A graduate course listed with the equivalent undergraduate course requires additional competencies to meet graduate level credit.

MLS-300/500 Laboratory Fundamentals
Comprehensive instruction in laboratory mathematics, laboratory techniques and safety. Medical terminology included as an online component. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-301/501 Clinical Chemistry I
Biochemistry, analysis and application of clinically significant chemical substances. Theory, maintenance and operation of basic equipment such as pipeting devices, balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometers and electrophoretic cells. Introduction to quality control and correlation of data for selected disease states. Covers proteins, carbohydrates and enzymes. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-3-4]

MLS-302/502 Clinical Chemistry II
Biochemistry, analysis and application of clinically significant chemical substances. Second in a series of three courses. Theory of ion selective electrodes, osmometry, co-oximetry, and automated immunoassay analysis. Covers lipids, cardiac markers, hemoglobin degradation products, electrolytes, pH and blood gases. Includes correlation of data for selected disease states. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-0-3]

MLS-303/503 Clinical Chemistry III
Biochemistry, analysis and application of clinically significant chemical substances. Third in a series of three courses. Theory of chromatography, trace/heavy metal analysis and identification of toxins. Covers pharmacokinetics, therapeutic drug monitoring, endocrinology, toxicology, fetal/maternal testing and current trends. Includes correlation of data for selected disease states. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-0-3]

MLS-306/506 Advanced Laboratory Fundamentals
This course consists of a review of mathematical and laboratory techniques followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory. An online medical vocabulary competency is included. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-307/507 Advanced Clinical Chemistry I
This course consists of a review of clinical chemistry concepts followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory in clinical chemistry. Component topics include analysis and application of clinically significant chemical substances. Theory, maintenance and operation of equipment such as pipeting devices, balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometers and electrophoretic cells. Quality control and correlation of data for selected disease states is presented. Covers proteins, carbohydrates and enzymes. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-308/508 Advanced Clinical Chemistry II
This course consists of a review of clinical chemistry concepts followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory in clinical chemistry. Second in a series of three courses. Theory of ion selective electrodes, immunoassay analysis, chemistry and immunoassay automation platforms. Covers lipids, non-protein nitrogens, hemoglobin degradation products, electrolytes, pH and blood gases. Includes correlation of data for selected disease states. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-309/509 Advanced Clinical Chemistry III
This course consists of a review of clinical chemistry concepts followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory in clinical chemistry. Biochemistry, analysis and application of clinically significant chemical substances. Third in a series of three courses. Theory of chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Covers therapeutic drug analysis, trace metals, endocrinology, vitamins, toxicology, fetal/maternal testing and current trends. Includes correlation of data for selected disease states. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-310/510 Hematology I
This course is designed to introduce basic hematologic concepts and clinical applications. These concepts and applications will be applied to the discussion of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Erythrocyte topics include: Venipuncture, complete blood counts (CBCs), hemopoietic theory, erythrocyte metabolism and hemoglobin synthesis, introduction to erythrocyte dyscrasias including anemias of various disease etiologies, hemoglobinopathies, and thalassemias. Leukocyte topics include: Leukopoiesis, FAB classifications of leukemias, leukocyte dyscrasias of various etiologies, and lymphomas of various origins. Laboratory sessions included. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.(3-6-5)

MLS-311/511 Hematology II
This course is designed to introduce basic concepts in coagulation and hemostasis. Topics include: megakaryopoiesis, hemostasis and coagulation, description and definitions of various coagulopathies of known and unknown etiologies. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. (2-0-2)

MLS-312/512 Body Fluid Analysis
Analysis of various body fluids with emphasis on the theory and practice of clinical procedures. Component topics will include the analyses of urine, cerebral spinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, feces, semen, and the differentiation of transudates and exudates. Laboratory component included. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-6-4]

MLS-317/517 Advanced Hematology
This course consists of a review of hematologic concepts followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory in clinical hematology including hematopoiesis, development, metabolism, kinetics, and function of red cells, white cells, and platelets and associated hematologic disorders. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-319/519 Advanced Body Fluid Analysis
This course consists of a review of concepts in urinalysis and body fluid analysis followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory. Component topics will include the analyses of urine, cerebral spinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, feces, semen, and the differentiation of transudates, and exudates. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-320/520 Clinical Immunohematology
Blood group antigens and antibodies from the discoveries of Landsteiner in 1900 to the present day are studied. Blood banking procedures involved in drawing, testing, storing, and transfusing whole blood and its components are discussed. The laboratory section will deal with the basic blood bank procedures including ABO grouping. RH typing, compatibility testing and special antibody studies. Prerequisite: Departmental Permission. [4-6-5]

MLS-321/521 Clinical Immunology I
An introduction to the basic concepts and terminology of immunity including development, structure and function of the lymphoid systems; the basis of antigenicity; antibody structure; methods of detection and measurement; mechanism of cellular immunity; white cell function; hypersensitivity reactions; the complement system; and mechanisms of immune suppression and tolerance. In the laboratory portion of the class, students become familiar with the purpose, principles, performance and interpretation of various serological tests used routinely in the clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of syphilis and other infectious diseases, as well as, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroiditis. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-3-4]

MLS-330/530 Microbiology
Course focuses on the diagnostic procedures employed in the clinical bacteriology laboratory, such as specimen collection and the isolation and identification of medically important bacteria. Mechanisms of antimicrobial activity and antibiotic susceptibility testing are discussed. Laboratory activities familiarize the student with the colony morphology of clinically important bacteria and consist of learning procedures used in the identification of bacteria isolates, including the gram stain and various biochemical assays. These activities are then applied to the identification of unknown bacterial isolates found in patient specimens. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-6-5]

MLS-331/531 Parasitology, Mycology and Virology
This course provides clinical background in mycology, parasitology, and virology. Emphasis is on the disease involved and on diagnostic procedures used in the laboratory. The laboratory portion consists of identification, specimen collection and processing of medically important viruses, fungi and parasites. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-3-4]

MLS-338/538 Advanced Microbiology
This course consists of a review of clinical microbiology concepts followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory in clinical microbiology including diagnostic procedures employed in the clinical bacteriology laboratory, such as specimen collection and the isolation and identification of medically important bacteria. Mechanisms of antimicrobial activity and antibiotic susceptibility testing are discussed. Includes laboratory experiences dealing with diagnostic tests performed in a clinical activities familiarize the student with the colony morphology of clinically important bacteria and consist of learning procedures used in the identification of bacteria isolates, including the gram stain and various biochemical assays. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-339/539 Advanced Parasitology, Mycology and Virology
This course consists of a review of clinical concepts followed by a comprehensive evaluation and additional advanced theory in clinical mycology, parasitology, and virology. Emphasis is on the disease involved and on diagnostic procedures used in the laboratory. Includes laboratory experiences dealing with diagnostic tests and identification, specimen collection and processing of medically important viruses, fungi and parasites. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-344/544 Professional Development I
Course introduces the student to the profession of clinical laboratory science. The various professional, accrediting and certifying organizations are discussed. Students learn about the profession from experienced clinical laboratory scientists. The past, present and future of the profession are discussed including present and future trends in education and employment. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-345/545 Professional Development II
Course focus is on professional issues, professional conduct and ethics. Students discuss various trends and factors that affect the profession. An in-depth series of ethical issues and behavior are presented and analyzed. Scientific integrity and responsible conduct are discussed. Co-requisite: GCC 506 Biomedical Research Ethics; Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-346/546 Professional Development III
Students participate in professional enrichment projects. These projects are divided up into five areas which reflect the mission of Rush University Medical Center. These areas are patient care, education, research, personal development and community health. The student will complete the assigned project as well as one of the elective projects. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-366/466/566 Special Topics: Case Studies
The student will analyze prepared case studies in areas of special interest, and answer questions regarding the case in the form of homework assignments, class discussions and by composing their own case studies with information from the literature, textbooks, and the Internet. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-368/468/568 Special Topics in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
An examination of contemporary professional issues in clinical laboratory sciences. Content varies according to topics chosen by instructor. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-413/513 Hematology Case Studies
Review of erythrocyte, leukocyte, and coagulation disorders through the use of case studies. Critical thinking is used to analyze patient histories, clinical symptoms, and significant laboratory findings. Prerequisite: MLS-311/511. [2-0-2]

MLS-422/522 Clinical Immunology II
A continuation of CLS 321/521. Topics include the immune response and the laboratory testing related to measuring the immune response. The pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of immunological disorders such as hypersensitivities, immune deficiencies, and autoimmunity. Developing and solving case studies involving immune disorders will be an important aspect of learning about these diseases. Prerequisite: MLS-330/530, MLS-331/531. [2-0-2]

MLS-432/532 Infectious Disease Case Studies
This course will provide the student with the opportunity to analyze patient laboratory information in order to diagnose the infectious disease. The student will analyze prepared case studies and answer questions regarding the case and the causative agent in the form of homework assignments, class discussions and by composing their own case study with information from the literature, textbooks, and the Internet. Prerequisites: MLS-321/521. [2-0-2]

MLS-433/533 Molecular Techniques
The molecular biology course consists of an introduction to the principles, methodologies and applications of molecular biological procedures used in the clinical laboratories. Emphasis is placed on the molecular biological procedures used in the identification of infectious agents that cause human disease and in the detection of mutations resulting in neoplasm or congenital disorders. Laboratory component included. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [3-3-4]

MLS-440/540 Clinical Laboratory Science Seminar
This course is designed as a research seminar during which students and faculty present clinical laboratory science research topics for discussion. Various research designs, sampling techniques and data analysis methods are discussed. Prerequisite: Departmental Permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-447/547 Professional Development IV
Course involves participation in a professional enrichment project. Projects include, but are not limited to, the following: practical experience at alternate sites in which Clinical Laboratory Scientists work, e.g. local clinics, health centers, nursing homes, research facilities, various industrial firms, and/or community hospitals; community activities such as presenting information sessions to senior citizen groups, various professional groups or at local association and club meetings; participation in the development of science fair projects and science fair judging at local area schools; areas of special research interests; other areas chosen for their enrichment potential. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-448/548 Professional Development V
Course involves various professional guest speakers from alternate sites in which Clinical Laboratory Scientists work, i.e. industrial firms, specialty hospitals, research facilities, etc. The professional will present to the students about their specific job, relating it to clinical laboratory sciences. The purpose of these sessions is to inform the students of multiple professional opportunities for Clinical laboratory sciences in addition to working in a traditional hospital laboratory. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. (v-v-v)

MLS-449/549 Professional Development VI
Continuation of MLS-448/548.

MLS-450/550 Laboratory Information and Automation Systems
Presents an overview of total laboratory automation systems (TLA) and clinical laboratory information systems (LIS) including system functionality, selection, installation, validation, maintenance, security and interfaces. Topics include the electronic health record (EHR) and clinical information systems that interface with the LIS. The purpose of selected hardware, the operating system and specialized software will be reviewed. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-451/551 Quality Issues in Clinical Laboratory Science
This course presents methods and strategies to ensure quality testing in all types of laboratory settings including point of care testing (POCT) and physicians' office laboratories (POLs). Topics include quality assurance, proficiency testing, method evaluation, establishing reference values and predictive value statistics. Common POCT devices will be described and students will learn how laboratory professionals ensure the competency of individuals performing POCT. The regulatory bodies involved in these processes will be introduced. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-452/552 Regulatory and Professional Issues
Covers the history and impact of government and private controls on the quality and accessibility of laboratory services. Topics include: OSHA, HIPAA, test reimbursement, direct access testing, professional certification, licensure, unionization, and educational program accreditation. Students will examine proposed state and federal legislation and learn ways to influence passage of good laboratory-related law. The professional/public image of the CLS profession will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-453/553 Communications
Interpersonal and organizational communication techniques for creating effective communication with subordinates, peers and managers. Consultation and project management techniques will be included. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-456/556 Clinical Laboratory Management
Management of the clinical laboratory will be covered in this course with topics to include: operational aspects of the laboratory, human resource management, financial considerations of running a laboratory, error management, personality and leadership styles, and crisis and disaster management. Students will participate in interactive sessions designed to help them understand and develop important leadership and management concepts. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-460/560 Research Seminar I
This course is designed to provide an introduction to various research methods ranging from the highly quantitative to broad qualitative approaches. Formulation of the research hypotheses, or questions, ethical issues, literature search techniques, the writing of the research proposal/final research report and the dissemination of research findings are discussed. Statistics and interpretation of research findings are included. This course is designed to provide the first-time researcher with the skills to undertake research in areas of their choice. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-461/561 Research Seminar II
Continuation of MLS-460/560. Additional statistical measures used in research data analysis are presented and discussed. Students are expected to present research articles in the field of clinical laboratory science for discussion and critique. Current researchers in various areas related to clinical laboratory science present their research designs as examples of how to plan and conduct research. Students will be introduced to the institutional IRB requirements and will complete the on-line training module on preparing for an IRB review. Ethical issues in health care related research, conflicts of interest, intellectual property issues, authorship and collaboration will be discussed. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-462/562 Research Seminar III
Continuation of MLS-461/561. This course is tutorial based. Students work with their major advisor and project committee members to complete their master's project for final defense. P/N grading. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [1-0-1]

MLS-467/567 Comprehensive Review
A comprehensive review of Hematology, Body Fluids, Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Mathematics, Immunology, Immunohematology, Molecular Diagnostics, and Microbiology. This review course prepares students for the national certification examinations. At the completion of the review all student take a comprehensive examination. Successful passing of all sections of the comprehensive examination is required for completion of the course and for graduation. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [2-0-2]

MLS-470/570 Clinical Practicum in Clinical Chemistry
The practicum builds upon the theoretical knowledge and techniques learned during year one in the MLS clinical chemistry laboratory and lecture courses. The rotation is designed to introduce students to the working environment of a clinical chemistry laboratory and provide opportunities for students to work with state of the art chemistry instrumentation and techniques. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-471/571 Clinical Practicum in Hematology
Course includes application of basic skills learned in Hematology course work. This is a clinical rotation through the hospital hematology laboratory. Basic skills learned in the student laboratory are practiced. Instrumentation and advanced methodologies, special hematologic testing techniques, bone marrow techniques, and coagulation are included. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-472/572 Clinical Practicum in Microbiology I
Rotation through the clinical bacteriology laboratories. Applications of basic skills learned in the student laboratory are practiced. Instrumentation and advanced methodologies are emphasized. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-473/573 Clinical Practicum in Microbiology II
Rotation through the specialty laboratory laboratories of clinical microbiology including parasitology, anaerobes, mycobacteriology, mycology and virology laboratories. Applications of basic skills learned in the student laboratory are practiced. Instrumentation and advanced methodologies are emphasized. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-474/574 Clinical Practicum in Immunohematology
Rotation through the hospital blood bank laboratory. Applications of basic skills learned in student laboratory are practiced. Instrumentation and advanced methodologies are emphasized. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-475/575 Clinical Practicum in Immunology and Molecular Diagnostics
Rotation through clinical immunology and molecular diagnostic laboratories. Applications of basic skills learned in the student laboratory are practiced. Areas included are serology, histocompatibility typing, flow cytometry, karyotyping, molecular oncology, nucleic acid amplification, DNA sequencing, FISH probe analysis and other diagnostic procedures. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-476/576 Clinical Practicum in Education
Students will assist in the instruction of the student laboratory sessions. They will work with the course director in the preparation and execution of laboratory experiments by first year students. Educational principles and curriculum planning skills will be learned through online discussions and exercises. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-477 Clinical Specialty Practicum
(Graduate students will register for the Master's Project in place of the Specialty Practicum.)
The Specialty Practicum provides students with an opportunity to select a specific laboratory of interest to them. Students spend four weeks developing advanced techniques and exploring the latest technology available in the clinical laboratory. Areas may include bone marrow cell analysis, advanced genetics, advanced hematology, retrovirology and laboratory safety. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-478/578 Patient Care Techniques
Techniques of specimen collection and phlebotomy are discussed and practiced. Students will perform a minimum of 50 venipuncture procedures on in-house patients throughout the various areas of the hospital and in the outpatient clinics. Pediatric and geriatric patients are included, as are general adult population patients. Procedures for specimen processing and ordering are learned. Procedures for specimen collection and handling with an emphasis pre-analytical situations, documentation, transportation requirements and infection control are covered in this course. Students will also learn about basic phlebotomy equipment and techniques involved in specimen collection, including venipuncture and capillary collection procedures on adult and children populations. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-479 Clinical Practicum: Career Mobility
Rotation through the various diagnostic clinical laboratories. Students will be evaluated on their skills and knowledge and complete the additional competencies required in the regular program clinical practica. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-558 Marketing and Negotiations
Vendor relations, contract negotiations, product cost analysis and marketing strategies will be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to become involved in actual contract negotiations and marketing of laboratory services. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-559 Issues in Pathology
Work flow analysis and clinical experience in an anatomical pathology laboratory. This will include anatomical pathology, cytology and histology. Management issues unique to these areas will be discussed and studies. Management and supervision issues unique to these areas will be examined. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. [v-v-v]

MLS-563 Master's Project I
First part in planning and conducting the required master's degree research project. Students are expected to begin formulation of their research questions and to complete their review of the literature. Student projects are designed in various areas of the clinical laboratories and focus on clinical testing, management and supervision issues. Students are required to formally present the results of their projects to the faculty and student body, and are encouraged to publish their results. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-564 Master's Project II
Continuation of MLS-563 At the completion of this course the student should be ready to present their research proposal to their committee for the preliminary defense and to begin and complete the data collection phase of their research. Student projects are designed in various areas of the clinical laboratories and focus on clinical testing, management and supervision issues. Students are required to formally present the results of their projects to the faculty and student body, and are encouraged to publish their results. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [v-v-v]

MLS-565 Master's Project III
Continuation of MLS-564. During this phase, the research report is completed and the final defense of the project takes place. Student projects are designed in various areas of the clinical laboratories and focus on clinical testing, management and supervision issues. Students are required to formally present the results of their projects to the faculty and student body, and are encouraged to publish their results. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. P/N grading. [0-v-v]

SSB-580 Human Blood Group Systems
Focus on human blood group systems; biochemistry, inheritance, serologic activity, clinical significance and disease associations. Topics include, but are not limited to, fundamentals of immunology, molecular biology, red blood cell membrane structure, and genetics as they relate to blood group systems. Taught only online. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisites: General knowledge of immunohematology and consent of the instructor. [4-0-4]

SSB-581 Principles and Methods of Antibody Identification
Review of methods for the detection and identification of antibodies with specificity for human red cell antigens. Topics include, but are not limited to, history of transfusion medicine, serological systems, direct and indirect antiglobulin tests. Focus on resolution of complex antibody problems. Taught only online. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisites: General knowledge of immunohematology and consent of the instructor. [2-0-2]  

SSB-582 Blood Procurement and Blood Product Manufacturing
Focus on theoretical and practical concepts used in blood procurement and product manufacturing. Topics include, but are not limited to, physiology, composition, & function of blood, blood donor suitability, collection, serological testing, transfusion infectious diseases & their testing, component preparation, labeling, storage, and distribution. Taught only online. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisites: General knowledge of immunohematology and consent of the instructor. [3-0-3]

SSB-583 Blood Bank and Transfusion Service Operation
Review of theoretical and practical concepts used in blood bank and transfusion service operation. Topics include, but are not limited to, safety and federal regulatory requirements, pre-transfusion testing, administration of blood components. Focus on quality management systems; QC, QA, QM, blood utilization management, error management. Taught only online. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisites: General knowledge of immunohematology and consent of the instructor. [3-0-3] 

SSB-584 Clinical Immunohematology and Transfusion
Focus on transfusion medicine practice and therapy. Topics include, but are not limited to, human circulatory system, effects of shock, blood component therapy, special transfusion, perinatal, neonatal & pediatric transfusion practice, hemolytic disease of the newborn, transplantation, anemias, infectious and noninfectious complications of blood transfusion. Taught only online. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisites: General knowledge of immunohematology and consent of the instructor. [4-0-4] 

SSB-585 Selected Topics and Comprehensive Review
Advanced study of current trends; assigned topics in current literature read, evaluated and discussed. Topics include, but are not limited to, basics of research and education, information systems in blood bank, parentage testing, medical-legal, and ethical aspects of blood banking, and laboratory math for the blood banker. A comprehensive review and exam is provided for students completing the SBB program and eligible to sit for the ASCP SBB certification examination. Taught only online. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisites: General knowledge of immunohematology and consent of the instructor. [3-0-3] 

SSB-586 SBB Clinical Practicum
Field experience under supervision of a professional expert in a blood center and/or hospital transfusion service setting. Students enrolled in the SBB Traditional curriculum must participate in clinical site visits and serologic resolution of clinical specimens. Students must take a minimum of 4 QH within 4 quarters. It is recommended that the student take no more than 4 QH within any given quarter. Clinical sites include, but are not limited to, apheresis centers, donor centers, stem cell processing centers, and transfusion service centers. P/N grading. [v-v-4]

SSB-587 SBB Project
Independent investigation of a topic relevant to an area in immunohematology. Student submits a written research paper as well as prepares and delivers a presentation based on the topic selected. Students enrolled in the SBB Traditional curriculum must participate in a research project and develop a presentation for a professional audience. Students must take a minimum of 3 QH within 4 quarters. It is recommended that the student take no more than 3 QH within any given quarter. P/N grading. [1-0-1]

MLS-595 Method Comparison and Process Validation
This course is designed to prepare laboratory professionals to protect the public health by learning the techniques of validating laboratory methods and processes. Federal government CLIA regulations (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) and CAP (College of American Pathologists) will be covered. Quality Assurance (QA) rules and ways of managing QA will be discussed. The course will focus on Methodology Validation: Determination of Accuracy in terms of verification of accuracy, reportable range and evaluation of linearity. Determination of Precision and Reference Range in terms of establishing or verifying a reference interval will be presented. D etermination of Analytic Sensitivity, Method Comparison, and Medical Decision Points will be explained.

MLS-597 Issues & Practice in Human Resource Management
This course will include an overview of the operational and strategic role that Human Resource Management plays in Health Care institutions. Readings, case studies, internet references, and website resources will permit the learner to acquire advanced and current information in human resource management, recruitment and hiring, training and development, compensation and benefits, labor relations (both union and non-union), and health and safety.

MLS-598 Healthcare Informatics
This course is will include an overview of healthcare informatics. It is designed to provide a web-based learning approach to teaching the principles of laboratory information systems management, and the review processes for selection, installation, building test dictionaries, validation, training and integration with electronic health records. Readings, articles from professional journals, internet references and website resources will permit the learner to acquire advanced and current information in each of the major topic area.

MLS- 900 Independent Study
Requires departmental permission. [v-v-v]