The program is offered over 46 weeks and begins in January. Students will spend the first several months participating in didactic lectures and student laboratory to gain knowledge and develop a basic level of competency before entering the clinical rotations. Students will rotate through each major area of the clinical laboratory – chemistry, hematology, hemostasis, immunology, urinalysis, immunohematology, microbiology and molecular diagnostics – and learn advanced procedures, with instruction from qualified laboratory experts, to develop entry level competencies. Students will gain competency in phlebotomy by participating in specimen collection and at community health service laboratories/draw stations.
Course Descriptions
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.
- Orientation and General Laboratory Skills (1 Credit Hour)
Review of hospital-wide policies and procedures will orient the student to Denver Health. Introduction to the health care system, phlebotomy, specimen processing, safety policies, basic laboratory techniques, lab math and quality control. - Clinical Chemistry (7 Credit Hours)
The study of various clinically significant analytes and the principles of the chemical analyses utilized to detect each. Emphasis is on result interpretation, correlation with disease states/disorders, quality assurance and problem-solving techniques. - Hematology (7 Credit Hours)
The study of blood cells and the principles of test methods utilized to quantitate and evaluate each. Emphasis is on result interpretation, correlation with disease states/disorders, quality assurance and problem-solving techniques. - Hemostasis/Coagulation (2 Credit Hours)
The study of hemostasis and principles of test methods utilized to evaluate the clotting and fibrinolytic systems. Emphasis is on result interpretation, correlation with disease states/disorders, quality assurance and problem-solving techniques. - Urinalysis (2 Credit Hours)
The study of urine formation and composition, changes in urine components, pathological conditions, manual and automated laboratory procedures, disease correlation and quality assurance. - Immunology (2 Credit Hours)
The study of the structure and function of the human immune system and application to current immunologic techniques and instrumentation. Emphasis is on result interpretation, correlation with disease states/disorders, quality assurance, and problem-solving techniques. - Immunohematology (7 Credit Hours)
The study of human blood groups and their significance, blood components, donor selection and screening, transfusion protocols, antibody detection and identification, quality assurance and current transfusion practices. - Microbiology (7 Credit Hours)
The study of pathogenic bacteria, principles of testing methodologies, isolation techniques, identification methods and clinical relevance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, quality assurance and safety practices are also emphasized. - Mycology (1 Credit Hour)
The study of medically important fungi such as yeasts, opportunistic and dimorphic fungi, and dermatophytes, including their identification and clinical significance. - Parasitology (1 Credit Hour)
The study of medically important parasites including amoebae, blood protozoa and helminthes. Emphasis is placed on morphologic identification and distinction of pathogenic from non-pathogenic species. - Molecular Diagnostics (1 Credit Hour)
The study of molecular principles and theory and the application of specialized techniques/test methods with disease or inherited and acquired disorders. Emphasis is on result interpretation, correlation with disease states/disorders, quality assurance and problem-solving techniques. - Laboratory Management, Education & Research Methods (2 Credit Hours)
Basic principles of laboratory operations and regulations, and education methodologies. Experiences may include observing laboratory supervisor duties and participating in a project that will culminate in an education presentation on a select topic. The basic concepts of empirical research will be introduced with an emphasis in medical laboratory science. Students will also participate in various enhancement experiences to expand their view of lab services.
Program Faculty
Medical laboratory scientists/medical technologists and other content experts, such as pathologists and certified specialists, from the Denver Health laboratory will be involved in teaching courses, the student laboratory and/or clinical experiences. Lead faculty and laboratory professionals at Denver Health are committed to offering a quality education that will provide highly qualified MLS’s for the future needs of healthcare services.