Florence M. Cook School of Medical Laboratory Science Program Overview

Philosophy

The Florence M. Cook School of Medical Laboratory Science at Jersey Shore University Medical Center believes that regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, handicap unrelated to tasks for a medical laboratory scientist, or academic affiliation, the student has the right to receive the best in terms of teaching and clinical laboratory techniques.

The School also fosters attitudes, beliefs, and professional characteristics that are appropriate for an entry-level medical laboratory scientist to possess.

We believe that:

POSITIVE ATTITUDE produces more successful endeavors.
ACCURACY is the ultimate aim in clinical laboratory testing.
COOPERATION builds trust and confidence.
INITIATIVE is the foundation of success.
ORGANIZING ABILITY clarifies one’s mission and saves time.
PROBLEM SOLVING abilities in the clinical laboratory will be useful in other areas of life.
SPEED will follow once technique is mastered.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS is a way to build a strong and active profession.
An adequate KNOWLEDGE BASE will prepare one with confidence for the future.

Curriculum Description

The core curriculum of the Florence M. Cook School of Medical Laboratory Science program was developed from multiple sources including the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science’s (NAACLS-requirement for accreditation, ASCLS’ Entry Level competencies of Medical Laboratory Scientist, ASCLS’ Body of Knowledge, and contents based on ASCP certification examination.

The scientific contents comes from a previous educational source either through a minimum of three-years preparatory in affiliated universities enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Science (3+1 student) or with an established four-year Baccalaureate  degree in a science related field (4+1 student).

Learning occurs in three major areas: didactic lectures, student laboratory, and a clinical internship rotation (practicum) within four departments.

The didactic component of the curriculum encompasses core studies in clinical hematology, clinical chemistry, clinical immunohematology, and clinical microbiology. Additional didactic components are immunology, urinalysis and body fluids, phlebotomy, safety regulations, laboratory management, and a student clinical case study presentation.

The student laboratory is a component that cultivates dexterity and proficiency by aligning methodology to theory. This component reinforces a comprehensive foundation in preparing the student for what is expected during the clinical internship rotation.

The clinical internship rotations comprises pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services, in different departments and its corresponding benches in areas of Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Microbiology (to include Parasitology, Mycology, Molecular Diagnostics, Virology, Mycobacteriology), Urinalysis, Body Fluids,  Immunology & Serology, and Immunohematology (Blood Banking, Transfusion Medicine).

Program Overview

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at Florence M. Cook School is a full-time eleven-month hospital-based program.  It is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

The program begins at the end of August with didactic classes in the four core disciplines (Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology, and Microbiology) along with other additional required areas of study. The first half of the program consists of Monday through Friday classes, six to eight hours per day which includes the student laboratory experience, for approximately 5.5 months.  Two class breaks are typically integrated into this phase of the yearly schedule.

The next 5.5 months consists of rotations through various clinical departments within the diagnostic laboratories of the Hackensack Meridian Health network located throughout New Jersey.  This schedule combination ensures the student’s exposure to current theories and principles along with their practical application in the clinical setting.

The program ends in July of the following year with a formal awarding of certificates at a pinning and commencement ceremony. Graduates will then be eligible to proceed with completing a national certification exam at the MLS level. Organization information is provided, and it is strongly encouraged to pursue soon after program completion.

Accreditation

Florence M. Cook School of Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by:

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
(NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 847-939-3597 or 773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886