A maximum of six students are accepted each year. The 51 week internship is approximately 35 - 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday; majority of rotation times vary from 6am – 4:30 pm. There are a few second shift rotations but, when times vary you will have advanced notice. The program begins the first week of August which is now starting in July. Students will be entitled to all official hospital holidays in the same manner as they apply to laboratory personnel. Students are also given a two-week winter break and one week spring break.
The internship encompasses clinical rotations, lectures, and other various learning experiences. Clinical placement is always guaranteed for our students. One-on-one practical and theoretical instruction by qualified medical laboratory scientist is delivered as each student rotates through the areas of the laboratory. Theoretical knowledge is also delivered through a lecture series with a 1:10 ratio at most. Students are assessed on the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. To be eligible for certification as a medical laboratory scientist at the end of the year, a minimum passing score of 70% (C) must be maintained. Academic credit is granted by the affiliated university.
The average day shall consist of 8 hours Monday through Friday. Students break for lunch at 12:30 and have lecture or lecture exams each day 1-2:30. A master syllabus will be provided at the beginning of the program detailing lecture, learning experiences, and assessments with dates and times. Each student will rotate through the areas of the laboratory according to their own set schedule. Each rotation is self-contained. Students will receive a rotation syllabus for each area of the laboratory. The syllabus contains objectives, checklists of required skills, and a schedule of assignments and assessments. Practical and written assessments are delivered for each area of the laboratory along with an evaluation of the affective domain. Most lectures, learning experiences, and clinical rotation occur at Tampa General Hospital’s main campus. You may be asked to travel to the Outpatient or Transplant clinic’s laboratories.
The curriculum includes and Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Urinalysis and Body Fluids, Clinical Immunology / Molecular, Clinical Hematology / Hemostasis, Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunohematology, and Clinical Laboratory Management and Education. Refer to course descriptions below. Students will learn pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical aspects of the laboratory. Pre-analytical will encompass collecting, processing, and analyzing specimens. Throughout the clinical rotations students will perform testing, the mythologies of the testing, troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques, interpretation and statistical analyzing of results, and quality control. Students will assist with reporting results, calling critical results, and other post analytical aspects throughout the clinical rotations. After demonstrating competency, under the supervision of a qualified team member, students will be permitted to perform procedures.
Tampa General Hospital, 1 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606
TGH Outpatient Clinic 10740 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
TICL (transplant) 409 Bayshore Blvd 4th Floor
MLS 4038: Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science - 3 hours
An introduction to the clinical laboratory, the hospital, policies and procedures, basic laboratory techniques, quality control, phlebotomy, and laboratory safety procedures. The student is instructed as to the proper methodology of phlebotomy, including universal precautions, proper labeling, and proper collection tubes. Syringe and vacutainer phlebotomy is practiced by each student. Students spend a week with phlebotomy and laboratory assistants collecting and processing specimens.
MLS 4860: Clinical Urinalysis and Body Fluids - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical analysis of urine and body fluids. Students begin with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs macro and micro techniques used in the analysis of urine and body fluids, qualitative/quantitative analysis of urines and body fluids, and examination of fluids for normal and abnormal elements. Theoretical urine and body fluid analysis is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4861: Clinical Immunology / Molecular - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical immunology. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs tests to detect the presence of serum antibodies and other substances which are related to disease states. Students also rotate through esoteric and flow cytometry. Theory and practice of fluorescent technique is also taught. Theoretical immunology is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4862: Clinical Hematology / Hemostasis - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical hematology and coagulation. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and reviews cells in the blood and the coagulation factors affecting clot formation. The student is instructed and performs various procedures, both manual and automated, to count, differentiate and identify the various cellular and coagulation elements of the blood. Theoretical hematology and coagulation are presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4863: Clinical Microbiology - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical clinical microbiology, parasitology, mycology, and virology. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs various techniques for the identification of normal and pathogenic organisms from various body sites. The student is taught virology procedures and techniques for the purpose of isolating and identifying viruses. The student is instructed and performs macro and micro techniques used in the analysis of fecal material, preparations for examination, and identification of ova and parasites found in human specimens. Mycology and mycobacterial culture and identification procedures are also performed. Students are assessed with a batch of unknown organisms which they must complete proper procedures to identify. Theoretical microbiology, virology, parasitology and mycology is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4864: Clinical Chemistry - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical clinical chemistry. The student begins with specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs manual and automated procedures analyzing blood and body fluids. Theoretical chemistry is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4865: Clinical Immunohematology - 4 hours
Theoretical and practical immunohematology for preparation of blood and blood components for transfusion therapy. Students are exposed to specimen collection and processing. The student is instructed and performs grouping, typing, and cross-matching of blood for transfusions. The student learns to recognize and identify antibodies or other causes of incompatible blood. Students are also involved with donor services for phlebotomy. Theoretical immunohematology is presented through formal lectures. Both practical and theoretical assessments are administered.
MLS 4866: Clinical Laboratory Management and Education - 3 hours
Theoretical and practical knowledge of management and education. The student is introduced to the concepts of laboratory management (quality management, laboratory administration, supervision, safety, problem-solving, ethics, laboratory information systems and professional conduct) clinical education, and research methodologies and techniques. The student shadows the laboratory director and other leadership for a week. Theoretical assessments are administered and students are assessed by a student lecture and safety project (Per USF course catalog, the clinical rotation totals 30 credit hours).
Contact
Michelle Brilhart, BS, MA, (MLS ASCP)
Program Director
Phone: (813)-844-7098
Email: mbrilhart@tgh.org