Clinical Laboratory Sciences Curriculum Redevelopment: An Application of Change Theories

Lillian Mundt; Janet Vanik

doi:10.29074/ascls.20.2.72

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Lillian Mundt, MHS CLS(NCA)SpH MT(ASCP)SH⇑
1. is associate professor, acting department chair, and program director, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago IL
Janet Vanik, MS MT(ASCP)
1. is associate professor, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago IL

Address for correspondence: Lillian Mundt MHS CLS(NCA)SpH MT(ASCP)SH, associate professor, acting department chair, and program director, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago IL 60064. (847) 578-3303, (847) 578-8651 (fax). lillian.mundt{at}rosalindfranklin.edu.

Extract

The Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) experienced a steady decline in the number of applicants for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) Program, even though the department regularly received inquiries from qualified students. The faculty recognized the undergraduate-degreed prospects' desires for both an advanced degree and the procurement of entry-level clinical laboratory knowledge and skills. To address this perceived need, the CLS department developed and implemented a new degree option, the entry-level master's. The new curriculum resulted from a transformational process incorporated into the normal developmental process of curriculum change. This article explores various change theories that were manifested during this transformation process, along with barriers to change and how to overcome them. In addition, the authors demonstrate the need for creation of this entry-level program and provide a curriculum outline.

BACKGROUND The Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) Department at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) historically provided entry-level training at only the undergraduate level for students desiring a career in laboratory medicine. Located in North Chicago, IL, the traditional target market for this undergraduate program consisted of students from local associate degree clinical laboratory technician (CLT) programs and other science students attending junior or four-year colleges who transfer to RFUMS. RFUMS only provides upper-division courses in clinical laboratory science as well as graduate and medical degree programs. The department of CLS also offers an advanced degree (MS in CLS) for students already possessing CLS/MT certification.

Closure of CLT/MLT programs at…

ABBREVIATIONS: CLS = clinical laboratory science; CLT = clinical laboratory technician; RFUMS = Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS).