of results and application of theoretical principles to clinical laboratory situations. Prerequisites MLSC 2119, MLSC 2129 and MLSC 2169 (Clinical Practice hours 192)

MLSC 4439 CLINICAL PRACTICE IN IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY 2 CREDITS
Students practice routine and complex analytical procedures in immunohematology and clinical immunology such as blood typing, multiple antibody identification, blood component preparation and immunologic testing for infectious and autoimmune diseases at an affiliated clinical facility. Emphasis is placed on accuracy in test performance, use of instrumentation, interpretation of results, problem solving and application of theoretical principles to clinical laboratory situations. Prerequisites MLSC 2119, MLSC 2239, and MLSC 2159 (Clinical Practice hours 192)

MLSC 4479 CLINICAL PRACTICE IN MICROBIOLOGY 2 CREDITS
Students practice microbiology procedures such as detection, isolation and identification of common and selected unusual microbial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility testing at an affiliated clinical facility. Emphasis is placed on accuracy in performance of routine and complex procedures, use of instrumentation, interpretation of results and application of theoretical principles to clinical laboratory situations. Prerequisites MLSC 2119 and MLSC 4279 (Clinical Practice hours 192)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ENROLLMENT IN COURSES

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJSHRP) is committed to the education of all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities, who with or without reasonable accommodation, are capable of performing the essential functions of the educational program pursued.

The University will, if requested, provided reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified enrolled students and applicants with disabilities unless: (a) such accommodations impose an undue hardship to the institution, or (b) direct threats of substantial harm to the health and safety of others due to the disability cannot be eliminated by any reasonable accommodations available that would allow the student to perform the essential functions, or (c) such accommodations fundamentally alter the educational program or academic standards.

The following standards are described to assist each candidate in evaluating his/her prospect for academic success. It is important to read each standard carefully. By signing your name on the application form for the Discipline Specific Program, you are indicating you have read and understand these standards.

General Standards for Allied Health Education

Observation:
Students must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through
educational experiences in the basic sciences as well as the clinical sciences, such as: information conveyed through physiologic and pharmacological demonstration in animals, microbiological cultures and microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Students must be able to observe a patient/client accurately and to acquire information from health care providers, and other sources such as: written documents and images from paper, films, slides or videos. Students must have the ability to interpret data (e.g., x-rays and other graphic images, digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomena such as EKG’s) with or without the use of assistive devices. Such observations and information acquisitions necessitate the adequate functional use of visual, tactile and other sensory modalities.

Communication:
The student must possess basic computer and Internet skills and be able to communicate via e-mail. In general, the student must be able to gather, utilize and disseminate information effectively, efficiently and professionally using a variety of communication modalities.

Intellectual/Conceptual Abilities:
The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, process, integrate, synthesize, apply and retain facts, concepts and data related to the art and science of health care including pertinent legal and ethical issues. The student must have the ability to perform problem-solving tasks in a timely manner.

Motor:
The student must possess the motor functions needed to perform the necessary movements
reasonably required to conduct allied health work in his/her particular program. (These may include, but are not limited to: diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures, such as the use of clinical instruments, laboratory tests and handling and transferring patients).

Behavioral and Social Skills:
The student must demonstrate emotional stability with appropriate interpersonal relationships and communication skills. He/she must be able to exercise good judgment, complete all responsibilities promptly; be attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, professional and effective relationships with patients/clients (in well and diseased states from every socioeconomic status and cultural group) and health care workers. The student must be able to tolerate taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. He/she must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical setting. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, appropriate hygiene and appearance, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Program Standards

The following standards pertain to particular cognitive, motor, behavioral and social skills that are associated with the educational process of the Discipline Specific Program:

• Attend and participate in didactic and clinical education and training, on and off campus
• Participate in patient assessment and evaluation
• Gather and report patient data
• Participate in invasive and non-invasive procedures
• Participate in patient education and supportive care
• Participate in emergency care
• Develop medical ethics and understand medical-legal concepts
• Work lengthy and irregular hours
• Develop and exhibit professional ethical demeanor
• Participate in peer specimen collection/testing practicum
• Perform frequent practical, oral and written examinations and/or demonstrations
• Visually distinguish colors in performance of clinical laboratory procedures

THE DISABILITY COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR MAY BE REACHED AT 973-972-8512.

Laboratory Tests and Immunization Requirements

Enrollment and continued enrollment is conditional, based on the results of certain laboratory tests and fulfillment of immunization requirements. See UMDNJ Policy 00-01-25:40:00 in order to determine ability to perform all essential functions.

SUMMARY OF STUDENT IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

*See policy sections V.B.1. for TB testing exception; V.B.2. for exceptions for non-matriculated, less-than-half-time students; V.B.4. for medical exemptions; and V.B.5. for religious exemptions.

REGISTRATION

ONLINE:
FAX:	Fax a completed application form to 732-235-4820. (Credit card only.) Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
MAIL:	Send a completed application form and copy of highest degree completed along with your check, money order or credit card information to: UMDNJ CACE PA Building, 675 Hoes Lane Piscataway, NJ 08854

Click here for printable application

Click here for online registration