MDS Program Goals and Entry-Level Competencies

Program Goals:

Upon completion of the UNC-Chapel Hill  Molecular Diagnostic Science program, graduates will be prepared to

  1. Function effectively as entry-level clinical laboratory scientists in molecular diagnostics.
  2. Use ethical standards to guide professional behavior and judgments
  3. Communicate effectively with other health care providers
  4. Serve as leaders in the clinical laboratory profession in technical, educational, and administrative roles.

Entry-Level Competencies:

The educational experiences in the UNC MDS program are designed to ensure that students are well prepared to enter the laboratory profession and continue to learn throughout their professional career. At the completion of the UNC MDS program, students will be able to:

  1. Perform and evaluate pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical procedures to ensure the quality of laboratory results.
  2. Research, evaluate, implement, and monitor methods of collection, transport and handling of various specimen types for molecular analysis.
  3. Perform molecular-based laboratory tests, analyze and verify results, and resolve common problems in all the major areas of the clinical laboratory.
  4. Explain the principles and methods used in molecular laboratory tests.
  5. Explain the clinical significance of molecular laboratory procedures in diagnosis and treatment of disease and maintenance of health.
  6. Interpret and evaluate patient results and suggest or select appropriate additional testing.
  7. Determine the priority of laboratory requests and arrange the workload for optimal patient care and efficiency.
  8. Use quality assurance principles and practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory information.
  9. Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments.
  10. Use the principles of method evaluation to select new techniques and instruments.
  11. Explain and apply the major principles and practices of laboratory administration, supervision and budgeting.
  12. Explain and apply principles of effective test utilization.
  13. Comply with all standard safety regulations and monitor changes in safety regulations.
  14. Use educational methods to present information and develop instructional materials.
  15. Use research methods to design, conduct and disseminate results of studies on new technologies, procedures or diagnostic correlations in molecular science.
  16. Interpret, implement, and complying with laws, regulations and accrediting standards and guidelines of relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies.
  17. Use computer systems to produce documents, research information, communicate with others and enter and retrieve laboratory information.
  18. Apply principles of management to the acquisition and evaluation of laboratory information systems.
  19. Design, implement and evaluate resource management strategies to maintain optimal laboratory efficiency.
  20. Communicate effectively with laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, patients and the public.
  21. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals and the public.
  22. Demonstrate ethical standards in all matters related to medical information and patient care.
  23. Formulate a strategic plan for professional career development.