Procedure
- These essential functions are presented to the applicant in terms that the individual will fully understand so that the student knows what is expected in order to complete the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program curriculum of study.
- Students accepting an offer of admission to the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at Stony Brook University are required to sign a Certification Form confirming their understanding and ability to carry out the Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation.
- If a prospective student has any questions pertaining to Technical Standards, they are to contact the Clinical Laboratory Sciences department at Stony Brook University.
- Stony Brook University (SBU) complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a prospective student who is otherwise qualified requires a reasonable accommodation, they should contact Disability Support Services at SBU. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.
Technical Standards in Clinical Laboratory Sciences for Admission and Retention
Stony Brook University (SBU) complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a prospective student who is otherwise qualified requires a reasonable accommodation, they should contact Disability Support Services at SBU. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.
The technical standards outlined below (“Technical Standards”), in conjunction with established academic standards, are followed by the Admissions Committee to select students who possess the intelligence, integrity, physical, and personal as well as emotional characteristics that are necessary to become an effective Clinical Laboratory Scientist. The Clinical Laboratory Sciences program and Stony Brook University must maintain the integrity of the curriculum and preserve those elements deemed essential to the education of a clinical laboratory scientist. The Clinical Laboratory Sciences program and Stony Brook University cannot compromise the health and safety of others and reserve the right not to admit any applicant who cannot meet the Technical Standards or who would constitute a direct threat to the health and safety of others, e.g., those individuals who are currently impaired by alcohol or substance abuse cannot meet the Technical Standards.
Granting of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into the practice of clinical laboratory sciences. Therefore, it follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to practice as a clinical laboratory scientist in a broad variety of clinical laboratory situations and settings. Candidates must also have the physical and emotional stamina to function in a competent manner in educational and practice settings that may involve heavy workloads and stressful situations. Accordingly, candidates for the degree must be able to perform specific essential functions that the faculty deem requisite for the practice of clinical laboratory sciences.
The Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at Stony Brook University is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Students preparing for a career in Clinical Laboratory Sciences are expected to perform clinical laboratory testing safely and accurately. Students must be able to perform the following essential functions. These functions, expressed as Technical Standards, fall into several broad categories, including: observation; communication; psychomotor and mobility; intellectual and cognitive; behavioral and social; professional demeanor and professional behavior; ethical standards; and academic performance. The Technical Standards include:
Observation:
The applicant/student must be able to accurately observe demonstrations and exercises in which biological fluids, tissue and products are being tested for their biochemical, hematological, immunological, and microbiological components. The applicant/student should be able to characterize color intensity, odor, clarity, and viscosity of biologicals, reagents, or chemical reaction products. These determinations are often made by the aid of simple and complex instruments and microscopes. In summary, the applicant/student must be able to possess functional use of the senses of smell and vision and somatic sensation.
Communication:
Applicants/students must be able to communicate orally and in writing in the English language. The ability to read and comprehend written material is essential in order to correctly and independently perform laboratory test procedures. The applicant/student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in English with all members of the healthcare team.
Psychomotor Skills and Mobility:
Applicants/students must have sufficient motor function and mobility to perform all tasks that are normally expected within the scope of practice of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the workplace. For example, students must possess the psychomotor skills to manipulate various instruments that require eye-hand coordination, perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity and possess the ability to operate computers. Mobility examples include performing laboratory tests where adhering to existing laboratory safety standards, performing moderately taxing continuous physical work that may require prolonged sitting and/or standing over several hours, and some may take place in cramped positions. Students must be able to reach laboratory benchtops and shelves, patients lying in hospital beds, or patients seated in specimen collection furniture.
Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities:
Applicants/students must be able to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, integrate, and apply information. The applicant/student should be able to use sufficient judgment to recognize and correct performance, and problem solve unexpected observations or outcomes of laboratory test procedures.
Behavioral and Social Attributes:
Applicant/students must possess the emotional health required to use their intellectual abilities fully, such as exercising sound judgment, promptly completing all responsibilities, being able to work safely in a changing and stressful environment, displaying flexibility and functioning independently in the face of uncertainties or problems that might arise. For example, the student must adapt to working with potentially infectious and unpleasant biologicals. The student must recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, self, and nearby individuals.
Professional Demeanor / Professional Behavior:
Applicants/students must demonstrate professional demeanor and behavior in dealing with peers, faculty, staff, and patients. The student must exhibit professional behavior by conforming to appropriate standards of dress, appearance, language, and public behavior. For example, body piercing, other than ears, and visible tattoos are not considered professional appearance. The student must show respect for individuals of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, religions and/or sexual orientation. The student must be able to critically evaluate his or her performance, accept constructive criticism, and seek methods to improve. The student must be able to evaluate the performance of fellow students and tactfully offer constructive comments.
Ethical Standards:
Applicants/students must demonstrate ethical behavior in dealing with peers, faculty, staff, and patients. Adherence to the strict codes of confidentiality of the patient and their medical records is essential. Furthermore, the student must be forthright about errors or uncertainty.
Academic Performance:
Applicants/students must be able to obtain relevant information from lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions or exercises, clinical laboratory practicums, and independent study assignments. Students are expected to sit for examinations, both written and oral, complete written assignments, deliver oral presentations, and perform required laboratory practice with and without supervision. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from clinical laboratory practicums located at various clinical affiliate institutions around the region.
Rev 09/15
