Medical Laboratory Science Program Student Handbook

Hershey Medical Center

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was founded in 1963 through a gift from The Milton S. Hershey Foundation, and is one of the leading teaching and research hospitals in the country.

As a leading university health center in central Pennsylvania, its vision is to utilize its resources to be the “Pennsylvania's most trusted health care organization,” which means being focused on the patient as the purpose for being. The medical center is committed to producing the highest-quality, best-trained health care professionals available, prepared to exceed the rate of change in the marketplace and deliver collaborative care as a part of a team. Health care team members must understand the need to attract and maintain a healthy population and the plan of care that will most benefit those they serve. The 631-bed Hershey Medical Center is an acute care facility, accredited by the Joint Commission and licensed by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pathology Laboratories

The Department of Pathology laboratory is College of American Pathologists-accredited and licensed by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Blood Bank is additionally accredited by AABB and the Food and Drug Administration. The Histocompatibility Laboratory is accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. The Hematopoietic Cell Therapy Laboratory is accredited by Food and Drug Administration, and, as part of the medical center's bone marrow transplant program, is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation for Cell Therapy. The laboratory has a pathology residency program and fellowships in blood banking/transfusion medicine, dermatopathology, hematopathology and surgical pathology, which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

The laboratory is a fully computerized, progressive, automated laboratory that performs more than two million billable tests annually.

MLS Program

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program is sponsored by the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and functions within the Division of Clinical Pathology in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Its support is a part of a commitment to provide health care and education that meets the needs of our expanding community. Hospital and laboratory administration support the program by providing personnel and resources to educate students.

The program accepts 10 students annually, with training at Penn State Health facilities. Students complete approximately six months didactic and student lab instruction, followed by approximately five months of rotations in routine and specialty laboratories within clinical pathology.

Penn State Health's Medical Laboratory Science Program has the responsibility to:

• Prepare individuals for the practice of medical laboratory science

• Provide qualified laboratory professionals for Penn State Health's needs, as well as regional, national and global needs

• Cultivate an appreciation for professionalism, ethics, leadership skills and commitment to life- long learning, and responsibility for providing high-quality care and service to our patients and community

• Promote the values of respect for others, integrity, teamwork and excellence

To achieve its mission, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center's Medical Laboratory Science Program strives to:

• Maintain accreditation under the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

• Provide state-of-the-art technology and a stimulating atmosphere for educational experiences relevant and appropriate to medical laboratory science for its students.

• Immerse students in the day-to-day responsibilities of laboratory practitioners committed to the mission, vision and values of Penn State Health.

• Provide a quality-driven curriculum based on current needs and latest testing methodologies and technological advances, including all aspects of clinical laboratory operations and management.

• Share information, provide resources and create a consistent training program to build stronger teams, and foster a culture that cultivates stable, sustainable, interprofessional relationships within our health care systems and beyond.

• Help meet the demand for competent practitioners in a variety of laboratory settings and venues.

• Share expertise around the globe (global health).

• Help students learn new skills, and seek out and share knowledge to promote teamwork in the health care setting and surrounding community.

• Provide the community with laboratory practitioners who have a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of clinical laboratory operation and management.

• Prepare graduates for successful certification and/or licensure in medical laboratory science.

• Encourage students to constantly seek opportunities for personal and professional growth to enable success in career entry-level positions, as well as their professional development into well-trained, highly skilled laboratory scientists, with the potential for higher-level health care positions, including the pursuit of advanced degrees to meet their career goals.

• Broaden community awareness of the medical laboratory science profession and its vital role in providing the best quality care for patients and improving the health of the community.

Mission

Our mission is to continually improve the health and well-being of the people of Pennsylvania, and beyond.

• We provide patients with excellent, compassionate, culturally responsive and equitable care.

• We educate and train healthcare professionals.

• We advance evidence-based medical innovation through research and discovery.

Vision

Our vision is to be Pennsylvania’s most trusted healthcare organization by:

• Delivering excellent care, combining the most advanced and innovative techniques in medicine with compassionate and culturally responsive service for patients, families and communities.

• Ensuring the availability of affordable, appropriate and comprehensive localized care by integrating an extensive community-based provider network with our sub-specialized academic-based programs.

• Cultivating a professionally fulfilling environment for our caregivers, educators, innovators, researchers and staff.

• Advancing the science of medicine and disseminating knowledge to the world – as we have done for more than a half-century.

Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine recognize and reward faculty and staff for fulfilling the RITE values of the organization.

Respect

• Listen, hear and give credit.

• Embrace our diverse backgrounds, talents and perspectives.

• Be compassionate, thoughtful, considerate and kind.

Integrity

• Be the best you can be, every time.

• Have moral courage to ask hard questions of ourselves and others.

• Be consistent and fair.

Teamwork

• Commit to working together to ensure the best experience for co-workers, patients and trainees.

• Share knowledge for the benefit of the team.

• Earn the trust of your teammates.

Excellence

• Align personal performance with our mission, vision, values and strategic imperatives.

• Set personal goals and exceed expectations.

• Always be solution-focused.

NAACLS

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018

Online: naacls.org

Phone: 773-714-8880

Email: info@naacls.org

This schedule for the 2026-2027 academic year is tentative and subject to change with one week’s notice.

• June 4, 2026: Program orientation; phase One begins

• June 8, 2026: Phase One didactic lecture schedule begins

• June 29 to July 3, 2026: Time off – Fourth of July week break

• Sept. 7, 2026: Time off – Labor Day holiday

• Nov. 25-27, 2026: Time off – Thanksgiving holiday

• Nov. 30, 2026: Phase Two clinical rotations begin

• Dec. 21, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027: Time off – Winter break

• Jan. 18, 2027: Time off - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• One week - varies based on clinical assignment: Time off – Spring break

• April 19 to 25, 2027: Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Week

• Friday, March 26, 2027, Week of April 12, 2027, and Week of April 26, 2027: Comprehensive exams

• May 6, 2027: Graduation

The Medical Laboratory Science Program at Penn State Health is affiliated with Penn State University - Main, Lebanon Valley College, Moravian University, Shippensburg University, York College of Pennsylvania, Immaculata University, Saint Joseph’s University (formerly University of the Sciences), Slippery Rock University, Commonwealth University, Millersville University and Wilkes University.

Upon successful completion of the program, undergraduate students are granted a baccalaureate degree from their affiliated college or university and receive a certification of completion from Penn State Health. Postgraduate students will receive a certificate of completion from the hospital. Students are then eligible to take a national certification exam in Medical Laboratory Science, such as the Board of Certification offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

In states with licensure, students are then eligible to apply for licensure. Issuing of the baccalaureate degree or the certificate of completion is not dependent on successful certification or licensure.

• Students are provided an electronic copy of the student handbook before the first day of class and a hard copy on the first day of class. Policies and procedures will be reviewed and discussed on the first day.

• Students must sign a Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form, indicating they have reviewed and understand all policies contained in the handbook and accept responsibility for adhering to those policies.

• Handbooks are revised annually or as needed.

• Policy revisions will be reviewed by faculty members and enrolled students. Review of all policy revisions must be documented.

• Policies and procedures are accessible online for prospective and enrolled students.

• Students who do not follow the program’s policies and procedures will be managed in one of the following ways:

  • Students who engage in violations of policy that pose a threat to patient safety or the safety of themselves, students, or others at the medical center or who engage in behavior that disrupts the operations of the program or laboratory will be immediately removed from the premises. Depending on the severity of the offense, a student may be immediately terminated from the program.  Program faculty will evaluate the situation and determine if remediation is possible.  If it is not possible, the student will be informed in writing and will be dismissed from the program.  If remediation is possible, the student and faculty will develop a written remediation plan.  Any deviation from that plan on the student’s part will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

  • Violations of policy that do not pose a threat to safety (of patients, employees, students are other members of the medical center community) will be managed in a three step process.

    1. The student will be verbally warned of their violation of the policy.

    2. If they violate policy again, the student will be given a written warning of their violation of the policy and a remediation plan will be developed for the student.

    3. If they violate policy again or fail to comply with the remediation plan, they will be dismissed from the program.

Admissions Policy

Admission to the program is determined by an Admissions Committee, which will offer admission to those students whose academic performance, recommendations by references and attributes in the affective domain indicate the highest probability of success. The committee uses a system based on the cumulative grade-point average, the science GPA, reference letters and responses to interview questions to evaluate and rate applications. Students from academic affiliates of the program will receive preference in case of equal rankings. Applicants for admission to the program will receive equal consideration regardless of race, color, religious or sexual preference, ethnic or national origin, age or sex based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. The Medical Laboratory Science program admits 10 students per year.

Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee is composed of program faculty and laboratory management/supervisors.

Ability to Meet Essential Functions of the Program

See details on the essential functions students must meet on the program page.

Admissions Procedure

• Applicants must meet the requirements set forth in the prerequisites for admission to the program to be considered eligible for admission.

• Application is recommended 10 to 13 months prior to the June starting date.

• Individuals desiring admission into the program must submit an application, including a personal statement and a recent transcript. At this stage in the process, an unofficial transcript can be provided. As part of the application process, students must read and sign off that they have read and understand the functional expectations. A student must meet these expectations without or with reasonable accommodations. The application fee must be received before application review can be completed. Applicants who meet the criteria will be invited for an interview by email from a program official. Applicants must respond to the invitation by email to schedule an interview.

• On the day of the interview, the applicant will meet with members of the Admissions Committee. Tuition costs and pre-matriculation testing requirements will be discussed with the applicant.

• Following the interview, if the applicant is on site, each applicant is also given a tour of the student classroom, student laboratory and the clinical pathology laboratories.

• If the Admissions Committee is interested in learning more about the applicant, two letters of recommendation will be requested.

• Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance to the MLS program.

• Applicants must accept or reject the offer of a position in the MLS class in writing to the program director within two weeks after the offer is received. Acceptance is confirmed once the acceptance fee has been received.

• A final transcript must be submitted by the student to the program.
  Note: Should the student meet entrance requirements at time of selection, but fall below the GPA requirement in subsequent semesters, the student's record will be re-evaluated by the Admissions Committee. Depending on the courses contributing to the decrease in the GPA, the student may be placed on probation or released from the program.

• Information pertaining to program starting date and pre-matriculation requirements will be sent to accepted applicants at least three months in advance of the starting date.

• Students are required to undergo pre-placement health screening. This screening includes PPD testing/screening, health history, immunization compliance, blood testing, and urine drug screening.

• Additional immunizations consistent with standards of Penn State Health Employee Health Department and Infection Control Committee and any additional immunizations that may be mandatory for public health including but not limited to the current COVID-19 immunizations may be required.

• In addition, satisfactory documentation of all medical evaluations/information (inclusive of any negative test results) must be provided prior to program matriculation.

• Criminal background checks will be performed prior to admitting any student to the program. A student who fails a criminal background check per PSH Policy HR68 will not be allowed to enter the program. The cost of the above screenings and checks are at the student’s expense. Penn State Health is a smoke-free environment.

• Detailed information about orientation, textbooks and student handbook will be sent to students electronically, no later than two weeks prior to the starting date.

• Students will undergo color vision deficiency testing upon entering the program.

• Postgraduate students are required to purchase professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 per aggregate, covering all acts and activities undertaken during the training period. Students may obtain this insurance from any insurance broker. Such insurance is available at reduced costs through Lockton Affinity LLC, as student members of ASCP, at a cost of $20.00. Student members of ASCLS have the option of buying similar insurance through proliability.com for $37.00. Certificate of this insurance must be submitted to the program prior to participation in the program and must cover the entire training year.

Grading Policy

A passing grade in each course must be achieved for final approval from the program director for students to take the certifying exam.

The minimum passing grade for each area of didactic instruction (classroom and student laboratory combined) is 70%. The grade is comprised of classroom assessments such as quizzes, take home assignments, written examinations, etc., and student laboratory grades determined by practical examinations, unknowns, written examinations, laboratory exercise worksheets, and evaluation by instructors.

The minimum passing grade for each area of practical instruction (clinical rotations) is 80%. The grades are determined by competency checklists and affective evaluations completed by clinical instructors, as well as any written quizzes, examinations, and unknowns unique to each clinical rotation.

Missed Exams: If a student misses an exam due to illness or emergency, an opportunity to make up the exam will be considered. Documentation to support an excused absence can be requested at the discretion of the faculty. Further, faculty have the option to consider alternate formats to deliver the exam, such as the type of exam questions or an oral format, AND to incur a percentage decrease for rescheduling. This applies to exams given in either the didactic or practical portions of the program.

Late Assignments: If a student fails to submit assigned work (quizzes, homework, student lab reports, etc) by the due date noted on the course schedule and/or in Canvas, a reduction of 10% per day will be applied to the earned grade up until 3 days past due. On the 4th day, the assignment will earn a grade of 0%. Faculty can use discretion in accepting late assignments. Documentation from the student may be requested to support the reason for the late submission.

The final course grade combines 70% classroom/student lab grade (didactic instruction) with 30% of the clinical rotation (practical instruction) grade.

Letter Grade Equivalencies:

A — 100% to 90%

B+ — <90% to 87%

B — <87% to 80%

C+ — <80% to 77%

C — <77% to 70%

D — <70% to 60%

F — <60% to 0%

Program transcripts sent to the student’s college or university at the conclusion of the hospital program reflect the credit hours and letter grade as earned in the program. The college or university will officially transcript the program grades as defined in the academic affiliation agreement.

Successful completion of the program and conferring of a Program certificate is contingent upon completion of a capstone project and passing a comprehensive exam given in phase 2 of the program.

If on first attempt of the exam a student does not receive a passing grade (> 70%) on the exam, the student will be permitted to review missed questions, complete all indicated remediation of applicable subjects and take additional study time before subsequent attempts.

A second attempt will be offered two weeks later and a third attempt two weeks after the second attempt. If the student does not receive a passing grade on the comprehensive examination, the student will NOT receive a certification from Penn State Health Medical Laboratory Science Program, and the program director will not sign-off on the student’s eligibility to sit for national certification examination.

Academic Dismissal Policy

• The student must maintain the minimum passing grades as stated in the Grading Policy listed elsewhere in this handbook.

• Phase 1: Student performance on every lecture examination will be monitored closely. Students who receive less than 70% on an exam are required to meet with the Program Director (or designee) within 1 week of the exam date to discuss the items missed. Failure to attend the meeting will result in a letter of warning and documentation in the student’s file.

• For either phase, the student will be notified of unsatisfactory performance by the program director in person and in writing. All incidents will be documented. For college/university students, the college/university advisor/liaison will be notified. A remedial course of action will be developed, recorded, discussed and initiated with follow-up to evaluate progress. The didactic instructor or laboratory supervisor will determine the time allotted to improve performance, at which time the student will be re-evaluated.

• A copy of this plan will be shared with faculty and the affiliated college/university advisor/liaison. If improvement is not seen or additional unsatisfactory performance occurs, a student may be placed on probation. Time on probation will be decided based upon number and severity of unsatisfactory performances.

• Continued unsatisfactory performance in the department will result in dismissal from the program.

• Students dismissed from the program may file an appeal via the Grievance/Appeals Policy listed elsewhere in this handbook.

• Students failing or withdrawing from the program may have the option of returning to the affiliated college/university and earning a baccalaureate degree in a curriculum other than medical laboratory science.

• An academic integrity violation is an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically. Descriptions of common types of academic misconduct are below. These descriptions illustrate the range of academic misconduct; there may be academic misconduct that falls outside these categories.

• Unauthorized collaboration and/or accessing or using unauthorized or prohibited materials, information, tools, technologies, or study aids. Also includes allowing another person to submit work or participate in academic requirements on one's behalf (sometimes called 'ghosting'), or assisting another to engage in any form of academic misconduct (e.g., facilitating academic misconduct).

• Misrepresenting another's words, results, processes, or ideas in whole or in part without giving appropriate attribution, citation, or credit. Includes submitting another person's work as one's own (e.g., plagiarism). Other categorical examples include copying and tampering with another student's work; using artificial intelligence to generate work and representing it as your own.

• Providing false information in fulfillment of an academic assignment, exercise, publication, or another requirement, including making up data, sources, efforts, events, or results, and recording, reporting, or using them as authentic. Also includes altering or adjusting graded work to receive a favorable regrade.

• Using the same academic work, in part or entirely, for credit more than once, unless specifically authorized by the instructor receiving the reused work.

• Retaining, recording and/or disseminating instructional content when prohibited, including course exams, or other intellectual property, without the express written permission of the instructor(s) or intellectual property owner.

During exams, students are expected to cover and protect their work.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all lecture, student laboratory sessions, and scheduled clinical rotations.

Lateness

Phase 1: Students are expected to arrive on time to classroom and student laboratory. If a student is late (arrives after the scheduled start time), they may not make up work missed unless they have a provider’s note or permission from the course instructor. This includes quizzes, exams assessment, practicals, etc. Persistent instances of lateness (three undocumented occurrences) will be addressed by the program director and documented in the student advising record. After five incidents, the program director has the discretion to dismiss the student from the program.

Phase 2: Students are expected to arrive at the workstation of their respective laboratory rotation at the time designated by that section. As a matter of professional behavior, “on time” means arriving at least five to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time and therefore, being ready to start work at the assigned time. Excessive lateness will result in additional days in the laboratory, an unsatisfactory rating on the laboratory student evaluation which will be factored into the clinical grade, and/or a written warning from the program director. Persistent instances of lateness (three undocumented occurrences) will be addressed by the program director, documented in the student advising record and will require daily submissions of timesheets. Should there be a fourth incident, the program director has the discretion to dismiss the student from the program.

Absences – Excused and Unexcused

In general, all appointments should be made on scheduled days off or after scheduled hours. Please refer to the lecture / student lab / clinical rotations schedule for days/times students are not expected to be at the medical center as these are the best times for appointments. However, always check with program faculty for schedule modifications.

If a personal day is required, it must be scheduled with the program director and the rotation supervisor at least two weeks in advance. The request for a personal day must be made in writing.

Phase 1:

If a student is unable to attend class or student laboratory due to an absence, the student must notify the program director BEFORE the start time. Notification should be in writing, ideally by text or messaging platform.

Excused Absences: Absences will be excused for the following reasons:

• Documented medical condition requiring an absence

• Death of a family member

• Required attendance in court

• Mechanical failure of a vehicle

• Weather conditions that make attendance impossible

For any of these, the student will need to provide documentation of the condition or the situation (provider’s note, court summons, tow report / repair slip, etc). If an absence is excused, the student may make up work that they have missed. This will be arranged with the program director and program faculty.

If a student has consecutive days of absences, a plan with the didactic faculty or clinical discipline will be developed to ensure the student is able to meet expectations and complete work. This will be developed on a case by case basis.

Phase 2:

If a student will be absent on a day assigned for clinical rotation, the student must first notify their assigned department by telephone BEFORE their designated arrival time (see phone list in clinical rotation manual) and then notify the program director by messaging platform. Failure to notify either the assigned department or the program director will result in a verbal warning. A second occurrence of an absence that is not communicated as outlined will result in written warning. A third occurrence of an absence that is not communicated as outlined will result in program dismissal. These occurrences are accounted across ALL clinical rotation assignments.

Unexcused absences: Any unexcused absence(s) will result in additional days in the laboratory, an unsatisfactory rating on the laboratory student evaluation which will be factored into the clinical grade and/or a written warning from the program director. The instructor has the discretion to make penalty reductions for late work submitted.

There are no snow days for essential personnel in health care. MLS faculty will communicate to students if there is a delay, at least 1 hour before the MLS student start time. Students who live within walking distance of the hospital or use public transportation are expected to be here (unless public transportation is shut down). Students who rely on personal transportation must use their discretion. If student does not feel it is safe to travel, they must communicate with the program director by phone call or messaging platform to discuss their specific situation. Once a plan has been decided upon, it is the student’s responsibility to call the laboratory section where they are scheduled to train and indicate whether their arrival will be delayed or that they will not report to their scheduled clinical rotation. MLS staff will follow up with clinical instructors.

General Dismissal Policy

Dismissal is the permanent withdrawal of the student by the program director of the privilege of class attendance and clinical rotations at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center with no promise (implied or otherwise) that the student may return at any future time. The medical center retains the right to dismiss a student from the MLS program at its sole discretion.

The medical center will notify the student's college/university in the event a student is excluded from participation in the program. The university may evaluate the student’s status and plan a method of continuation for the student to complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree at the university. The following includes examples of actions which might result in immediate dismissal from the program:

• Violation of written hospital policy or regulations contained in any official publication or administrative announcement of Penn State Health.

• Forgery, alteration, destruction, falsification or misuse of laboratory documents, records, reports or test results.

• Use, possession or carrying of firearms (including, but not limited to, pistols, rifles, shotguns or ammunition), knives, explosives or other dangerous weapons while on hospital-owned property.

• Use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages on hospital property that does not comply with laws of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and hospital policy.

• Use, possession, distribution or being under the influence of narcotics or dangerous drugs. Students may be asked to submit urine for drug tsting at their own expense.

• Theft of or damage to hospital property.

• Physical abuse of any person on hospital-owned property.

• Disorderly conduct or lewd, indecent or obscene conduct on hospital-owned or controlled property.

• Academic dismissal due to poor grades.

• Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, cheating and plagiarism.

• Academic dismissal due to failure to meet expectations of essential functions of program.

• Chronic absence or lateness.

• Endangering the life/well-being of any patient.

• Any actions on the part of the student which violate program policy or interfere with the operations of the program or laboratory

Reasons for a recommendation for dismissal of a student are fully documented and discussed with the student. Signatures of all persons involved must appear on the documentation statement. If the three part disciplinary process is being used, the university adviser/liaison of the affiliated institution involved is notified of the recommended action to be followed, and a remediation plan (academic and/or behavioral) is developed. Actions are documented and performance is monitored. A written notice is provided, placing the student on probation if progress is not satisfactory. Termination may be necessary if sufficient progress is not made to correct the deficiency or if additional violations of policies occur.

Termination may occur at the first occurrence if the offense is severe. Termination may be recommended by any faculty member and is subject to review by the program director and MLS advisory committee. If the student voluntarily withdraws from the program, no further action will be taken.

Voluntary Withdrawal Policy

The program director shall be notified in writing if a student is voluntarily withdrawing from the program. The withdrawal document will be submitted to the administrative director of the laboratory, and a written confirmation of withdrawal will be sent to the student.

Student advising and guidance through the MLS program will take place on a regular basis (at least three times) with the program director and/or student laboratory instructor. The program director maintains an open-door policy, but encourages students to make an appointment for meetings that would require more than 15 minutes. Students can make appointments with faculty members. If needed, the program director can aid students in arranging this appointment.

The program director and faculty will advise students while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.

For 3+1 students, the college/university adviser/allied health coordinator is also available to students for academic counseling. The college/university advisor will meet with students at least once during the clinical year, preferably at least six months after the program has started. The college/university advisor will meet (or correspond) with the program director to review student progression and to discuss items of mutual concern.

Students with a problem or a complaint may avail themselves of the following procedures:

• The person or people involved should attempt to resolve the problem or differences in preliminary discussions. This discussion must be documented in writing.

• In cases where the involved people cannot resolve the problem, it should be taken to the immediate supervisor or the program director. Actions taken in this step and the following steps are to be documented as a complaint and signed by the involved people.

• If the problem has not been resolved by the immediate supervisor or the program director to the satisfaction of the involved person (within five working days), the student must submit the grievance in writing to the MLS Grievance Committee. Documentation of complaints/grievances will be filed in a separate location on the pathology shared server, and not be part of the student’s permanent record.

• The Grievance Committee is composed of the program director, a laboratory manager or laboratory operations director and one additional MLS advisory board member. If deemed necessary, the Human Resources liaison will be consulted.

• If the dispute involves the program director, they will recuse themselves from the grievance committee.

• If the problem cannot be resolved, the MLS adviser of the affiliated college shall be informed of the situation. The decision of the MLS Grievance Committee is final.

The program shall protect the confidentiality of student records as dictated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and shall release no information to third parties absent written consent of the student unless required to do so by law.

Student records from the past 10 years are kept in hard copy form in the program director’s office or in Iron Mountain Archives. These files contain all documents pertinent to the student’s admission to, progress in and completion of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Medical Laboratory Science Program. Student files are open to the student at their request, with the exception of reference letters where the student has waived the right of access.

Student records more than 10 years old will be retained in a database file located on the institution's secured server in our Pathology folder. This file lists student name, year of graduation, letter grades in each subject and the pass/fail record of a national certification examination. Beginning with the class of 2020, the student’s GPA is listed and a hard copy of the student’s transcript from the program is retained.

Health Services Policy

The Medical Laboratory Science Program requires each student to carry adequate health insurance, which shall not be permitted to lapse during the program. There is no program or hospital group coverage available to the student. While training in the medical center’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, students who sustain work-related injuries or work-impacted illnesses (such as conjunctivitis) or acute, non-work-related illness may use the medical center’s emergency department or urgent care location on the same basis as any other patient.

Students will be responsible for the cost of all medical care and hospitalization.

The health and safety of students is safeguarded by requiring updated immunizations (reviewed by program director or designee) by providing safety training, and by providing appropriate personal protective equipment in all areas of the laboratory.

All sharps or splash incidents should be reported immediately to Employee Health. Follow-up for sharp injuries or splash incidents should follow established protocol. Refer to ‘Follow-Up of Non-Medical Center Employees Exposed to transmittable Diseases’ (A-99HAM) for guidance when a non-Medical Center health care provider sustains a significant exposure.

After submitting the form, the student will receive instructions on how to proceed. Program faculty will assist the student in navigating the process to completion.

A sharps injury is defined as exposure to blood or body fluids caused by laceration or puncture of the skin. Sharps include needles, scalpels or any item that punctures the skin. A splash incident is when blood or body fluids come into contact with the eyes, mouth, broken skin or mucous membranes, which can expose the victim to bloodborne pathogens.

Respiratory Illness Policy

Students will adhere to the requirements of the Viral Respiratory Illness Policy for Workforce (EH-22). Students should report their illnesses to program faculty.

Students will comply with the safety standards as described in the safety section of the Infonet and according to the department’s Emergency Operations Plan. Students will follow any special safety instructions and wear personal protective equipment as designated by each laboratory.

A laboratory safety in-service is provided by the laboratory safety officer during the orientation week.

Students are expected to present themselves in a professional manner at all times. Scrub sets or business casual attire is permitted. Footwear must be closed-toed and have a back, and exterior surfaces must be made of impermeable materials. Sandals are not permitted. Shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts and denim jeans (any color) are not permitted at Penn State Health. Other clothing should not violate current policies found in the Laboratory Safety Manual. Refer to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center administrative policy (Personal Appearance Guidelines HR-34) and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine’s Personal Appearance Policy (Personnel 06) for complete details.

Students must abide by any applicable medical center dress code and shall wear at all times an identification badge bearing their name, issued to them by Penn State Health at orientation. The identification badge shall be clearly visible to medical center staff, employees, patients and visitors, and worn between the shoulder and waist (no lower). Students shall not represent themselves as agents or representatives of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health or Penn State College of Medicine.

Professional conduct includes strict regard for the confidential nature of all patient laboratory testing.

The Code of Conduct and Dress Code Policy can be found on the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Infonet and is reviewed during orientation. Students will attest to knowledge and understanding of these policies by signing the Code of Conduct and Dress Code Policy.

Cell phones are not permitted in the student laboratory or in the clinical laboratory. This is to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. Cell phone use in the classroom during lectures is strongly discouraged, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Approval from program faculty or the lecturer must be obtained. Phones may NOT be used during exams; this includes the calculator feature.

The program agrees to cooperate with the student's college/university in any investigation of an allegation of discrimination and to report to the college/university any known incident in which the college/university student is the victim of sexual assault, relationship violence, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, stalking or sexual harassment. Reports of sexual misconduct should be directed to the college/university Title IX coordinator. For instances involving a postgraduate student, the program faculty will consult with Penn State Health Human Resources.

Students will participate in training and comply with hospital policy relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Before the start of the program, they will complete a HIPAA informational packet and sign an attestation form before being issued an IT access account. Once on campus, HIPAA information will be reviewed and discussed the first day of class. Failure to abide by HIPAA policies and procedures may result in the student’s expulsion from the program.

The program shall provide Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center clinical laboratory employees responsible for supervising (overseeing and monitoring) student learning activities during clinical rotations within the program. In laboratory rotations, students will be with a preceptor/instructor. After demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to perform procedures under qualified supervision.

The program will not require students to be responsible for any service function within the clinical laboratory. However, interested students may be hired for PRN employment in the laboratory at times other than that allotted for student learning activities as part of the program. Once students have completed the rotation in a clinical area and have been determined proficient in the area, they may be given the opportunity to work, as needed (PRN), for compensation. Students are given responsibility for performing tests and reporting results under the direction of a staff technologist, with the approval of the supervisor, outside of regular academic hours. As PRN employees, students are subject to Penn State Health employee regulations. Scheduled work must NOT interfere with the program schedule. Program schedules will not be adjusted to accommodate working hours.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that prohibits the MLS Program from continuing, program officials and laboratory administration will seek to place students at other Penn State Health laboratory locations. If the student reassignment capacity within the health system is inadequate, the laboratory leadership and program faculty will work with other MLS programs in the local region to place currently enrolled students into their programs. This will allow them to complete their studies and obtain their MLS Certificate of Completion. This will ensure students’ eligibility for certification exams.

If program officials and laboratory administration should decide for other reasons that the MLS Program must close, classes and educational experiences will continue so that currently enrolled students can complete requirements for an MLS Certificate of Completion. This will ensure students’ eligibility for certification exams. All recruitment activities for future classes will cease.

Standards for Faculty

The Medical Laboratory Science Program shall maintain qualified faculty as defined by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) standards. The program director shall administer the program on a day-to-day basis and perform the duties as defined in the job description at the Medical Center, which includes ensuring all provisions of the NAACLS Standards are met and maintained.

In addition, Clinical Laboratory Instructors are employed full time in MLS program and work closely with the program director, students, and clinical instructors/preceptors. Clinical Laboratory Instructors are responsible for setting up student lab exercises, scheduling clinical rotations, aiding in curriculum development, and monitoring and evaluating student performance and achievement.

The clinical faculty/preceptors are responsible for supervising and scheduling trainers for students during the clinical laboratory learning experiences. Clinical faculty/preceptors also provide input for curriculum development and program policies and procedures, as well as maintaining effective communication with the program director and clinical laboratory instructors.

All faculty members must demonstrate adequate knowledge and proficiency in their content areas and demonstrate the ability to teach effectively at the MLS level. They shall maintain continuing education as required by NAACLS standards.

Standards for Program Effectiveness

The Medical Laboratory Science Program is committed to ensuring program quality. The program will provide a curriculum in its clinical rotation that meets or exceeds the standards set by the NAACLS. Analysis of outcome measures provides a systematic approach to ensuring program effectiveness. The standard that triggers action is also listed.

• Certification pass rate

  • NAACLS and the Penn State Health program standard is a 75 percent pass rate average for three consecutive years for the graduates who take a certifying exam within the first year of graduation.

• Graduation rate

  • NAACLS and the Penn State Health program standard is a 70 percent graduation rate average for three consecutive years for the students who have begun the final half of the program. The final half of the program begins with the start of Phase 2.

• Graduation placement rate

  • NAACLS and the Penn State Health program standard is a 70 percent graduation placement rate for respondent graduates who find employment as an MLS or in a closely related field or continue their education within one year of graduation.

  • A respondent graduate is defined as a graduate who completes the MLS program one-year graduate survey.

• MLS program graduate one-year post graduation survey

  • Results from the survey will be analyzed by program faculty and improvements made based on graduate feedback.

• Employer survey of recent MLS graduates

  • Employers of recent graduates (within one year of student’s graduation) are contacted for feedback regarding the recent graduate’s preparation for employment and suggestions for curricular changes or improvements.

  • Results from the survey will be analyzed by program faculty and improvements made based on employers’ feedback.

Any year in which data do not meet the program standard and/or NAACLS standard is reviewed and analyzed by the program director. Any changes made, based on input from the faculty and advisory committee, are monitored for the effect on the program for at least one year.

After attending lectures, reading assigned materials, and performing tests in the laboratory, the student will: (specific criteria listed in each course syllabus)

• Recall the basic theoretical concepts related to clinical discipline. LEVEL I

• Recall terminology associated with clinical discipline and reference ranges. LEVEL I

• Recall principle of operation of laboratory instruments. LEVEL I

• Differentiate human anatomy and physiology, as it relates to discipline, in both health and disease. LEVEL II

• Analyze the underlying theory of procedures performed in the laboratory, including general description of analyte, clinical significance of analyte, methodology of procedure, interferences, limitations and conditions for false negatives and positives. LEVEL II

• Apply knowledge of normal laboratory data to differentiate between normal and abnormal values for each specimen type. LEVEL II

• Interpret laboratory results using guidelines of methodology and procedure. LEVEL II

• Compare alternate methodologies. LEVEL II

• Discuss preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical processes that may affect generation and delivery of laboratory results. LEVEL III

• Correlate basic laboratory tests with their associated pathologic states. LEVEL III

• Integrate data from multiple analyses/laboratories to determine most likely diagnosis of the patient. LEVEL III

• Assess data for possible discrepancies and resolve problems taking into account the patient’s condition and medical history. LEVEL III

• Evaluate new methodology and instrumentation through application of basic scientific principles, accepted laboratory techniques, turnaround time, cost analysis and other management principles. LEVEL III

After attending lectures, reading assigned materials and performing tests in the laboratory, the student will: (specific criteria listed in each course syllabus)

• Recognize acceptable, suboptimal, unacceptable specimens according to Standard Operating Procedure of the laboratory area where testing occurs. LEVEL I

• Process specimens as instructed. LEVEL II

• Select appropriate procedure, reagents and controls for test requested. LEVEL I

• Perform, as demonstrated, manual and automated procedures, including operating, maintaining and calibrating instruments and preparing/changing reagents. LEVEL II

• Identify sources of error and interference that affect laboratory test analysis. LEVEL I

• Record Quality Control (QC) and/or patient results according to instructions and in a neat and orderly manner. LEVEL II

• Perform QC and evaluate its acceptability. LEVEL II

• Troubleshoot procedure or instrument when QC is out of range or when results do not correlate with patient’s clinical condition. LEVEL III

• Review and analyze results and communicate critical results to health care provider in charge of patient’s care. LEVEL III

• Correct errors in a timely fashion. LEVEL III

While completing each laboratory rotation, the student will: (criteria listed with each objective)

• Receive assignments given in the laboratory. LEVEL I

  • Listen attentively to explanation of procedure.

  • Observe demonstrations of techniques.

  • Accept constructive criticism willingly.

• Respond positively to individuals who have teaching and supervisory responsibilities. LEVEL I

  • Cooperate with instructor/supervisor in lab assignment.

  • Communicate effectively with assigned instructors and supervisors regarding laboratory rotation and testing assignments.

  • Ask for clarification when a principle or procedure is not clear.

• Demonstrate compliance with and commitment to laboratory rules and practice. LEVEL I

  • Conform to lab schedule in regard to starting/finishing/lunch/break time.

  • Comply with lab safety policies and procedures when handling specimens and reagents, and when operating instruments.

  • Notify supervisor of any lab accident should it occur.

  • Wear PPE appropriate to the task and requirements of the laboratory division.

• Value accuracy as being critically important in the provision of patient care. LEVEL II

  • Follow laboratory procedures for accessioning, identification, transport, storage and disposal of specimens.

  • Complete appropriate instrument maintenance and procedure QC before initiating patient testing.

  • Monitor reference ranges and critical values.

  • Seek consultation in a timely manner when results are questionable.

• Endorse dependability as a work value in assignments. LEVEL II

  • Notify program faculty when circumstances cause lateness or absence.

  • Plan all scheduled absences in advance and with regard to lab requirements.

  • Complete all assigned laboratory tasks (procedures, unknowns and written and practical exams) according to lab requirements.

• Maintain effective and positive interpersonal relationships. LEVEL II

  • Communicate effectively by phone or directly with other health professionals.

  • Respect role and responsibilities of others in allied health profession.

  • Interact in a friendly, cooperative, professional manner with peers and instructors.

  • Strive to resolve any problem that may arise by discussing problem with respective peer or instructor before going to people not directly involved.

  • Represent the laboratory favorably to other departments and the public.

• Establish good work habits. LEVEL III

  • Organize work for an efficient flow of specimen testing.

  • Manage reagents, supplies and equipment.

  • Strive to leave work area in clean and safe condition.

• Persist in self-motivation toward learning. LEVEL III

  • Initiate assigned tasks without prompting.

  • Strive to resolve sources of error or discrepancies caused by suboptimal specimens or interfering substances without prompting.

  • Strive to resolve out-of-range QC without prompting.

  • Endeavor to function independently, as skills develop, on rotational assignment.

  • Ask for additional information about a given test or assignment.

  • Read current literature to enhance knowledge.

Cognitive Objectives

Measured by written examinations and assessments in both lecture and laboratory (student and clinical). Laboratory may include completion of quizzes, worksheets or workbook.

Psychomotor Objectives

Measured by observations and practical examinations in the laboratory (student and clinical). Checklist evaluation may be used if appropriate.

Affective Objectives

Measured by a observation and checklist evaluation in the clinical laboratory.

The tuition fee for this program is established and reviewed annually. The fee is payable in two installments: one for the first semester and a final one for the second semester. Invoices will be sent in July and in January. Payment will be due within 30 days after receipt of invoice from Penn State Health.

Financial Aid:

Students who are entering the program with a conferred Bachelor’s degree (“4+1”) are not eligible for Title IV funding, which means they cannot receive federal loans. Students receiving financial aid from their college or university will continue to receive aid during their internship, as it represents the fourth/final year of college or university study.

• Penn State University Main and Lebanon Valley College will be billed by the hospital for those undergraduate students enrolled from those institutions. The affiliate's policy is to reimburse the hospital from tuition it receives from the students at a percentage of the tuition each semester. Students from these institutions will not be invoiced; instead the university or college will be invoiced, with payments due within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.

• Note: Penn State University - Main and Lebanon Valley College tuition is determined by the student’s home college or university and not Penn State Health and may differ from the posted tuition.

• Students of other affiliates, graduates and students enrolled under temporary agreements will be billed directly by the hospital at the rate and times stated in this policy. Invoices will be sent July (due August) and January (due February) of the clinical year. Payment is made by the individual student to the PSH Treasury Department (Checks made payable to Penn State Health).

• If a student does not complete the program, tuition only will be refunded according to the table below. Any subsequent tuition to the hospital will not be billed.

  • Withdrawal during week 1 or 2 of Phase 1: 80 percent tuition refunded

  • Withdrawal during week 3 or 4 of Phase 1: 60 percent of tuition refunded

  • Withdrawal after the fourth week of the program (during Phase 1): No tuition refund

• If a student fails to pay tuition, the student will not be awarded a graduation certificate nor will grades be forwarded.

Tuition

Total tuition is $15,000. Biannual payments of $7,500 are due within 30 days of receipt of invoice. Students will be invoiced in July (for the first semester) and January (for the second semester).

Acceptance fee

For all students, an acceptance fee of $300 is due at the time of acceptance into the program to reserve a seat in the class. This fee is non-refundable.

Students will bear the cost of all expenses, including, but not limited to, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, meals, lodging and miscellaneous expenses related to their participation in the program, such as liability insurance, background checks and health screening costs.

Books

Students are required to purchase their own textbooks. The books are available from publishers at a discounted rate or can be purchased online. Estimated cost is $700.

Transportation

Transportation costs from the student’s home to the medical center are the student’s responsibility.

Health Insurance

All students are required to have health insurance and must provide documentation of coverage in full force and effect for the duration of the training period.

Liability Insurance

As mentioned, postgraduate students are required to purchase professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 per aggregate, covering all acts and activities undertaken during the training period. Students may obtain this insurance from any insurance broker.

Background Checks/Clearances

Students must submit the following reports to the program within six months of matriculation:

• The Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check (PATCH)

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

• Federal Criminal Records Check (FBI fingerprinting required)

Any costs associated with these clearances are paid by the student.

Health Screenings

Proof of a recent physical and Infectious Disease Summary form completed and submitted to the program prior to matriculation. Urine drug testing needs to be completed within 30 days of program start (no sooner). Entrance into the program is contingent upon review and approval of these health screen results by the program director or designee. Students are responsible for payment of any costs associated with these screenings.

Graduates of the program are expected to achieve certain job-entry level competencies, so only the usual orientation needed by a new employee would be required for full productivity. At career entry, the medical laboratory scientist will:  

• Be proficient in collecting and processing biological specimens for analysis.

• Be proficient in performing the full range of clinical laboratory tests in hematology, chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular and other emerging diagnostics.

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate source for repairs.

• Make judgments concerning the results of quality-control measures and institute proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision.

• Analyze and correlate laboratory data to make clinical decisions regarding abnormal results, possible discrepancies and probable patient diagnosis.

• Participate in the evaluation of new techniques and procedures.

• Recognize and act upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence. Apply the principles of education methodology.

• Have responsibilities in the areas of laboratory safety, regulatory compliance and quality assurance/performance improvement.

• Possess basic knowledge, skills and relevant experiences in:

  • Communications, in order to interact professionally with patients and colleagues and to consult with members of the health care team.

  • Finances, operations, and human resource management of the clinical laboratory, to enable cost-effective, high-quality laboratory services.

  • Information management, to enable effective, timely, accurate and cost-effective reporting of laboratory-generated information.

  • Research design/practice sufficient to evaluate published studies as an informed consumer.

The 11-month rotating program is based on a 40-hour week and provides both practical and theoretical training in the various sections of the clinical laboratory. The following table outlines the clinical experience within the different sections of the laboratory.

Note: Affiliated colleges and universities assign credits according to individual requirements.

Detailed lecture and rotation schedules will be saved on the pathology server and in Canvas. Students will be given details about lecture and student laboratory exercises one week in advance.

All clinical experiences will occur at facilities within the Penn State Health system. Students will spend two weeks in chemistry, two days in one or more of the Penn State Health community hospitals (Hampden, Holy Spirit, Lancaster and/or St. Joseph), three days in urinalysis, four weeks in microbiology, one week in virology/immunology, three weeks in hematology/coagulation including special hematology, three weeks in blood bank and additional time (half day to two days in specialty areas of core reference lab, HCT lab, HLA lab and molecular pathology lab).

Required Textbooks

Urinalysis
Urinalysis and Body Fluids, 7th Edition
Authors: Strasinger & DeLorenzo
Publisher: FA Davis Company, 2020
ISBN: 978-0803675827

Hematology
Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis Sixth Edition
Author: Denise M. Harmening PhD MT (ASCP)
Publisher:‎ F.A. Davis Company; Sixth edition (Feb. 1, 2024)
ISBN-10: 0803694431
ISBN-13: ‎978-0803694439

Microbiology
Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 7^thEdition

Author: Connie R. Mahon & Donald C. Lehman

Publisher: Elsevier, 2022

ISBN: 978-0323829977

Chemistry
Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, Correlations, 9th Edition
Authors: Bishop, Frody, Siclen, & Mistler
Publisher: JB Learning, 2023
ISBN: 978-1284238860

Immunohematology
Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices, 7th Edition
Author: Denise Harmening
Publisher: F.A. Davis Company, 2019
ISBN: 978-0803668881

Immunology
Clinical Immunology and Serology: A Laboratory Perspective, 5th Edition
Authors: Linda E. Miller and Christine Dorresteyn Stevens
Publisher: F.A. Davis Company, 2021
ISBN: 978-0803694408

Leadership

Laboratory Operations and Management: Foundations of Practice
Authors: Isabel, Ellinger & Griffin
Publisher: F.A. Davis Company; 2025
ISBN: 978-1719646901

Reference Books

These are not required to be purchased; they are available in Harrell Health Sciences Library and in the Medical Laboratory Science Program student classroom.

The Phlebotomy Textbook, 4th Edition
Author: Susan King Strasinger and Marjorie Schaub DiLorenzo
Publisher: F.A. Davis Company, 2019
ISBN: 978-0803690127

AABB Technical Manual, 20th Edition
Edited by: CS Cohn, M Delaney, ST Johnson, and LM Katz
Publisher: AABB, 2020
ISBN: 978-1563953705

Fischbach’s A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 11th North American Edition
Authors: Fischbach & Fischbach
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer, 2022
ISBN: 978-1975173425

General Reference

All current CLSI documents can be found on the network drive in the Pathology -> Shared -> CLSI_Documents folder.

The Clinical Laboratory Test Catalog is available on the Penn State Health website.

The Clinical Laboratory Service Manual is available on the Infonet (internal access only; login required).

ARUP Consult is a laboratory test selection support tool with more than 2,000 lab tests categorized into disease-related topics and algorithms.

Standard Operating Procedure information is available in iPassport. Each student will be issued their own username and password.

Medical Laboratory Science students have free, unlimited access to Harrell Health Sciences Library: Research and Learning Commons resources.

Library collections and services support the informational needs of Hershey Medical Center users engaged in patient care, research and education, including interlibrary loan, search services and instruction. Students have on-site access to more than 6.9 million books, almost 400,000 ebooks, 110,000 online full-text journals and 706 databases. Most digital platforms are compatible with mobile devices.

Each MLS student will be issued a laptop computer for use during the 11-month training period. Penn State provides access to many of the major scientific journals, highly used scholarly databases and point-of-care clinical tools. The first floor of the library features a mix of lounges, study carrels, group study rooms, the One-Button Studio for presentation recording and a technology sandbox for experimentation with emerging technologies, including new software and 3D printing.

The library is open every day except major holidays, and the study room and computer lab are available 24 hours a day.