Clinical Laboratory Technician Learning Outcomes & Essential Functions

CLT Learning Outcomes

• Competent in collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances
• Perform analytical tests of body fluids cells and other substances
• Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
• Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs
• Apply principles of safety
• Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public
• Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their jobs and patient care

Licensure & Certification Pass rates

Student Essential Functions

Clinical Laboratory Technician and Histological Technician

The Essential Functions are the non-academic requirements of each program. They correspond to the physical, psychological and professional demands required of a Clinical Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, or Histologic Technician. Each of these professionals performs tests and procedures that impact patient care and safety. For this reason, although SUNY Broome Community College is and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution, it is important that every applicant meets certain technical standards (essential functions) to be able to engage in training activities that will not endanger students, faculty or patients. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) requires that the Essential Functions be made available to prospective students and the public. With appropriate accommodations if needed, all students must be able to perform activities such as those listed below.

Physical Functions:

1. Strength, mobility, and agility to safely:
   1.  Operate state-of-the-art instruments, including computers
   2. Lift and move objects weighing 20 pounds
   3. Walk, stand, or sit for long periods of time
   4. Travel to clinical laboratory affiliates
2. Fine Motor Coordination to:
   1. Perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity
   2. Ability to use a microscope and differentiate microscopic components
   3. Ability to perform delicate manipulations which require good eye-hand coordination
3. Adequate Vision/Observational skills to:
   1. Characterize color, clarity and viscosity of specimens and reagents
   2. Read procedure manuals, package inserts, computer screens, equipment markings, test tubes and computer printouts
   3. Visualize and distinguish objects through a microscope
   4. Hear and respond to verbal directions, phone calls, timers, and alarms
   5. Have a sense of touch and temperature discrimination to perform laboratory tests
   6. Write legibly and correctly

Psychological Functions:

1. Ability to perform laboratory procedures accurately and quickly even under stressful conditions and to adapt to changing situations
2. Ability to exercise independent judgment, to think logically in the performance of one’s duties, and to accept constructive criticism
3. Ability to organize, prioritize, and to assume responsibility for one’s work
4. Ability to learn and apply content in both didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses delivered in a variety of formats.

Profesional Functions:

1. Ability to communicate in a professional, positive, tactful manner with patients, physicians, nurses, other healthcare and non-healthcare employees, and fellow laboratory personnel
2. Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and to exercise ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, and accountability in the performance of one’s laboratory responsibilities
3. Ability to perform laboratory tests carefully while maintaining efficiency and organization
4. Ability to exercise critical thinking skills to solve problems
5. Ability to project a well groomed, neat appearance
6. Ability to follow written or verbal directions to perform laboratory tests and to report the results
7. Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team

Safety Functions:

1. Willing and able to work with sharp objects, hazardous, infectious, and biological materials
2. Ability and willingness to work safely according to the prescribed safety guidelines
3. Recognize and respond to emergency situations according to given protocol