Admission Standards and Requirements

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Admission Standards and Requirements Admission to the University does not guarantee enrollment into the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge professional program. Selection into the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge professional program is on a competitive basis for available positions. Admissions are determined based upon availability of instructional resources available to the program. Students must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for selection into the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge (MLT to MLS) professional program. 1. Admission to the University and submission of all official transcripts to the Office of Registrar by the published deadlines. http://www.ulm.edu/prospectivestudents/ 2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (uncorrected) on a 4.0 scale. 3. A minimum grade of C or better in all required mathematics, biology, chemistry, and Medical Laboratory Technician courses. No grade below a C will be accepted for fulfillment of the MLS Bridge Program. 4. Enroll in pre-requisite general academic courses each semester until all pre-requisite courses are complete. a. Student will be allowed to enroll in one online MLS Bridge course per 8 week session while working on pre-requisite courses. b. Once all pre-requisite courses are completed, the student will be allowed to enroll in more than one online MLS Bridge course. c. All pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to the final semester before the student is scheduled to graduate. d. Credit for MLT ASCP certification will be awarded during the last semester prior to graduation. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Admission Standards & Requirements Page 1 of 3

e. The student will not be allowed to enroll in MLS Bridge course(s) the student s final semester unless all pre-requisite courses are completed. 5. Certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 6. Currently practicing as a MLT with access to all major areas of the medical laboratory (Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Immunohematology) a. Must have proof of current license in states with licensure b. MLSC 4022-4053 require laboratory time outside of work hours to complete clinical competencies in Molecular Diagnostics, Hematology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Immunohematology 7. Payment of and receipt for $50 application fee. Payments are made at La Capital Federal Credit Union on the ULM campus. You may pay online at www.ulm.edu/controller/lacap or by telephone at 318.342.5130. Ensure payment is for the Medical Laboratory Science application fee. No refunds are granted for application withdrawal. 8. Completion of Application Packet which includes: a. Application to the MLS Bridge professional program (must be typed) with signature b. Official copy of ALL transcripts from any post-secondary institution c. Signed Academic Standards, Essential Functions, and Practice Requirements signature form d. Application fee payment receipt 9. Submission of completed Application Packet to: MLS Bridge Program Coordinator Medical Laboratory Science Program College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences The University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue Kitty Degree Hall 321 Monroe, LA 71209-0440 Email: chapman@ulm.edu MLS Bridge Application Packet: Admission Standards & Requirements Page 2 of 3

If accepted to the MLS Bridge program, the student will be required to select a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist preceptor that must be approved by ULM to mentor and validate clinical competencies for each practicum course. The ULM Program of Medical Laboratory Science is not responsible for and will not consider any Application Packets postmarked after the published deadline or those lost in the mail. Please note the following: An Application Packet is valid for one (1) semester only. An incomplete Application Packet will NOT be considered for admission. NO Application Packet will be accepted after the published deadline. For any questions regarding materials included in the application packet or the application process, please contact the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program Coordinator: MLS Bridge Program Program of Medical Laboratory Science Kitty Degree Hall, Room 311 318.342.1699 MLS Bridge Program Coordinator Office 318.342.1637 MLS Program Director Office 318.342.1622 CHPS Associate Dean s Office chaman@ulm.edu MLS Bridge Application Packet: Admission Standards & Requirements Page 3 of 3

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Essential Functions Essential functions are those non-academic requirements that an applicant must possess or develop to participate successfully in the program. The Medical Laboratory Scientist must be able to: Observation characterize color, clarity, and viscosity of biological and reagent materials use bright-field, fluorescent and phase binocular microscopes to discriminate fine differences in size (1 um range) and color (hue, shading and intensity) in microscopic specimens recognize and distinguish text, numbers and graphs in print and on monitor screens Movement move freely and safely about in a clinical laboratory perform moderately taxing, continuous, physical and mental work in an eight hour period, often requiring prolonged sitting lift and move objects weighing up to 15 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis reach laboratory bench tops, shelves, and patients seated in specimen collection chairs manipulate phlebotomy and culture acquisition equipment to safely collect valid laboratory specimens from patients manipulate laboratory equipment such as pipettes, inoculating loops, test tubes, centrifuges, dials and other instrument components to perform laboratory procedures use a computer keyboard to operate laboratory instruments and to record laboratory information MLS Bridge Application Packet: Essential Functions Page 1 of 2

Communication follow oral and written instructions to correctly perform laboratory procedures effectively converse with patients about specimen collection and laboratory tests in a confidential and professional manner communicate with faculty, other students, staff and other health care professionals in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing Behavior perform all duties with honesty, integrity, confidentiality and responsibility. The student must be forthright about errors or uncertainty and take responsibility for his/her own actions. manage the use of time, systematizing actions to complete professional and technical tasks within realistic constraints. The student should use down-time wisely by preparing ahead of time for future learning assignments or reviewing material previously learned. provide professional and technical services, using one s intellect and exercising appropriate judgment, while experiencing the stress of task-related uncertainty (i.e. ambiguous test ordering, ambivalent test interpretation), emergent demands (i.e. STAT test orders), and a distracting environment (i.e. moderate noise, complex visual stimuli) be flexible and creative in adapting to professional and technical change recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations, proceeding safely to minimize risk of injury to self and nearby personnel adapt to working with unpleasant biological materials or reagents support and promote the activities of colleagues, adopting a team approach to learning, task completion, problem solving and patient care The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) requires schools to define and publish specific essential functions required for admission to the program and to determine that a student s health will permit him/her to meet the essential functions. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Essential Functions Page 2 of 2

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Program Retention/Progression Policy Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and earn a C or higher in all required pre-requisite courses and professional MLS courses. Failure of a student to earn a minimum grade of C in a medical laboratory science course may preclude progression in the MLS Bridge program. In the event that a student earns a non-progressive grade of D in one medical laboratory science course, the student may petition the Program Director to remediate the course. The Medical Laboratory Science Academics Standards Committee will determine if remediation will be granted according to the program s remediation policy. o Remediation must be completed by the deadline imposed by the course instructor. o The highest grade that may be received for a remediated course is C. A student who earns less than a grade of C in a MLS course following remediation will be suspended from the MLS Bridge program. A student who fails to earn a progressive grade in more than one MLS course will be suspended from the MLS Bridge program. A student who earns a failing grade of F in one MLS course will be suspended from the MLS Bridge program. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Retention/Progression Policy Page 1 of 2

A student who is not in compliance with ethical, professional behavior or patient welfare guidelines of the program may have sanctions imposed by the Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standards Committee. Sanctions may include dismissal from the program with a course grade of F. A student who is suspended from the professional MLS Bridge program must reapply for admission to the program during the next admission cycle of the program. If a student is accepted for readmission, the student must retake all professional MLS courses. Students who wish to appeal their suspension from the professional program may appeal to the Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standards Committee to determine if repeated or additional coursework could justify readmission. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Retention/Progression Policy Page 2 of 2

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Selection Criteria 1. There are several components considered in selecting students for the MLS Bridge professional program: a. Admission standards b. Application packet c. Cumulative grade point average d. Pre-medical laboratory science (pre-requisite science, math, and core) grade point average e. MLT course grades 2. The student s cumulative GPA, pre-medical Laboratory Science (PMLS) GPA, MLT courses grades, and recommendations score are totaled to create a summative score. a. The summative score is used to rank the students. 3. Admissions are determined based upon availability of instructional resources available to the program. Students who meet the criteria for admission will be notified by letter from the program director of their acceptance into the program. 4. The ULM Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program accepts students without regard to age, race, religion, sex, national origin, or marital status. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Selection Criteria Page 1 of 1

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Examination Proctor Policy Mid-term and final examinations are to be administered to the student via Kryterion Online Proctoring at no expense to the student. The student must set up an account with Kryterion through the website http://www.onlineproctoring.com/ulm/index.htm. The date ranges for exams are posted in each course in the course management system, Moodle. An appointment must be made with Kryterion no later than one week in advance of the date the student would like to schedule the exam. eulm ( http://www.ulm.edu/onlinedegrees/) makes a Kryterion Student Handbook available through Moodle. This handbook is available in each medical laboratory science course. ULM MLS Bridge Program: Exam Proctor Policy (August 2015) Page 1

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Competency Preceptor Policy The student selects a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist preceptor that must be approved by ULM to mentor and validate clinical competencies for each Medical Laboratory Science course. The Medical Laboratory Science Program Bridge Coordinator will verify certification, state license (if applicable), and employment of the preceptor(s) each semester.

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science Certification and Licensure Additional requirements necessary to practice Medical Laboratory Science in the State of Louisiana The following information addresses some of the important questions that are frequently asked by medical laboratory science students as they approach the completion of their formal education program. 1. Do I have to pass a certification exam in Medical Laboratory Science before I can graduate? Answer: No. Your degree in MLS is based solely on the satisfactory completion of the course requirements in the MLS curriculum. 2. What is a certification test and when do I take it? Answer: A certification test is an examination given by a medical laboratory science organization that verifies mastery of a certain body of knowledge in the field of medical laboratory science. The organization that sponsors the certification examination for the Medical Laboratory Scientist is the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) www.ascp.org. Following graduation, you must apply to take the examination. An application form must be completed and an application fee submitted. Check the ASCP BOC website for the correct fee schedule and testing dates/locations. Following successful completion of the examination, the certificant will be credentialed as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and can use the credentials, MLS (ASCP), behind his/her name. MLS Application Packet: Certification and Licensure Page 1 of 2

3. Is certification the same as licensure? Answer: No. Certification means that the individual has completed an examination that certifies that he/she has mastered a certain amount of information in the field of medical laboratory science. Licensure is a state law that mandates that only licensed individuals can practice the profession in the state. 4. How do I become licensed in the state of Louisiana? Answer: The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) has a website, www.lsbme.la.gov, which includes the checklist of items that the applicant must provide or complete to receive a license in medical (clinical) laboratory science. The applicant should refer to the above website for updates. Important: As part of the licensing process, the State of Louisiana is required by the Medical Practice Act, R. S. 37:1277(C) to do a criminal background investigation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Investigations on all applicants. The LSBME Office of Investigations and Enforcement, as a matter of routine, reviews and investigates (1) reports of a criminal history from the Department of Corrections and/or FBI and (2) incidents where the applicant has not truthfully answered related questions on the application either of which may lead to delays and/or denial of licensure. The application for the certification examination and for the license is strictly the responsibility of the student. Failure to supply the necessary information to the above agencies will result in delay and/or rejection. MLS Application Packet: Certification and Licensure Page 2 of 2

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program MLS Bridge Program Application Checklist Please print and complete this form to ensure that your application packet is complete. Include the checklist with your completed MLS Bridge application packet. Keep a copy for your records. Applicant Name: (Print name) Admission to The University of Louisiana at Monroe o On the ULM homepage (www.ulm.edu), click on eulm, click on Apply to eulm today! and complete the 4 Steps to ULM admissions for the New Online Student. Carefully read all information on the Apply for Admission page. Select the Online Application link. You will choose application 7 Online (eulm) and complete the application as directed. Uncorrected Cumulative GPA 2.5 A grade of C or higher in all required pre-requisite courses and Medical Laboratory Technician courses Official transcripts o You must include official transcripts from all institutions of higher education in the MLS Bridge application packet. This is in addition to the official transcripts required for admission the University) MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Checklist Page 1 of 2

Verification of MLT(ASCP) certification o Contact ASCP through the following website and have verification of certification sent directly to the ULM MLS Bridge Program o http://www.ascp.org/board-of-certification/verification-of-certification o Cost: $15.00 o Request Verification of Certification to third party by email Proof of current MLT/CLT license (if applicable) o Submit a copy of license with application packet; license will be verified Proof of current employment in medical laboratory o Complete your portion of the Online Program Employer Verification form o Request your supervisor to complete form and mail to address on form Name, address, and phone number of medical laboratory where you have access to complete clinical competencies o Verification required each semester according to courses Application to MLS Bridge Program (must be typed) with signature Signed Academic Standards, Essential Functions, and Practice Requirements signature form MLS Bridge Program Application Fee receipt (staple to completed application) Application deadline: will be posted on website Submit the completed application packet in a 9 X 12 envelope. Application packets must be submitted to the MLS Bridge Program Coordinator only when complete. Notification of acceptance or denial to the MLS Bridge program will be made following verification of admission to the University and review of the MLS Bridge program Application Packet. Advising for course registration will take place following acceptance. Important Information: Admission to the University of Louisiana at Monroe does not guarantee admission into the MLS Bridge program. The completion and submission of the application packet does not guarantee admission into the ULM MLS Bridge professional program. Acceptance into the MLS Bridge program is based on competitive selective admission criteria. A MLS class for the MLS Bridge program may not be offered if fewer than 10 students are enrolled in the course. Each MLS Bridge course s enrollment will be reviewed each semester the course is scheduled to be offered. Availability of the MLS courses varies; courses will be offered in a sequence and may vary depending on program resources. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Checklist Page 2 of 2

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Application for Admission Personal Information Full Name: Permanent Address: Last First Middle/Maiden Street Address Apt/Unit # City State Zip Code Primary Phone: No dashes Alternate Phone: No dashes E-Mail Address: CWID or SS#: Emergency Contact Information Full Name: Address: Last First Relationship Street Address Apt/Unit # City State Zip Code Primary Phone: No dashes Alternate Phone: No dashes MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Page 1 of 4

Previous College Credit Please list all college and universities that you have attended since leaving high school. Hours College Location Earned Degree MLT Program, Certification, and License Please list the name of the NAACLS accredited (if applicable) MLT program that you completed. (NAACLS- The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) MLT Program Location Program Director Are you certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology as a Medical Laboratory Technician? YES ASCP Certification Number NO Certifying Agency Do you have a current license to practice as a Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Technician? (only applicable in states that require a license) YES License State and Number NO Are you currently working as a Medical Laboratory Technician? YES NO MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Page 2 of 4

Please list the following information regarding your employment: Employer, Laboratory Director s name and phone number, Departments of the laboratory where you perform patient testing. Please list the medical laboratory(s) with location where you plan to complete the required clinical competencies in Hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Chemistry, and Microbiology. This may be your place of employment if it is a full service laboratory. Interests and Experience Please list any activities in which you have participated or any awards you have received while in college. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Page 3 of 4

Please list your personal interests. Please list all of your professional experiences as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Why are you interested in the A.S. MLT to B.S. Medical Laboratory Science program? My signature below attests the information provided in this application is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. Any misrepresentation in these materials will be considered grounds for dismissal from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program should I be accepted. (Signature) (Date) MLS Bridge Application Packet: Application Page 4 of 4

Please return completed form to: Medical Laboratory Science Dept. MLT to MLS Program University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209-0440 EMPLOYER VERIFICATION FORM Applicant: Please print or type your name and address and select the degree for which you are applying. A direct supervisor who knows your work in a professional setting should complete the form. You must be admitted to ULM before applying to an online program. Applicant Information Print Name Last First Middle Maiden Address (Street Name and Number) Apt # City State Zip Code Email Address Degree seeking: I certify that all information given is complete and accurate. I authorize ULM to verify the information I have provided. I realize that falsification or the intentional omission of any information on this form may lead to rejection of my application, withdrawal of any offer of acceptance, cancellation of enrollment, or appropriate disciplinary action. Admission to the University does not constitute admission to a degree program. I do hereby authorize Louisiana public postsecondary education access to my academic records. I give my permission for this employer verification to be sent to ULM. APPLICANT S SIGNATURE DATE For the Person Completing This Recommendation Supervisor: The individual noted above is applying for admission to the MLT to MLS Bridge program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The requested commendation will be used for verifying employment as a MLT and clinical site. This form will be kept as part of the student's permanent student record. This form should be completed by the direct supervisor of the applicant. All sections must be completed. All sections must be completed. If additional space is needed, please attach on a separate page. Print Name Last First Middle Organization/Business Name Position/Title Address (Street Name and Number) Apt # City State Zip Code Email Address

How long have you known the applicant? What characteristics of the applicant lead you to believe that he/she can work in a fast-paced, online environment? Please rate the applicant on the following attributes. Attributes Very Weak Weak Average Strong Very Strong Maturity Motivation Problem Solving Openness to New Ideas Organization Time Management Self-Discipline Technology Skills Verbal Communication Written Communication Reads and Follows Directions Meets Deadlines Of the attributes and abilities evaluated above, please comment on the following: Applicant s area of greatest strength. Area(s) where applicant could use greatest development. Please indicate your overall recommendation of this applicant for an online degree program by checking box below. Strongly Recommend Recommend Recommend with Reservations Do Not Recommend Signature: Date: Thank you for your help in this evaluation. We will keep your comments confidential.

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Competency Preceptor Qualifications Form I. Preceptor a. Name First Middle or Maiden Last b. MLS Certification c. MLS License Agency Category Number State Discipline Number d. Credentialing Entity (example LSBME) II. Current Employing Institution a. Name of Clinical Agency b. Position or Job Title c. Date of Employment d. Major Area of Clinical Practice e. Length of Time in Current Clinical Practice MLS Bridge Application Packet: Preceptor Qualifications Form Page 1 of 1

III. Medical Laboratory Science Education College/University Degree Earned Date Graduated Certification IV. Employment History Employment Agency Date of Employment Full Time (Y or N) Part Time (Y or N) Area(s) of Responsibility My signature below attests that the information provided in this preceptor application is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that my certification, license to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (if applicable), and employment information will be verified by the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Printed Name Signature Date Please return the completed form to the following address: Medical Laboratory Science Bridge Program Coordinator Medical Laboratory Science Program College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences The University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue Kitty Degree Hall 311 Monroe, Louisiana 71209-0440 This form will be retained in the official records of the Medical Laboratory Science program. MLS Bridge Application Packet: Preceptor Qualifications Form Page 1 of 1

College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Health Professions Medical Laboratory Science MLT to MLS Bridge Program Academic Standards, Essential Functions, & Practice Requirements Signature Page Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the program s academic standards, including admission requirements and retention policy. Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the program s competency preceptor and examination proctor policies. Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the program s essential functions and that you believe you can meet them. If you are not sure that you will be able to meet these standards, or know of anything that currently or in the future might affect your ability to fulfill these functions, please consult with the program director to discuss your individual situation and/or to request a specific accommodation. Please sign this form to indicate that you have read and understand the additional requirements to practice Medical Laboratory Science in the State of Louisiana. Please sign this form to indicate that you understand that admission to ULM does not guarantee admission to the MLS Bridge program. Please sign this form to indicate that you understand that availability of the MLS Bridge courses varies and may be dependent upon enrollment in each course. Include this signature page in your completed application packet. Printed Name Applicant s Signature CWID Date MLS Bridge Application Packet: Signature Page Page 1 of 1