CLEC 2021 ComputerThe 2021 Virtual Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC), February 25-27, will offer a wide range of timely topics, providing you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape for the clinical laboratory education community. The program was designed to provide you with tips and tools that you can implement in your program, as well as stimulate dialogue about your most pressing issues.

The all-virtual format allows you to participate in more than 40 hours of P.A.C.E.®-approved continuing education on a flexible schedule and come together with your community of clinical laboratory educators for support and camaraderie. Receive access to all session recordings for 30 days after the event, and design an individual meeting schedule that fits your work and personal life. Register by December 30 to get the early bird rate and save $100 off the final registration rate.

Below is a sampling of sessions that will address the challenges you face every day. Access the full session list to learn more about the dozens of valuable learning opportunities.

  1. A Closer Look at the BOC: An Overview of the Certification Examination
    Speakers: Patricia Tanabe, MPA, MLS(ASCP)CM; Kathy Finnegan, MS, MT(ASCP)SHCM; and Susan Graham, MS, MT(ASCP)SHCM
    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.

  2. Preceptor Training to Improve Student Learning and the Preceptor Experience
    Speaker: Angela Tarrant, MEd, MT(ASCP)SMCM
    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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.”

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

New to Medical Laboratory Education?

Attend the New Educator Workshop (NEW) on Thursday, February 25, 9-11:30 am Central. In its second offering, the interactive New Educator Workshop will focus on the professional development of early-career educators and ways they can set themselves up for success. Topics include:

  • Preparing for reappointment, promotion, and tenure
  • The importance of mentor-mentee relationships
  • Opportunities for professional development and achieving work-life balance
  • Experienced Educator Panel – Ask the Experts!
  • Online Education Resources Available

Additional registration is required for NEW ($75 for ASCLS members/$95 for non-members). Participants can earn 2.0 hours of P.A.C.E.® credit.