Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Perform routine hematology, chemistry, blood bank and microbiology laboratory tasks in an accurate, timely and professional manner.
2. Perform skillful specimen identification, processing, testing and reporting.
3. Perform quality control of laboratory test results to ensure accuracy.
4. Utilize universal precautions relevant to the clinical setting.
5. Exhibit a developing professionalism including initiative, positive interpersonal skills, teamwork, respect and integrity.

The integrated laboratory allows students to work in a supervised setting to help them make the transition from theory to practice.

Student knowledge application, laboratory performance, problem solving skills, punctuality and attendance, participation, and communication skills are assessed in each laboratory department utilizing an evaluation rubric that includes cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains. In addition students are also required to take online quizzes in each of the departmental areas. The student knowledge application, performance and demonstration of personal growth determine competency and grade.

Course Themes:

• Routine Laboratory Tasks
• Specimen Processing
• Specimen Analysis
• Quality Control
• Laboratory Safety
• Professionalism

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain  theory supporting test principles
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about test results  in the clinical setting
  • Formulate a clear, answerable question
  • Predict expected results
  • Follow written protocols and verbal instructions
• Analysis skills
  • Collect and organize data in a systematic fashion
  • Present data in an appropriate form
  • Assess the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
  • Recognize errors
  • Draw appropriate conclusions based on the results
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Recognize errors or discrepancies in results during lab procedures
  • Select corrective actions for problem solving
  • Safety skills
    • Recognize safety equipment and laboratory safety measures
  • Communication skills
    • Discuss and present lab results or findings in the laboratory
  • Interpersonal and citizenry skills
    • Work effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
    • Effectively manage time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group

Performance (Psychomotor Skills):

• Utilize safety measures and equipment
  • Utilize universal precautions
  • Utilize adequate personal protective equipment, sharp container, fume hood and other safety devices
• Handle samples, reagents, materials and equipment with care and caution
• Dispose of waste in an appropriate manner
• Perform laboratory tasks
  • Monitor, stock and store laboratory reagents and samples
  • Disinfect benches and equipment
• Perform laboratory testing in the areas of microbiology, hematology,  chemistry and  bloodbank
  • Operate equipment and instrumentation correctly
  • Handle specimens, materials and reagents correctly
  • Report results according to laboratory protocol

Professional (Affective) Skills:

• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn as seen through active participation.
• Show initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreased need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
• Adapt to stressful and/or new situations by maintaining composure and flexibility without compromising individual integrity.
• Exhibit teamwork through cooperation, courtesy, respect, and sensitivity towards others.
• Convey a professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
• Demonstrate integrity as shown by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
• Act responsibly and reliably as measured by punctuality, attendance, dependability, and quality of work.
• Respond favorably to supervision and feedback.
• Persevere until task is completed satisfactorily.