Technical Standards: BS in Medical Laboratory Science Program

The following are the technical standards that apply to all clinical training students in Saint Joseph's University’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program.

Technical standards are the non-academic admission criteria that are essential to participation in the University’s programs. These standards are categorized into the following areas: [1] communication; [2] cognition; [3] behavioral/professionalism; and [4] psychomotor skills. Applicants and students must have and maintain the ability to perform or meet these essential tasks, skills and standards with or without reasonable accommodations. By applying to and accepting admission to Saint Joseph's University, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the Technical Standards and believe that you have the ability to meet them, with or without reasonable accommodations.    
 
SJU recognizes that a diverse campus community is essential to enriching intellectual exchanges and enhancing cultural understanding. The University values equality of opportunity, mutual respect, and an appreciation of diversity. As part of this commitment, the University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.1 The University is not required to waive these essential standards, because that would be a fundamental alteration of the nature of these programs. Please refer to the Disability Services Policy for more information.  
 
Students with disabilities who believe they require an accommodation(s) to either meet these Technical Standards, to fully access the admissions process, and/or to participate in and benefit from the program curriculum and other programs and services of SJU are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services to participate in a confidential consultation. Accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students are encouraged to contact SDS as early as possible to allow for adequate time to consider and implement any approved accommodations. 

Communication

Students must be able to:

1. Communicate professionally, effectively, and sensitively with patients and all members of the healthcare team, both in person and in written form, that reflect professional values and those of the University.
2. Retain, recall, and deliver information in an efficient and timely manner.
3. Participate in class discussions/group projects/practice labs for the purpose of delivery and receipt of scientific/medical information.
4. Communicate effectively with others from varied social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Cognition

Students must be able to:

5. Retrieve, recall, retain, and apply medical, scientific, and professional information and literature in the classroom and in clinical experiences.
6. Utilize effective clinical judgment and problem-solving skills to address difficulties in a timely manner within all learning environments.
7. Multi-task, prioritize, and perform tasks in an accurate, logical, and sequential manner.  
8. Accurately perform scientific measurements and calculations in clinical environments.
9. Demonstrate the ability to learn effectively through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction, remote learning, asynchronous learning, small group discussions, laboratory experiences, individual study, and preparation and presentation of written and oral reports.  

Behavioral/Professionalism

Students must be able to:

10. Exercise professional judgment to maintain patient safety and well-being.
11. Display professional behavior, including, but not limited to, punctuality, dependability, organization, and responsibility.
12. Self-manage to adapt to rapidly changing environments.
13. Respond promptly and professionally to stressful situations.
14. Display integrity, interpersonal skills, motivation, compassion, and concern for others.
15. Self-reflect, be receptive to feedback, and modify behavior to improve skills, patient-client relationships, and patient/client outcomes.  
16. Establish and maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors/supervisors, and other professionals under all circumstances.  
17. Demonstrate appropriate assertiveness, delegate responsibilities, and function as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
18. Identify and take responsibility for one’s own actions and decisions, inclusive of seeking supervision and/or consultation in a timely manner.  
19. Demonstrate respect for differences in cultures, experiences, identities, values, and ethics among others.
20. Recognize and respond appropriately and in a timely manner to potentially hazardous situations, including those that are life-threatening.
21. Respect the confidential relationship between healthcare practitioner and patient and not violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or other applicable confidentiality obligations.
22. Abide by both Saint Joseph's’ Code of Conduct and the professional standards of practice in accordance to the respective Oaths of Healthcare Professionals.

Psychomotor/Motor

Students must be able to:

23. Use technology to accurately record information and convey critical health-related documentation.
24. Possess sufficient psychomotor abilities and manual dexterity, or functional equivalent, to proficiently demonstrate all program-specific competencies, including, but not limited to:
    1. Manual and automated pipettes.
    2. Automated and semi-automated laboratory analyzers.
    3. Manual liquid dispensing devices such as squeeze bottles, droppers, etc.
    4. Various microscopes.
    5. Small manipulation devices such as inoculating loops, inoculation and stirring sticks, forceps, etc.