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Clinical Laboratory
Science at NMU
The department
has a strong commitment to the career ladder approach to higher
education. All programs and degrees are designed to be
transferable to higher-level degrees. All programs are based
heavily in the sciences with an application to laboratory
technology. Depending on program selection, graduates find
employment in laboratories of hospitals, clinics, industry,
microbiology, biotechnology, forensic and research.
The clinical
laboratory science field is made up of professionals who rely on
their knowledge of basic science and laboratory skills to assume a
variety of responsibilities in various laboratory and health care
settings. Graduates of the clinical laboratory science curricula
must possess appropriate knowledge, skills, and attributes to
become competent practitioners, readily adaptable to changing
technologies. Advancement opportunities exist for the graduate as
specialists, directors, managers and consultants with experience
and/or further education.
Clinical Laboratory
Science Programs
The clinical laboratory science
curriculum includes 11 programs: bachelor's degrees–clinical
laboratory scientist, clinical laboratory scientist/microbiology
concentration, diagnostic genetics, clinical systems analyst,
cytotechnology, histotechnology and science technologist;
associate in applied science degrees–clinical laboratory
technician, histotechnician, and science technician;
certificate–clinical assistant. The department also offers a
minor program in clinical laboratory techniques.
The clinical laboratory science,
clinical laboratory technician, diagnostic genetics,
histotechnology, clinical assistant, and histotechnician programs
are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical
Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 8410 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670,
Chicago, IL, 60631. The cytotechnology program is accredited by
the American Society of Cytology (ASC), 400 West 9th Street, Suite
201, Wilmington, DE, 1980, at the clinical site.
Bachelor
Degree Programs
Clinical
Laboratory Scientist and Clinical Laboratory
Scientist/Microbiology
The chief goals
of the clinical laboratory scientist program are to (1) provide
graduates who successfully complete certification exams and are
highly competitive in securing future employment, (2) foster
adaptability of the graduates, (3) provide students with
marketable skills early in the curriculum, and (4) present
education in the most expedient manner while not compromising
content or comprehension.
Clinical
laboratory scientists perform a variety of laboratory assays on
human and other types of specimens in clinical, research,
commercial (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, etc.) and forensic
laboratories to provide diagnostic data and information necessary
to support health care, ensure quality control, facilitate product
development and solve problems. Clinical laboratory scientists
may have a variety of responsibilities, including implementing and
performing tests, developing test menus and algorithms,
consulting, supervising, managing and teaching.
The clinical
laboratory scientist major incorporates didactic and clinical
education throughout the four year curriculum. Students gain
marketable skills after two years in the program through CLT
certification. Upon completion of the degree, students are
eligible to take one of the national certification tests: CLS/MT
Generalist or the Microbiology Categorical. The university
maintains CLS affiliations with a variety of hospitals in
Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. (See
Hospital Affiliations.)
The sophomore and senior practica provide an opportunity for
students to experience two different clinical settings prior to
graduation.
Diagnostic Genetics
The goals of the
program are to 1) provide students with an interdisciplinary
academic background; 2) prepare graduates for employment in a
rapidly expanding field and 3) prepare graduates for national
certification exams.
Diagnostic
genetics is a rapidly expanding new clinical discipline focusing
on the identification of abnormalities of chromosomes or regions
of DNA associated with pathology and disease. This field is
growing rapidly, and is driven in part by discoveries of genes
associated with inherited disorders that are reported by the human
genome project, and in part by exciting advances in
biotechnology. As a result, numerous opportunities for research,
development, practice, and education associated with the field of
diagnostic genetics are constantly emerging.
The diagnostic
genetics major offers students the choice of specialization in
either molecular biology or cytogenetics. Both specialties use
aspects of genetic testing to aid in the diagnosis, prevention,
and treatment of inherited disease. Students receive
laboratory-based training in various biology and chemistry
courses, as well as a thorough preparation in a broad range of
clinical laboratory science skills. Exacting technique,
ingenuity, and careful attention to detail and process are
required to perform in all of these areas. The small-group
high-tech laboratory environments at Northern Michigan University
prepare students to function in clinical, research, and commercial
work settings.
Students
participate in two clinical practicum experiences-one at the
sophomore level and another at the senior level. Northern
Michigan University maintains affiliations with a variety of
hospitals in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The senior
practicum is conducted at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Clinical Systems Analyst
The goal of the program is to
prepare graduates to work in a clinical laboratory setting, in a
hospital information systems department, or as a laboratory
information systems consultant.
The clinical systems analyst major
combines two disciplines-clinical laboratory technology and
computer information systems to meet a rapidly growing market.
Students will receive training and first become certified
laboratory professionals at the clinical laboratory technical
level. In addition, their baccalaureate degree will be augmented
with a comprehensive background in computer information systems.
This major broadens employment
opportunities and fulfills a pressing need for skilled computer
information systems graduates who understand the unique
requirements of a clinical laboratory. Positions are available
nationwide with future growth assured.
Cytotechnology and Histotechnology
The goals of the cytotechnology and
histotechnology programs are to prepare students with the basic
science background needed to meet the requirements for admission
to clinical programs approved by the ASC or NAACLS.
The first three years of the
curriculum are at the university while the fourth year is
completed through an accredited cytotechnology or histotechnology
practicum. The university is affiliated with hospitals in
Wisconsin, and Michigan; however, students may apply to any
accredited school in the United States. If students meet the
hospital’s standards and are accepted, they register for the
cytotechnology or histotechnology practicum courses at Northern
Michigan University, and pursue a twelve month program under the
direction of the hospital.
Cytology is the study of the
structure and the function of cells. Cytotechnologists prepare
cellular samples for study under the microscope and assist in the
diagnosis of disease by the examination of these samples.
Cytotechnologists are trained clinical laboratory science
professionals who work with pathologists to detect microscopic
changes in body cells that may be important in the early diagnosis
of cancer.
Histology is the study of tissues.
Histotechnologists perform all functions of the histotechnician
plus: identify tissue structures, cell component and staining
characteristics, relate these to physiologic functions, implement
and evaluate new techniques and procedures, make quality control
judgements, apply principles of management and education
methodology when appropriate.
Science Technologist
The goal of the science
technologist program is to prepare a premier laboratorian who is
employable in a variety laboratory settings (clinical, commercial,
research, biotechnology, forensic). Students are exposed to a wide
variety of methods, principles, instruments, technical skills, and
laboratory problems. The curriculum is built upon a firm
foundation in clinical techniques, but students have options in
course selection to pursue one of three areas: clinical
certification, biotechnology or forensics.
Students who have first completed
an associate degree in clinical lab technician, histotechnician,
or science technician programs will find that much of their course
work may be applied to the science technologist degree.
Associate Degree Programs
Clinical Laboratory Technician
The chief goals of the clinical
laboratory sciences program are to develop proficiency in the
performance of a wide variety of tests while also developing an
understanding of the interrelationships of laboratory data and
physiological processes.
Clinical laboratory technicians
perform routine laboratory tests under supervision to provide
diagnostic data in health care and biomedical industries. The
first three semesters of the program consist of liberal arts,
science, and clinical laboratory science courses taken on campus.
During the last six months of the second year, students are placed
in an affiliated hospital to complete a clinical practicum. The
university is affiliated with a variety of hospitals within a four
hour radius from Marquette.
Histotechnician
The purpose of the histotechnician
program is to prepare students with a basic science background
needed to meet the requirements for admission to a clinical
program accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical
Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Histotechnicians prepare sections
of body tissue for examination by a pathologist to diagnose body
dysfunction and malignancy. The specimens may be used for
diagnostic, research or teaching purposes. Histotechnicians
process sections of tissue by fixation, dehydration, embedding,
sectioning, decalcification, microincineration, mounting, and
routine and special staining.
Science Technician
The goal of the science technician
program is to prepare students to work competently, with
supervision, in a variety of laboratory settings (biomedical,
commercial, etc.). Students are provided with a basic foundation
in clinical techniques complemented with science, math, and
computer courses.
The science technician degree may
"career ladder" into the science technologist degree with no loss
of credit.
Certificate Program
Clinical Assistant
The goal of the clinical assistant
certificate program is to provide competent and well-trained
graduates who are employable in a variety of settings.
As a member of the health care
delivery team, the clinical assistant performs a variety of duties
under the supervision of a laboratory scientist, nurse, or other
medical personnel. Among the duties are specimen procurement and
sample processing, basic laboratory testing, patient processing,
basic technical nursing skills, and secretarial work. The balance
of these duties will be determined by the place of employment. The
one-year program includes an introduction to fundamental
laboratory, office, and nursing skills, in addition to selected
supportive courses. During the second semester, the students
train in clinical sites within the Marquette area.
The program is divided into two
phases. The first phase allows students to gain proficiency in
phlebotomy (obtaining a blood specimen) and become eligible for
phlebotomy certification. The second phase expands into the
multi-skilled areas so graduates are eligible for employment in a
wide variety of health care settings.
Department/Program Policies
Clinical Laboratory Scientist and CLS/Microbiology
In order to be granted a bachelor's
degree as clinical laboratory scientist, students must maintain an
overall 2.60 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in
the major and NMU cumulative. Students must receive no less than
“C-” in any clinical laboratory science course. Students are
eligible to take national certification exams for clinical
laboratory scientists or the microbiology categorical exam upon
program completion. Criteria for placement into the practicum can
be found under the appropriate course descriptions.
Clinical Systems Analyst
In order to be granted a degree in
clinical systems analyst, students must meet all requirements for
the clinical laboratory technician degree and attain a grade point
average of 2.00 in the major, overall, and Northern Michigan
University cumulative.
Cytotechnology and Histotechnology
Upon completion of the four-year
curriculum with a minimum 2.00 grade point average in the major
overall and NMU cumulative, students receive the bachelor of
science degree from Northern Michigan University. Students are
then qualified to take the national certification tests for
cytotechnologists or histotechnologists.
Diagnostic Genetics
In order to be granted a
baccalaureate degree in diagnostic genetics, a student must have a
grade point average of 2.6 overall and in the major, meet specific
course grade requirements, and receive no less than a "C" in any
course of the major. Students are then qualified to take the
national certification exams for cytogenetics and molecular
biology. Criteria for placement into the practicum can be found
under the appropriate course descriptions.
Science Technologist and Science Technician
In order to be granted the science
technologist or technician degree, students must attain a grade
point average of 2.00 in the major, overall, and Northern Michigan
University cumulative.
Clinical Laboratory Technician
In order to be granted an associate
of applied science degree, students must receive no less than a
“C-” in any clinical laboratory science course, and maintain at
least a 2.00 grade point average in the major. In addition,
students must have an overall and Northern Michigan University
cumulative 2.00 grade point average. Students are then qualified
to take the national certification tests for clinical laboratory
technicians.
Histotechnician
Upon completion of two years of
academic course work plus six to twelve months of a clinical
practicum and with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in the
major, overall, and Northern Michigan University cumulative,
students receive an associates of applied science degree.
Clinical Assistant
Upon successful completion of the
program with no less than a “C-” in all clinical laboratory
science courses and an overall and Northern Michigan University
cumulative 2.00 grade point average, the student graduates with a
certificate and is qualified to take the national certification
tests for phlebotomy.
Clinical Laboratory Techniques Minor
Students must have a grade point
average of 2.00 in this minor to graduate.
Additional Policies
For further information on
policies, essential functions, application procedures, specific
affiliation sites, hospital placement eligibility, costs,
certification requirements, and job markets, see the CLS
Advisement Handbook available at the Northern Michigan
University Bookstore.
The Clinical Laboratory Science
Department reserves the right to withdraw any student whose
health, conduct, scholastic standing or clinical practice is such
that it is inadvisable for the student to remain in the
department. In any of the programs offered by this department,
clinical placement for training cannot be guaranteed. In addition
to the academic placement policies, students must be recommended
by the departmental faculty. Any negative recommendations may
override an otherwise acceptable academic record.
Students majoring in department
programs may be required to have certain immunizations. Further
information is available in the department office.
Francis A. Bell
Memorial Hospital
Ishpeming,
Michigan
Roland Korpi,
M.T., (ASCP), ACI
Judd Johnston,
M.D., Pathologist, ACAP, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Grand View Hospital
Ironwood,
Michigan
Charles Iknayan,
M.D., Pathologist, ACAP, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Rae Kaare, M.T.,
(ASCP), ACI
Keweenaw Memorial
Medical Center
Laurium,
Michigan
John Weiss M.D.,
Pathologist, ACAP, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Gail Smith,
C.L.S., (ASCP), ACI
Marquette General
Hospital
Marquette,
Michigan
John Weiss,
M.D., Pathologist, Medical Director/Advisor, Clinical Laboratory
Science Program, ACAP
Dennis Maki, M.T.,
(ASCP), Assistant Laboratroy Director, ACI
Marla Trembath,
M.T., (ASCP), ACI
Mayo Clinic
Rochester,
Minnesota
Syed M. Jalal,
Ph.D., Director of Cytogenetics Program, ACAP
Gary Hicks,
M.S., CLSsp(CG), ACI
Daniel Kuffel,
B.S., CLSsp(CG), ACI
Dr. Steve
Thibudeau, Director of Molecular Genetics Training Program, ACAP.
Karen Snow,
Ph.D., Director of Molecular Genetics, ACAP
Keri Rechtzigel,
B.S., CLSsp(MB), ACI
Amy Turk-Groszbach,
B.S., CLSsp(MB) ACI
Memorial Medical
Center
Ashland,
Wisconsin
Keith Henry
M.D., Pathologist, ACAP, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Nancy Haven,
M.L.T. (HHS)
Portage Health System
Hancock,
Michigan
Rudy Stefancik
M.D., Pathologist, ACAP, Clincial Laboratory Science Program
Richard Kangas,
M.T., (ASCP), ACI
St. Francis Hospital
Escanaba,
Michigan
Michael
Barbarich, M.D., Pathologist, ACAP, Clinical Laboratory Science
Program
Michael Haines,
C.L.S., (NCA), ACI
St. Mary's/Duluth
Clinic
Duluth,
Minnesota
Robert Therrien,
M.S.M., Director of Laboratories, ACI
Joni Sherrin,
R.M., (AAM), M(ASCP), ACI
Debra Zelinsky,
M.T., (ASCP), ACI
Marshfield
Laboratories
Saint Joseph
Hospital/Marshfield Clinic
Marshfield,
Wisconsin
Virginia Narlock,
M.T., (ASCP), Lab Education Program Director, ACI
Donald Schitzler,
C.T., (ASCP), ACI
George Rupp,
M.D., Pathologist-Medical Director, Cytotechnology Program, ACAP
Kathryn Kolquist,
M.D., Medical Director, Histotechnician Program
Kathryn Gorman,
B.S., H.T.L., (ASCP), ACI
State Laboratory of
Hygiene
Madison,
Wisconsin
S.L. Inhorn,
M.D., Pathologist-Program Director, School of Cytotechnology
Program, ACAP
John Shalkham,
M.A., SCT (ASCP), Education Coordinator, ACI
War Memorial Hospital
Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan
John Weiss,
M.D., Pathologist, ACAP, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Mike Metrish,
M.T., (ASCP), Laboratory Director, ACI
William Beaumont
Hospital
Royal Oak,
Michigan
Ali-Reza Armin
M.D., Pathologist-Medical Director, Histotechnology Program ACAP
Peggy Wenk,
H.T.L., (ASCP) Program Director, ACI
KEY:
ACAP = Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
ACI = Adjunct
Clinical Instructor
Clinical Laboratory Science
Programs |
