Volume 94 - Winter 2006	Download

NAACLS Considers Providing Another Service to Program Directors CEO's Corner by Dianne M. Cearlock, PhD Chief Executive Officer

At the recent NAACLS Board of Directors meeting, the possibility of developing a database that could be accessed by program directors as a value added service, in addition to accreditation and approval of programs, was discussed. Several factors suggested that having access to certain kinds of data collected and provided by NAACLS might be helpful to program directors. First, several program directors have asked that NAACLS gather a variety of data from programs that may be accessed and used when comparing one's program with other programs. For example, it could be helpful to know the faculty to student ratios of programs when trying to make a case for more faculty positions at one's institution. Another factor is that a program director may feel that trends challenging his/her program are unique when in fact these challenges are quite widespread. For example, recruiting enough clinical affiliates to meet the needs of increased numbers of students might be a general trend rather than a problem that is unique to a given institution or region.

NAACLS, through the annual survey of programs, has a mechanism by which useful data may be obtained and updated. Program directors are obligated by accreditation and approval standards to provide the information that is requested and, therefore, the response rate is virtually guaranteed to be near 100 percent. With over 500 accredited and approved programs responding from across the nation and beyond, NAACLS has the opportunity to capture useful and current data. Program directors sometimes comment that they feel burdened by having to complete the annual survey and wish it was shorter and simpler. Perhaps if they had direct access to useful information obtained through an expanded annual survey they might be more enthusiastic about this responsibility.

As the Board of Directors discussed this topic, several interesting points were made. It was asked if the creation and maintenance of a database to which program directors would have access is drifting away from the core mission of NAACLS. NAACLS stated purpose is to "...establish, maintain, advance and administer accreditation/approval, policies, practices, standards and procedures, and support programs related to aforementioned activities with regard to the quality of educational programs in clinical laboratory science".¹ It was suggested that perhaps NAACLS should be focused on accreditation/approval and that formation and maintenance of a accessible database is a function better provided by professional organizations. As a counterpoint, it was noted that supporting programs is part of NAACLS mission.

The diversity of programs was another point raised during the discussion. NAACLS accredits/approves clinical laboratory scientist/medical technology, clinical laboratory technician/medical laboratory technician, histotech-nologist, histotechnician, diagnostic molecular scientist, cytogeneticist, pathologist assistant, clinical assistant, and phlebotomist programs. Sponsoring institutions may be based in academic or clinical settings. There may be one to many clinical or academic affiliates. Programs may be structured in traditional, campus-centered formats or use some level of distance education. It was questioned whether an annual survey of such a diverse group of programs would yield useful data. One suggestion was that two surveys, one directed towards academic based programs and the other directed towards clinical based programs, might be needed.

The Board of Directors decided that more information is needed to explore the potential benefits and unintended outcomes of building a database with information useful to and accessed by program directors. The NAACLS staff will seek information from other accrediting bodies as to what data they collect and if and how those data are disseminated. In addition, NAACLS invites comments from program directors. As a program director, what kinds of data would interest you if a database of program information is developed? Full time equivalents (FTEs)? Faculty/student ratios? Lengths of clinical rotations? Frequency and success/failure rates of recruiting new affiliates? Other? Your ideas are valued by NAACLS.

Please provide comments/suggestions to Dianne M. Cearlock, PhD.

¹NAACLS Policies and Procedures Manual

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