Professionalism – A Required CLS/CLT Curricular Component

Sandra Latshaw; Karen Honeycutt

doi:10.29074/ascls.23.3_Supplement.24

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Sandra Latshaw, MA, MT(ASCP)SM⇑
1. Clinical Laboratory Science Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4010
Karen Honeycutt, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)^CMSM^CM
1. Clinical Laboratory Science Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 68198-4010

Address for Correspondence: Sandra Latshaw, MA, MT(ASCP)SM, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, School of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 4720 Faulkner Ct., Omaha, NE 68516, 402-423-9193, 402-423-7805 (fax), sjlatsha{at}unmc.edu

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of requiring Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) students to participate in approved professionalism activities as part of a mandatory management course.

DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, case study reporting qualitative results of 25 CLS students. During the admission interview, students complete a written response to questions about their perceptions related to professionalism. During the clinical educational year, students are required to complete approved professionalism activities as part of a management course. At the end of the course, students write a reflective paper focusing on their professional activities and how these experiences will influence their future professional practice. Overall themes of student reflections are provided.

SETTING: University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) CLS Program in Omaha

CONCLUSION: After participating in a mandatory professionalism curricular component requiring active student participation in professional activities, student reflective writings provide evidence this is one successful approach to nurture professional identity within future Clinical Laboratory Science/Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLS/CLT) practitioners.

ABREVIATIONS: ASCLS = American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology, CLS = Clinical Laboratory Science, CLS/CLT = Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Technician, DCLS = Clinical Laboratory Science Doctorate, NAACLS = National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Scientists, UNMC = University of Nebraska Medical Center