A maximum of six students are accepted each year. The 51-week internship is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (times may vary with advanced notice) beginning the first week of August. Students will be entitled to all official hospital holidays in the same manner as they apply to laboratory personnel. Students are also given a two-week winter break and a one-week spring break aligning with the University of South Florida calendar. The internship encompasses clinical rotations, lectures, and other various learning experiences. Clinical placement is always guaranteed for our students. One-on-one practical and theoretical instruction by qualified medical laboratory scientist is delivered as each student rotates through the areas of the laboratory. Students are assessed on the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. To be eligible for certification as a medical laboratory scientist at the end of the year, a minimum passing score of 70% (C) must be maintained. Academic credit is granted by the affiliated university.
The average day shall consist of 8 hours (plus a half hour for lunch), Monday through Friday. Each student will rotate through the areas of the laboratory according to his/her own set schedule. A master syllabus will be provided at the beginning of the program detailing lecture, learning experiences, and assessments with dates and times. When not in lecture, students are to be in their assigned clinical rotation.
The curriculum includes and Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Urinalysis and Body Fluids, Clinical Immunology / Molecular, Clinical Hematology / Hemostasis, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunohematology, and Clinical Laboratory Management and Education. Refer to course descriptions below.
MLS 4038: Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science - 3 hours
An introduction to the clinical laboratory, the hospital, policies and procedures, basic laboratory techniques, quality control, phlebotomy, and laboratory safety procedures. The student is instructed as to the proper methodology of phlebotomy, including universal precautions, proper labeling, and proper collection tubes. Syringe and vacutainer phlebotomy is practiced by each student. Students spend a week with phlebotomy and laboratory assistants collecting and processing specimens.
MLS 4860: Clinical Urinalysis and Body Fluids - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical analysis of urine and body fluids. Students begin with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs macro and micro techniques used in the analysis of urine and body fluids, qualitative/quantitative analysis of urines and body fluids, and examination of fluids for normal and abnormal elements. Theoretical urine and body fluid analysis is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4861: Clinical Immunology / Molecular - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical immunology. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs tests to detect the presence of serum antibodies and other substances which are related to disease states. Students also rotate through esoteric and flow cytometry. Theory and practice of fluorescent technique is also taught. Theoretical immunology is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4862: Clinical Hematology / Hemostasis - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical hematology and coagulation. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and reviews cells in the blood and the coagulation factors affecting clot formation. The student is instructed and performs various procedures, both manual and automated, to count, differentiate and identify the various cellular and coagulation elements of the blood. Theoretical hematology and coagulation are presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4863: Clinical Microbiology - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical clinical microbiology, parasitology, mycology, and virology. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs various techniques for the identification of normal and pathogenic organisms from various body sites. The student is taught virology procedures and techniques for the purpose of isolating and identifying viruses. The student is instructed and performs macro and micro techniques used in the analysis of fecal material, preparations for examination, and identification of ova and parasites found in human specimens. Mycology and mycobacterial culture and identification procedures are also performed. Students are assessed with a batch of unknown organisms which they must complete proper procedures to identify. Theoretical microbiology, virology, parasitology and mycology is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4864: Clinical Chemistry - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical clinical chemistry. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs manual and automated procedures analyzing blood and body fluids. Theoretical chemistry is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4865: Clinical Immunohematology - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical immunohematology for preparation of blood and blood components for transfusion therapy. Students are exposed to specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs grouping, typing, and cross-matching of blood for transfusions. The student learns to recognize and identify antibodies or other causes of incompatible blood. Students are also involved with donor services for phlebotomy. Theoretical immunohematology is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4866: Clinical Laboratory Management and Education - 3 hours
Theoretical and practical knowledge of management and education. The student is introduced to the concepts of laboratory management (quality management, laboratory administration, supervision, safety, problem-solving, ethics, laboratory information systems and professional conduct) clinical education, and research methodologies and techniques. The student shadows the laboratory director and other leadership for a week. Theoretical assessments are administered and students are assessed by a student lecture and safety project.
(Per USF course catalog the clinical rotation totals 30 credit hours)
Contact
Michelle Brilhart, BS, MA, (MLS ASCP)
Program Director
Phone: (813)-844-7098
Email: mbrilhart@tgh.org