Course Description

Medical laboratory scientists working in clinical chemistry are challenged with multifaceted responsibilities involving advanced scientific knowledge, techniques, administrative skills, and interaction with other clinical departments of the health care system. The medical laboratory scientist working in chemistry is responsible for both the diagnostic services as well as management aspects of the clinical chemistry department. This course is designed to provide updates in advanced topics in clinical chemistry to enhance scientific/technical skills and management skills for laboratory professionals working and/or managing a clinical chemistry department. Issues concerning specific advanced topics in clinical chemistry that will be discussed include but are not limited to: updates on cardiac and tumor marker, Kidney Function Assessment (eGFR, etc.), automation and POCT, Diabetes, Monoclonal Proteins, Vit. D Deficiency, TDM, Lab Error, and advanced case studies in clinical chemistry.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits:  3

Participants should anticipate spending approximately 135 hours on the course, or an average of 9-12 hours per week for 15 weeks including the final paper. The course is web-based. Modes of instruction and course format include online instruction, online discussion, journal and Internet readings, written assignments, directed study, live webinar, and a final paper.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree with course work in clinical chemistry and/or work experience in a clinical chemistry laboratory.

Additional Requirements: You may be required to interact with your department supervisor and/or lab administrator, pathologist, physicians, or other healthcare professionals to explore some discussion questions.

Technical Requirements: Since the course is internet-based, you are required to have reliable access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider. In addition specific computer hardware, software and browser requirements for the University Online Course Management System are required. Power Point viewer and Adobe Reader may be required.

Course Format & Learning Resources: Various teaching techniques will be utilized via Internet delivery of the course, including posted lectures, questions for discussion, problem - solving activities (individual and group), and Internet-enhanced reading assignments, live webinar(s). Learning resources will be identified by the instructor as appropriate. These will include Internet resources, textbooks, and periodicals. Students will communicate with the instructor and class members via the course Discussion Forum and course E-mail system.

The University Libraries serve all schools and both on-site and distance learning students. The University Library can be accessed from the online course. It is the gateway to selected health sciences Internet-based resources, databases, and electronic journals, as well as information about on-site and remote-access library services.

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The general goal of this course is to prepare laboratory professionals to be knowledgeable of emerging technologies in clinical chemistry, new diagnostic strategies, and interact with the health care team in an interdisciplinary capacity with regard to clinical chemistry diagnostic testing and data interpretation.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Discuss various disorder processes that affect major organ systems including the clinical presentation, causes, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment options.
Differentiate between different disorders with similar presentations and the role of clinical chemistry testing in diagnosis.
Compare and contrast new and emerging clinical chemistry strategies for diagnosis and monitoring of selected disorders.
Correlate clinical chemistry analytical data with various physiologic disorders presented.
Explain the clinical significance of laboratory findings.
Specific unit/topic objectives will be provided in each unit.