1. INTRODUCTION
Application of modern scientific methods and techniques in the expeditious diagnosis and treatment of disease and illness is one of the prime reasons for the outstanding progress in medicine during the last few decades.
The Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (formerly, Medical Laboratory Technology) of the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences is committed to providing this invaluable service through the baccalaureate program described below.
The Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Program involves a one year pre-clinical, a three years clinical course of study, and one year of internship at the hospital, leading to the award of a bachelor degree at the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences. On completion of this period of training, the CLS graduate may assume the post of a practical clinical laboratory technologist in the medical science laboratory of a hospital, clinic, forensic public health department or the quality control sections of the food and water treatment industries.
The CLS Program involves the systematic study of a wide range of subjects related to the functions of the Clinical Laboratory Technologist. Theoretical aspects in most of the Courses are underpinned by a high degree of training in practical skills.
2. PROGRAM AND SPONSORSHIP
A Four-year program of study in Clinical Laboratory Science is proposed, upon successful completion of which, the graduate receives a BSc. (CLS) degree from the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences. Graduate is qualified to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist.
The Proposed Program is administered by the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences (PSMCHS). The College is responsible for all matters relating to the Program. These include curriculum content, coordination of instruction, maintenance of standards, and supervision of instruction.
3. RATIONALE
Health service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have expanded dramatically during the past decades in order to attain the goal of providing comprehensive health care for all citizens. As a result, the number of hospitals and clinics increases continuously.
Clinical Laboratory Services in the kingdom have attained a level of development and patient care services favorably comparable to international standards. With judicious rationalization of available resources the standard of laboratory service can be maintained and further developed and upgraded. Central to the development and maintenance of medical laboratories in this country is the availability of qualified, well-trained Saudi national laboratory technologists. This proposed program is to train Saudi nationals in the field of clinical laboratory sciences in order to be enrolled in national health program of the kingdom currently run mostly by expatriate staff.
The Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, which has been running a Diploma Program in Medical Laboratory Technology successfully for eight years, can best sponsor the Bachelor program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
4. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
a) To create and provide appropriate learning experiences (i.e. lecture, demonstration and practical) which are designed to prepare a student wishing to pursue a career in clinical laboratory sciences.
b) To provide the student with the necessary academic background and occupational training, enabling him to achieve the recognized standards of competence, which would normally be expected from a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technologist).
c) To develop and instil professional attitudes and sound working practices in the CLS graduate.
d) To encourage the CLS student towards self-evaluation and self-improvement, not only at an undergraduate level, but also throughout his professional career in the field of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Technology.
e) To develop an awareness in the CLS graduate student that the expertise acquired at PSMCHS needs to be constantly and regularly up-dated and up-graded as part of a program of continuing education.
5. EMPLOYMENT PROJECTION
Upon graduation the baccalaureate degree individual will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following:
a) Developing and establishing procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances;
b) Performing analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other substances;
c) Integrating and relating data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments while making decisions regarding possible discrepancies;
d) Confirming abnormal results, verifying quality control procedures, executing quality control procedures, and developing solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data;
e) Making decisions concerning the results of quality assurance measures, and instituting proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision;
f) Establishing and performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments as well as identifying appropriate sources for repairs;
g) Developing, evaluating, and selecting new techniques, instruments and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory’s personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources;
h) Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal skills with donors, patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professional, and the public;
i) Establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence;
j) Providing leadership in educating other health personnel and the community;
k) Exercising principles of management, safety, and supervision.
The CLS Curriculum is a major responsibility of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Technology at PSMCHS. An addition to directing the range and structure of the various service courses operated by the English and Science Departments.
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES CURRICULUM
In this first professional year, the importance of the biological and chemical sciences to CLS training is emphasized. Most Courses combine a theoretical background in lectures, supported by extensive practical demonstrations. Core courses will follow during the three subsequent years. CLS Curriculum is given in the following table:
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