Volume 82 - Fall 2002	Download

A Review of Weber State University's Online CLT and CLS Programs Yasmen Simonian, PhD, CLS(NCA), MT(ASCP) Professor and Chair, CLS Department, Weber State University

For many years the faculty and staff of the CLS Department at Weber State University (WSU) entertained the notion of offering their CLT and CLS programs on a distance-learning basis. As the shortage of laboratory personnel and its long-term effects became more evident to the hospital employers and the clinical laboratory directors, they approached the WSU CLS Department for assistance in solving the anticipated shortage and attrition problems of employees. How could WSU educate laboratory personnel without taking them away from their worksites to attend classes and still award them degrees?

Since WSU offered both CLT/MLT and CLS/MT programs on career ladder bases, and since there was definite articulation and distinction between the two program curricula, could we start with a distance learning CLS/MT BS program? Traditionally, CLT/MLT students learn laboratory skills with one-on-one faculty supervision. CLS/MT students, however, refine these skills and apply their aptitude in daily laboratory operations with greater independence. Since CLS/MT BS degree students require less direct supervision by clinical faculty, their program was the better candidate for a distance learning option.

Concurrent to considering options, the Continuing Education/Distance Learning Department at WSU was hard at work improving an Internet course delivery system. The WSU Online had been developed, and courses were offered by unique Internet technologies. These allowed students to communicate effectively with faculty, staff and other students.

The WSU CLS Department began working with WSU Online to deliver curricula and course content for the CLS/MT program on the Internet. Due to the efforts of numerous individuals, their innovative ideas, and countless hours of training and development, plus funding assistance from our community health care partners, the CLS/MT Program Online began.

The invitation for enrolling in the Online CLS/MT BS Degree Program was extended to individuals who were certified as CLT/MLT or equivalent and had an associate degree or equivalent college credits from an institute of higher education and were presently employed in an approved clinical facility. These individuals could access the courses online anytime. Completion of their laboratory competencies for each course occurred after work in their own facilities with approval and support of their employers. Students who participated in the online program utilized the resources of their respective work facilities to successfully complete required laboratory competencies rather than traveling to WSU.

Videotapes of their clinical facilities are obtained using NAACLS guidelines and are sent to WSU to be included in students' files. Students admitted to the Online BS Degree Program are expected to meet the same departmental requirements, policies and outcomes as on-campus students. All General Education and support courses needed by students are also offered online.

WSU graduated its first Online CLS/MT BS degree student in May 2001. Several more students will be graduating this year and will be eligible to take the registry exams. Some students will travel from various corners of the US to accept their diplomas during commencement ceremonies on December 13, 2002.

Soon after the development of the Online BS Program, the Online CLT/MLT program followed to offer the employees of clinical labs an opportunity to complete an AAS degree in clinical laboratory sciences. Graduates of this program are also eligible to take national certifying exams. The CLT/MLT level education was more challenging to complete due to the need for more hands-on lab competencies and skills training. However, the challenge was met and the CLS Department's first Online CLT/MLT student graduated in May 2002.

WSU Online received Peterson's/UCEA National Award for innovation in Distance Education in 1998. WSU Online currently has 3,997 students enrolled in 6,513 classes. WSU Online presently offers 239 courses with 525 sections. There are 243 faculty teaching these courses. The CLS Department is happy to report that we presently have 148 total students in our database. There are 95 active students enrolled in our programs. There are 24 CLT/MLT AAS degree students and 71 CLS/MT BS degree students taking CLS courses online.

We receive many inquiries from students all over the world daily, and many CLS and CLT program directors contact us to learn more about our online programs. If you would like more detailed information regarding WSU Online., log on to http://weber.edu/cls.  You may also contact Yasmen Simonian at ysimonian@weber.edu or contact the WSU CLS Department office at 801.626.6118.

Top of the News
			A Review of Weber State University's Online CLT and CLS Programs Yasmen Simonian, PhD, CLS(NCA), MT(ASCP) Professor and Chair, CLS Department, Weber State University
			A Tribute to Norton German, M.D.
			NAACLS' CEO Appointed Chair of ASPA by Kathy V. Waller, PhD, CLS(NCA) President, NAACLS Board of Directors
			Policy on Site Visits to Clinical Affiliates Revised by Shauna C. Anderson, PhD, MT(ASCP)C, CLS(NCA) Secretary, Board of Directors
			Transition Policy Clinical Affiliates
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			And Finally…
			Newly Accredited and Approved NAACLS Programs September 2002

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