Student Laboratories as a Component of a Web-based Curriculum

E Camellia St John; Michelle S Kanuth

doi:10.29074/ascls.19.2.117

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E Camellia St John, M Ed CLSp(IH)⇑
Michelle S Kanuth, PhD CLS(NCA)

are Associate Professors, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department University of Texas Medical Branch

Address for correspondence: E Camellia St John, M Ed, CLSp(IH), Associate Professor, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston TX 77555-1140. (409) 772-3055, (409) 772-9470 (fax). cstjohn{at}utmb.edu

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To enable place-bound working clinical laboratory technicians (CLTs) to benefit from hands-on student laboratory sessions taught in University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) facilities by UTMB professors.

DESIGN: Weekend student laboratory sessions similar to “wet workshops” were implemented and integrated into regular coursework. Student laboratory sessions of 12 hours to 16 hours in length were provided.

SETTING: The UTMB student laboratories.

PARTICIPANTS: Web-based education in Clinical Laboratory Science (WEBCLS) students who are working CLTs in rural place-bound situations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Course grades and certification examination scores on laboratory and comprehensive examinations given to both on-campus students and WEBCLS students.

RESULTS: Of 68 WEBCLS students enrolled in laboratory courses during the calendar years 2003, 2004, and 2005, 66.2% earned grades of A or B in the course compared with 64.2% of students enrolled in the same laboratory courses on-campus. Over a three year period, the WEBCLS students averaged 564.8 on certification exam scores, while on-campus students averaged 470.9.

ABBREVIATIONS: CAP = College of American Pathologists; CLSs = clinical laboratory scientists; CLTs = clinical laboratory technicians; RBCs = red blood cells; UTMB = University of Texas Medical Branch; WEBCLS = web-based education in Clinical Laboratory Science (a program designed for off-campus CLT students to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree in CLS through distance education using web-based materials).