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A researcher is seen at a lab bench at Penn State College of Medicine. The researcher is wearing appropriate protective equipment and holding a test tube.

Functional Expectations for the Medical Laboratory Science Program

  1. Students must possess certain physical and mental attributes to be able to complete the Medical Laboratory Science curriculum. The student must, with or without reasonable accommodation, have sufficient:
    • Senses of smell, vision and touch to observe demonstrations and perform exercises in which biological fluids and products are being analyzed.
    • Visual acuity to be able to identify microscopic structures, cells, organisms and color recognition; read and comprehend instructions displayed in print and video monitors; and operate analytical instruments appropriately and safely without substantially endangering students, coworkers and
    • Fine motor skills and manual dexterity to obtain and manipulate specimens, reagents, instruments and analytical equipment according to established guidelines with speed, accuracy, precision and in a manner that does not endanger others; be able to move freely and safely in the laboratory and patient areas; and operate computers.
    • Communication skills to effectively convey and/or explain results to other health care personnel, both within and outside the laboratory, as well as clearly instruct patients, clients, and other health care workers regarding specimen collection and laboratory safety.
    • Interactive skills to maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with coworkers, patients and other health care
    • Professional demeanor, behavior and ethics, be honest and compassionate, admit to mistakes, ask questions when uncertain and be able to both give and take constructive feedback.
    • Mental ability to read and comprehend written material to correctly perform laboratory test procedures, analyze results and make judgments to the appropriateness of the results or recognize unexpected results.
    • Emotional stability to exercise appropriate judgment in responding to emergency situations that may present in the health care
    • Ability to effectively handle stressful situations, function independently in the face of uncertainties and prioritize activities to complete tasks on time.
    • Ability to meet the program’s academic expectations to complete assignments, perform required laboratory activities and obtain knowledge from lectures, laboratory activities, clinical assignments and independent study, and to work independently in small groups and as a team.
    • Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to safely perform all core tasks required of a medical laboratory
  2. If unable to meet the listed essential requirements with reasonable accommodations, the student may be dismissed from the program at the sole discretion of the program.