ACPHS
Clinical Laboratory Science Program Essential Functions
Applicants and
matriculated students must demonstrate the ability to perform (or learn to
perform) essential skills according to the technical standards listed below.
These standards have been developed in accordance with Section 504 of the
1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 and the Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program
for the Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist as adopted by the
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Programs
and Essential Requirements for Clinical Laboratory Science . (Fritsma,
G.A., Fiorella B. J., and Murphey, M. Essential Requirements for Clinical
Laboratory Science. CLS 1996. Vol. 9, pp 40-43.)
Due to the nature
of the tasks required of a working medical technologist/clinical laboratory
scientist, certain physical characteristics are required. Each student must
have reasonable visual acuity sufficient physical dexterity and fine motor
skills and finger/hand dexterity in both hands that enable the student, in
a timely and efficient manner, to do the following:
- Learning skills - Follow verbal and
written instructions. Observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory
procedures as required by the curriculum. Complete reading assignments and
search/evaluate assigned literature in a timely fashion, complete any written
assignments and records, and use a computer as needed for assignments and
patient care. Solve problems and think critically. Apply knowledge, skills,
and values to new situations. Independently prepare papers and laboratory
reports, and take paper, computer-assisted, and laboratory practical examinations.
- Communication skills- C ommunicate effectively
in written and spoken English; comprehend and respond to both formal and
colloquial English; and appropriately interpret nonverbal communication
signals. Various communications may be in person, over the telephone, or
in writing.
- Visual acuity- Read written materials,
charts, graphs, and instrument scales; and identify and distinguish objects
macroscopically and microscopically.
- Movement- Move easily from one location
to another such as the clinical laboratory, patient areas, corridors, and
elevators. Travel to different clinical sites for practical training.
- Small motor skills- Safely handle specimens
and laboratory reagents; manipulate instruments, including handling small
objects; adjusting dials/knobs and manipulate other laboratory materials
(e.g., pipettors) in order to complete tasks. Use an electronic keyboard
to calculate record, evaluate, and transmit laboratory information.
- Personal physical requirements- Demonstrate
adequate stamina to tolerate physically taxing workloads and work situations
such as sitting or standing at a microscope or other laboratory equipment
for extended periods of time. Lift and move objects of at least 20 pounds.
Discrimination texture and temperature of objects.
- Safety Awareness- Work safely with potential
chemical, radiologic, and biologic hazards and follow prescribed guidelines
for working with all potential hazards, including mechanical and electrical.
- Professional skills- Follow written
and verbal directions; work independently and with others; prioritize requests
and work concurrently on at least two different tasks; maintain alertness
and concentration during a normal work period.
- Personal Stability- Demonstrate the
psychological health required to respond to supervisors, coworkers and others
in a collegial manner; Recognize emergency situations and respond with appropriate
actions. Maintain a high level of competence in a stressful and distracting
environment.
- Values- Demonstrate respect for self
and others and present a professional image and deportment, including qualities
of confidence, personal integrity, and appropriate appearance. Critically
evaluate own performance, accept constructive criticism, and plan self improvement
activities.
These essential functions
are provided to current and prospective students and to the public as part
of the admissions process and in compliance with Standard 10 of the Standards
of Accredited Educational Programs for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist/
Medical Technologist of the National
Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
All students
must perform these essential functions of the curriculum according to the
standards described- with or without reasonable accommodations. Students in
need accommodations should initiate a request for specific accommodations
through the office of the associate dean for students.
