Tales from the Clinical Rotation Front: Are You Ready for Anything?
Speaker: Paula Mister, MS, SM(ASCP)
This session will describe several interesting situations that have occurred during student clinical rotations at Johns Hopkins Hospital and how these experiences were handled cooperatively between the programs and the clinical sites.

Course Design, Development, and Makeover 101: Keeping it Current
Speaker: Daniel Gonzalez, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSC^CM
With constant changes in the field of laboratory medicine, educating new generations of laboratorians requires paying close attention to developments in the field, shifts in accreditation, and changes in certification and licensure. This session will present a systematic approach and tools for course design, development, and updating.

We Have to Change with the Times: Course Delivery in the Hybrid Program
Speaker: Jo Ellen Russell, MBA, MT(ASCP)
Hybrid program format and alternate course delivery will be discussed, along with tricks and tips to keep students engaged in proactive learning—online and with limited lab time.

Responding to the Pandemic: Traditional Hospital-Based MLS Programs to Virtual Program Almost Overnight
Speakers: April Orange, MM, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Delketria Drayton, MBA, MLS(ASCP)^CM
The pandemic caused traditional hospital-based MLS programs to transform into virtual programs almost overnight. Many used free or inexpensive online resources because of budget restrains felt by most hospitals. Learn how these program directors banded together and figured out ways to make this virtual learning work for them and their students.

Using a Learning Management System in MLS Hospital-Based Programs
Speakers: Joan Polancic, MSEd, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Theresa Tellier-Castellone, EdD, MLS(ASCP)^CM
A popular learning management platform offers a free version that provides basic features easily utilized to make materials available to students. See how you can deliver course materials and utilize a gradebook, exams, assignments, and more. Examples will be shared from two MLS programs along with tips on how to get started, allowing your program to be more flexible in interacting with students.

Learning Management Systems and Remote Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities
Speakers: Esther Biswas, PhD, MB(ASCP)^CM & Subhasis Biswas, PhD
Accrediting bodies require evidence that each component of knowledge delivered in a program adequately prepares students to pass certification/licensure exams, and to practice competently within that profession. This session reviews several learning management tools in providing data-driven insight into student learning outcomes and exam security in face-to-face and distance learning.

Online Analyzers for Online Internships
Speaker: Ryan Cordner, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Haley Sheffield, MLS(ASCP)^CM
The use of online analyzers has enhanced the BYU clinical internship by creating a virtual clinical experience. Online analyzers simulate a clinical setting by producing random patient results, both normal and abnormal. The analyzers allow students to practice QC procedures, interpret and report results, and resolve discrepancies.

Virtual and Simulation Laboratory Rotations: A Hospital-Based Program Perspective
Speakers: Marietta Tomlin, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Carolina Vilchez, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMH(ASCP)^CM
An overview of our hospital-based program’s typical schedule for clinical rotations will be discussed along with simulation modules that were already incorporated into some courses. Virtual and simulation microbiology and hematology rotation activities, assignments, and assessments will subsequently be described that were implemented out of necessity during the pandemic.

Pandemic Response Team—A Collaborative Effort to Rescue Students in the Clinical Experience
Speakers: Michelle Briski, MEd, MT(ASCP) & Ashley Martin, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSH
Cancelations of clinical experiences left medical laboratory educational programs scrambling to rapidly provide meaningful, appropriate virtual educational experiences for students. Learn how the collaborative efforts of neighboring MLT programs successfully developed and implemented activities that allowed students to complete their educational programs on time and with required entry level skills/knowledge.

Strategies and Tools to Develop Legendary Online Courses
Speaker: Phyllis Ingham, EdD, MLS(ASCP)^CM, AHI(AMT)
Online teaching is a big challenge, with many unique situations that are vastly different from a face-to-face class format. This session will provide small teaching online ideas to assist you in making the online experience more impactful for your students and provide actionable insights you can build on in the online classroom.

Time for Some R and R: How to Use Retrieval Practice and Reflection Activities to Improve Student Learning
Speaker: Stephanie Cochrane, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Many times educators focus on getting information “in” students’ heads. However, to improve learning and long-term memory, we should also focus on getting that information “out.” This session will discuss how to use retrieval practice and reflection activities as a learning, teaching, and study tool to boost student learning and help identify gaps in knowledge

Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Academic Integrity Among College Students
Speakers: Beth Warning, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, AHI(AMT), Patricia Tille, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Erin Rumpke, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
In an ideal world, academic integrity would not be an issue, but unfortunately academic misconduct exists. This session will discuss innovative cases of students who stretched the limits, review third party proctoring services, and pose examples of disciplinary action for students suspected of violating academic integrity.

Developing an Effective Succession Plan and Mentoring New Program Faculty
Speakers: Karen Brown, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Takara Blamires, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Diana Wilkins, PHD, MT(ASCP)
In the past 10 years, the Medical Laboratory Science Program at the University of Utah has experienced a significant turnover of faculty, including changes to program officials. This presentation will describe methods utilized in developing and implementing a successful succession plan for the program and discuss strategies used in mentorship.

In-Kind Support Resources and Donations for the Student Lab
Speakers: Kathleen Finnegan, MS, MT(ASCP)SH^CM, Leigh Belair, MEd, MT(ASCP) & Laura Parendo, MBA, MAM, MT(ASCP)
Lab training programs are expensive; it can be a challenge to teach best practices with limited funding. We are frequently asked to do more with less and rely on vendors, affiliates, and industry for donations. Presenters will share ideas, experiences, and a letter of solicitation to obtain resources and grants.

Assessing Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Abilities in MLS Applicant Selection
Speaker: Leah Daily, MEd, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This session will provide an overview of an MLS candidate selection process, highlighting changes implemented for non-cognitive evaluation and selection outcomes.

Preceptor Training to Improve Student Learning and the Preceptor Experience
Speaker: Angela Tarrant, MEd, MT(ASCP)SM^CM
Preceptors are key in a positive clinical student-learning environment. If preceptors do not know how to teach, they may dread their preceptor roles and feel stress and anxiety. This session will provide tips to teach preceptors so that they can offer a valuable educational experience for their students.

Cost Saving Consortium Programs: What are They and How Can They Reduce Your Budget?
Speaker: Alese Thompson, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Need to reduce your budget? Ever collaborate with other colleges and universities in your area? Do you wish you had more help running your program or teaching specific courses? If so, you may want to consider a consortium program model. This presentation will discuss the ins and outs of a consortium-based program, including budget and how it can make a program profitable.

On-Ramps to Learning—Incorporating Accessible Learning Practices to Increase Successful Outcomes for All Students
Speakers: Carol Rentas, PhD, MT(ASCP)SC & Rachel Morris, PhD, MT(ASCP)
The Americans with Disabilities (AD) Act (1990) requires the integration of persons with disabilities into all facets of society, including healthcare careers. In this session, we discuss the benefits of incorporating accessibility practices in medical lab curricula, methods to ensure increased accessibility, and professional implications of increased compliance with ADA requirements.

A Team Coordinator's Perspective on Preparing for a Site Visit
Speaker: Claude Rector, MA, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This session will explore the process of preparing for a NAACLS site visit from a team coordinator's perspective. A basic guide will be shared to relieve the stress level associated with a peer review of one’s clinical laboratory education program.

Laboratory Science Junior Faculty Survival Kit
Speaker: Letycia Nunez-Argote, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This presentation will provide perspectives and advice from junior faculty to those who have just started to teach at the undergraduate level in clinical laboratory science programs. The interactive format is designed to include faculty in the audience who can share their stories and ask questions.

A Blended Learning Model for Clinical Rotations
Speaker: Daniel González, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSC^CM
The recent pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for clinical education, in some cases forcing programs to delay graduation. During this session laboratory educators will review the educational foundations for clinical rotations and evaluate tools to provide meaningful and equitable clinical experiences when using a blended learning model for clinical rotations.

Speed Learning Presentation (This group of three presentations will be 15 minutes each with Q&A at the end.)

Revitalizing the Laboratory Administration Curriculum
Speaker: Melissa Wyatt, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
The incorporation of active learning strategies into the laboratory administration course to promote leadership within the medical laboratory science profession will be discussed. The laboratory administration course provides the opportunity to mentor our future leaders and encourage students to develop leadership roles.

Statistics, Space, and Student Working Groups: Broadening the Curve
Speaker: Virginia Hughes, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CMSBB
A statistics and research design course transitioned from a traditional classroom to a problem-based learning classroom leading to more group activities, student engagement, and higher grades. Evaluation, implementation, and ideas for group activities will be presented.

Learning Reflections in Clinical Laboratory Science—The Use of Journaling to Increase Student Engagement and Retention
Speaker: Hailey Westrick, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Reflection journaling is an effective approach to engage students in their overall learning experience. Critical reflection of learning and laboratory exercises allows students to bring their learning full-circle and guides students to reach their goals. This session will demonstrate various approaches to implement learning reflection into CLS curricula.

Use of Digital Imagery in Hematology: Objective Assessment of Cell Morphology Identification
Speaker: Beth Rawson, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSH
Traditional methods of judging student competency in morphology assessment lack objectivity. By asking students to find and capture examples of specific morphologic elements, it is possible to assess student understanding more effectively. Other uses of digital imagery in hematology will also be discussed.

In the Lab When You’re not There: Virtual Microbiology Lessons and Staying Connected
Speakers: Diane Cianciminio-Bordelon, MS, MT(ASCP) & Brigid Shanley, MS, MT(ASCP)
Student clinical laboratory rotations continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When testing shifted almost exclusively to COVID-19, students needed supplemental materials. This presentation offers suggestions on how students can virtually replicate clinical laboratory bench practices in the microbiology laboratory, access content, and remain connected to the academic institution.

What Should I Do Next? Scaffolding Blood Bank Case Studies
Speaker: Grace Leu-Burke, MS, MT(ASCP)
This presentation will show how to scaffold blood bank case studies to evolve as they would naturally occur in the clinical lab, allowing student decisions to dictate what the next step would be, including missteps. Using this approach, the instructor can engage students as together they decide, “What to do next.”

Student Activities in the Immunology Laboratory
Speakers: Claude Rector, MA, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Valerie Jalicke, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This session will explore various laboratory activities to help students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to practice in the clinical laboratory. Presenters will share both in-person and virtual lab exercises.

Incorporating Patient Blood Management (PBM) into MLS Training
Speaker: Laurie Gillard, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSBB
The presentation will discuss the principles of Patient Blood Management (PBM) and how to involve the MLS student in this interdisciplinary patient centered activity. An overview of PBM will be covered and examples of student projects, the outcomes, and student experiences will be shared.

Speed Learning Presentation (This group of three presentations will be 15 minutes each with Q&A at the end.)

Interactive Microbiology Case Studies: A Digital Supplement for Microbiology Lab
Speaker: Lauren Brooks, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This presentation will focus on a novel digital technique that is a modified case study presentation. The customization and knowledge assessment of the technique will be discussed, as well as the advantages as a supplement to microbiology lab at both hospital- and university-based programs.

Fundamentals of Molecular Diagnostics in a Resource Constrained Setting
Speaker: Elinette Albino, PhD, MT(ASCP)
Rapidly growing technology in molecular laboratories makes the implementation of an up-to-date training program for medical laboratory scientists difficult. Attendees will learn an approach to withstand the rapid changes in technology in the lab environment and still make it as transparent as possible, quickly adapting to the situation due to the strong core knowledge acquired.

Strategies for Teaching Blood Bank Laboratory in a University-Based MLS Program
Speaker: Brad Pfaltzgraff, MLS(ASCP)^CMMB
Blood bank student lab strategies vary between MLS programs due to difficulties in sample preparation, challenges in simulating real-world workflows, and discrepancies among learner results. This module aims to provide techniques to simplify sample preparation, authenticate simulation experiences, and standardize learner outcomes to provide a better learning environment for students.

When Silence isn’t Golden: Psychological Safety in Health Professions
Speaker: Tera Webb, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Why are people hesitant to ask questions or voice concerns? Why do we self-censor and remain silent? In this session, psychological safety, the prerequisite to speaking up, will be explored against the backdrop of health professions education and practice.

Killing Three Birds with One Stone: Staffing Student Labs, Strengthening Student Professionalism, and Recruiting for Our Program
Speakers: Emilea Haddox, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Jessica Lasiter, MHIM, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Debbie Wisenor, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This session will explore how one program uses two diverse courses to help produce job-ready graduates and contribute to MLS program success. Our seniors prepare and help staff our student laboratories, engage actively in program recruitment, and complete multiple projects that strengthen their professional skills and laboratory operations experience.

Speed Learning Presentation (This group of three presentations will be 15 minutes each with Q&A at the end)

The Effects of Preceptor Contention Among Students During Their Clinical Education
Speaker: LaDonna Moreland, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
The responsibility of the MLS professional is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills in an appropriate environment by serving as preceptors and clinical instructors. This session will discuss what happens when students encounter a negative clinical experience due to preceptor contention.

Wellbeing and Resiliency for Medical Laboratory Sciences Students
Speaker: Christine Maleck, MT(ASCP)CG
Learn about a course developed to support MLS students in discovering techniques and skills that they can develop to enhance their wellbeing and resilience as a student, which will continue to serve them in their career as a healthcare professional.

Meeting the Needs of Gen Z
Speaker: Giti Bayhaghi, MHS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Generation Z make up about 25 percent of the U.S. population and by 2021 will account for one-fifth of the workforce. Leadership will need to understand the work and benefits this generation will expect to recruit and keep these young employees, who offer valuable skills and a fresh perspective.

Speed Learning Presentations (This group of three presentations will be 15 minutes each with Q&A at the end.)

Cultivating Laboratory Leaders through Undergraduate Research
Speaker: Tara Moon, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Undergraduate research opportunities benefit students, faculty mentors, and the university. Incorporating a research project, along with a sound academic foundation, enables students to contribute knowledge to the profession and develop independent critical thinking and communication skills. The experience can influence and equip undergraduates for professional service and leadership roles.

Teaching and Modeling Professional Behavior in an MLT Classroom
Speaker: Marcella Fickbohm, MS, MT(ASCP)
Many new students have only worked at minimum wage jobs and do not know how to act professionally. The classroom is a perfect place to teach and model professional behavior for those students before they enter the work force.

Session: To Be Announced
Speaker: to be announced

Fostering Professionalism through Feedback
Speaker: Samantha Peterson, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Have you noticed your students struggling with professional and behavioral skills? You’re not alone! This presentation will take you on a journey of developing and embedding a framework of professionalism throughout an entire curriculum. Suggestions for programmatic standardization, alignment with essential functions and/or affective domain, and incorporating meaningful evaluation and feedback will be discussed.

Challenges and Opportunities for Service-Learning in MLS Education
Speakers: Ana Oliveira, DrPH, MS & Jenny Gao, PhD, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Service-learning is one of the best practices in teaching, which involves a meaningful practical experience, objectives aligned with the course objectives, and student reflections. This presentation will cover the basics of service-learning pedagogy and use course examples to discuss the challenges and opportunities of using service-learning in MLS education.

A Closer Look at the BOC: An Overview of the Certification Examination
Speakers: Patricia Tanabe, MPA, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Kathy Finnegan, MS, MT(ASCP)SH^CM & Susan Graham, MS, MT(ASCP)SH^CM
This session will include an overview of the Board of Certification (BOC) certification examination, including exam development and guidance on using the resources provided by the BOC.

Bridging the Gap for Rural Labs: Can Clinical Laboratory Education Programs Make an Impact?
Speakers: Nathan Johnson, PhD, MASCP, Jason Key, MEd, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Lindsey Clark, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM
This session will address the critical needs of rural laboratories and how clinical laboratory training programs can help. Specific strategies will be discussed to include recruitment of rural students, novel training programs, and determinants of success for rural clinical laboratory students.

Speed Learning Presentation (This group of three presentations will be 15 minutes each with Q&A at the end.)

Dare To Dream: A High School Outreach Program on the UW Campus
Speaker: Heather Eggleston, MEd
Learn about a unique recruitment program created by the University of Washington's MLS academic adviser and other health science partners. Dare to Dream Health Sciences Academy is a residential high school program for students from migrant communities in which participants receive experiential learning and college prep sessions introducing them to MLS and other health professions.

What Have You Done for Me Lately: Making Professional Associations Work for You and Your Students!
Speaker: Aaron Odegard, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CMSM
This session will explore how membership and active participation in a professional association can help you and your students. From enhancing your own promotion dossier to exposing your students to the latest professional trends, there is a host of benefits to assure your voices are heard.

HRSA SDS Grant: How Funding Helped Our Students
Speaker: Georgia McCauley, PhD, MT(AMT)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provided a funding opportunity in 2020 for Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS). This funding increases diversity in the health professions to provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with financial need, including students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups. The presenter will share funding priorities and student experiences their grant funding provided.

Promoting the MLS Profession through a Summer Immersion Program
Speakers: Cliff Cymrot, MHA, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Marcia Firmani, PhD, MT(ASCP)MB
This session will provide an overview of the summer program and discuss how this type of program can be a useful strategy to promote the laboratory science profession to STEM-minded students as they begin to consider baccalaureate degree options.

Graduate Future Laboratory Leaders Skilled in Interprofessional Collaboration
Speaker: Marisa James, MA, MLS(ASCP)^CM
Today’s laboratory students will likely advance to leadership positions quicker than previous generations. This session will provide several ideas and strategies you can easily implement in your program, including projects designed to develop strong interprofessional relationships, improve communication skills, and provide students with multiple opportunities to practice powerful leadership tactics.

Discovery Academy Programs for High Schools
Speakers: Tiffany Anderson, MLS(ASCP)^CM & Stacie Mason, MSEd, MLS(ASCP)^CM
We recently launched Phlebotomy and Clinical Laboratory Assistant Programs with high school students. This presentation will cover what worked, what didn't, and how we have laid things out. These programs have been a great way to promote our field to students earlier and helped some, who may not otherwise attend college, earn a college certificate.