Goals, Core Values & Career Entry Competencies

Goals

In accordance with the philosophy and purposes of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Department of Medical and Research Technology (DMRT) is committed to the following goals: 

• to encourage professional and academic advancement, a commitment to life-long learning, and active participation in professional societies;
• to encourage the practice of moral and ethical values relating to patient-centered care;
• to assist students in developing competency in analytical decision-making, thus preparing them to make appropriate judgments in their professional life;
• to assist students to develop enhanced skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and skills in oral and written expression;
• to provide the opportunity for student participation in a laboratory setting designed to offer experiences required of an entry-level Medical Laboratory Scientist;
• to provide and foster student professional development, high standards of  achievement, and interactions among other health care practitioners;
• to provide a level of instruction which maintains a progressive and positive educational environment;
• to support a graduate curricula which serves as a natural extension of professional development for those who desire to serve in leadership roles in management, practice, education, and research in the field of medical laboratory science/biotechnology science research.

Core Values

As part of our mission to develop laboratory scientists, the DMRT faculty and staff work collaboratively to cultivate the following core values for the DMRT Classroom:

• Academic Excellence
• Effective Teamwork
• Good Citizenship
• Fairness
• Civility and Respect
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Responsibility for Patient Care and Confidentiality
• Commitment to Life-long Learning

Career Entry Competencies

One of the goals of the rotation placement is to ensure that each student leaves the Department with an understanding of the behavioral standards of the profession and that each student demonstrates a willingness to adhere to these standards.  Following the completion of Department of Medical and Research Technology didactic coursework and rotation placement/externship, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

1. produce high-quality and timely work to support value-added laboratory services;
2. develop technical skills  to organize time, materials, and equipment to perform procedures efficiently;
3. apply knowledge of testing principles and limitations to basic troubleshooting;
4. apply adequate knowledge of technology involved in the clinical laboratory;
5. evaluate published literature as applies to the profession;
6. analyze  procedures using sound judgment before attempting to undertake them, requesting assistance when necessary;
7. actively participate in performing assigned duties with attention to accuracy and cost efficiency;
8. be self-directed and responsible for his/her work;
9. communicate effectively, professionally and civilly at all times to enable consultative interactions with members of the health care/research team, external relations, customer service and patient/subject education;
10. comply with institutional policies regarding:
    • ~ work practices and processes,
    • ~ work schedules and proper “in-time” attendance such as arriving on time and limiting unscheduled absences,
    • ~ issues of confidentiality,
    • ~ dress code and appearance,
    • ~ biomedical and chemical safety practices,
    • ~ total quality management and/or good laboratory practices
    • ~ management of discrepancies;
     
11. adjust his/her schedule to accommodate completion of tasks/projects and institutional objectives;
12. work effectively with supervisory personnel by accepting constructive feedback;
13. maintain composure, work quality, and professional relations with others, even under stressful conditions;
14. contribute to a positive environment in the workplace