Essential functions required of CLS students These are the non-academic requirements of the practice of Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), comprising the physical, emotional, and professional characteristics necessary for the CLS professional. Demonstration of these entry-level competencies is required for application to the Bellarmine University CLS program. Students will be continually evaluated for their ability to meet these standards throughout the professional curriculum.
Intellectual / Conceptual: students must be able to:
read and comprehend written material and follow directions
use basic computer word-processing and spreadsheet programs
analyze data, define problems, and implement solutions
exercise independent judgment
organize workspace and workflow
think logically
recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and respond safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, coworkers, and self
communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing, in a professional and tactful manner with patients, laboratory personnel, and other healthcare and non-healthcare co-workers (see section on TOEFL, below).
Motor / physical: students must be able to
participate fully in all laboratory exercises and clinical internships in the program
travel independently to clinical sites
lift and move objects (up to 20 lbs.)
reach laboratory benchtops, patients lying in hospital beds, or patients seated in specimen collection furniture
stand for extended periods of time
move freely and safely about a laboratory and hospital
possess sufficient upper body muscle coordination and adequate dexterity to handle body fluid specimens, biohazards, chemical hazards and instruments safely in order to prevent harm to self or others
perform delicate manipulations on specimens, instruments and equipment sufficient to meet specifications for accuracy in diagnostic testing
demonstrate bilateral gross and fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and temperature discrimination to operate lab instrumentation and perform manual procedures, such as pipetting, venipuncture (blood specimen collection), plating of microorganisms, and preparation of peripheral blood smears
use a microscope and to visually differentiate colors, microscopic images, and fine detail
possess sufficient touch discrimination to discern veins in order to perform venipuncture
Behavioral / Social / Emotional: students must be willing and able to
show respect for self and others
work independently and with others
fulfill commitments
assume responsibility for study, work, and actions
maintain professional decorum and composure
manage stress
manage time and prioritize tasks
work accurately and quickly even in stressful conditions.
conform to appropriate professional standards of dress, appearance, language, and public behavior
exhibit high ethical standards and adherence to strict codes of confidentiality of patient information
TOEF Applicants must be able to read and demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language. For students whose academic credentials are not from American institutions, documentation of scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required. The minimum score required for admission to the program is 83 or higher on TOEFL internet-based test and 26 or higher on the speaking section. (Scores from similar agencies may be considered.)
