Master of Science in Clinical Biology
Program Director
Sumera Ackbarali, M.S., Assistant Professor and Program Director, Medical Technology Specialization
Daniel Packert, M.S., Assistant Professor and Program Director, Histotechnology Specialization
Program Overview
This master’s program in clinical biology is designed to prepare clinical laboratory science professionals for career advancement by providing interdisciplinary educational opportunities in research, biotechnology, clinical practice and health law and ethics, and leadership. Students can choose between two different specializations: Laboratory Management and Histotechnology. Both options culminate in a capstone project, where the students will conduct a directed research project around a clinical-case study.
Laboratory Management Specialization
The Laboratory Management Specialization requires 31 graduate credit hours for graduation. Students may choose to attend part-time or full-time as their schedules allow, and may choose among a number of elective courses that meet their individual needs and interests. If attending on a full-time basis, students in this specialization option can complete their master’s degree in four semesters. This degree option will prepare the student for leadership positions in research, clinical practice, management, and industry.
Laboratory Management Specialization (B.S. to M.S. Option)
The seamless Bachelor of Science in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Medical Technology to Master of Science in Laboratory Management is an academic program available to eligible students in the B.S. Medical technology specialization. The program consists of 161 semester hours, separated into 130 undergraduate and 31 graduate semester hours. This seamless B.S. to M.S. option merges the NAACLS accredited Bachelor of Science in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Medical Technology with the advanced Master of Science in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Laboratory Management, allowing completion of the entire program in a period of 5 years. Students completing the program successfully will meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Medical Technology and the Master of Science in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Laboratory Management.
Histotechnology Specialization
The Histotechnology Specialization requires 32 graduate credit hours for graduation, and is designed to be completed in twelve months. Students must attend on a full-time basis. This degree option will prepare the student for leadership positions in research, industry and clinical practice.
Accreditation
Barry University’s Histotechnology Specialization Program and Medical Technology Specialization Program are approved by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, and accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS): 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018/Telephone: (773) 714‑3415 / Fax: (773) 714‑8886/E-mail: info@naacls.org/Website: www.naacls.org.
Mission and Philosophy
The philosophy of the Clinical Biology Program is consistent with the Barry University mission. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students achieve their goals and producing graduates who can make a difference as leaders in the international health care community. Existing as a scholarly community, we are committed to the highest academic standards in graduate education. As part of the Clinical Biology Program students will learn to grow as individuals committed to lifelong learning and social justice.
This mission of Clinical Biology aligns with the goals of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University. The mission of the Clinical Biology Program is to provide our graduates with the skills to apply scientific knowledge, while collaborating with others using verbal, written, and technological skills inherent to health care. We provide them the tools to engage in professional practices that adhere to the concepts of integrity, ethics, life-long learning, and patient advocacy.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the Program, all Program graduates will be able to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge of the sciences and advanced laboratory techniques in the management and analysis of tissue samples (Safe Laboratory Practice);
- Comprehend and apply knowledge, analyze case studies, and synthesize and apply the best available evidence as the basis for evaluating healthcare practices. (Critical Thinking) Synthesize and apply knowledge, skills, and the best available evidence to solve problems and advance safe clinical laboratory practice (Critical Thinking);
- Collaborate and communicate with others using verbal, written, and technological skills inherent to health care, healthcare professionals, and healthcare scientists (Communication); and
- Engage in professional practices that adhere to the concepts of integrity, ethics, life-long learning, and patient advocacy (Professionalism).
Program Objectives/Expected Learning Outcomes—Laboratory Management Specialization
The educational objectives for the Program correlate with the key domains of clinical laboratory practice: Safe Laboratory Practice, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Professionalism. Upon completion of the Program, the graduate shall have acquired knowledge, skills, and competence related to the key domains Program goals as evidenced by the ability to:
- Assume a leadership role in safe laboratory practice, policy development, and education (Safe Laboratory Practice, Critical Thinking);
- Demonstrate collaboration by actively engaging in interdisciplinary local and global community outreach efforts for health promotion (Communication, Professionalism);
- Participate in health-related research and scholarship (Professionalism);
- Demonstrate technology skills to enhance overall lifelong learning through continuing education (Communication, Professionalism); and
- Demonstrate achievement of the Program’s objectives and synthesis of educational activities by completing a scholarly work in the form of a research project (Safe Laboratory Practice, Critical Thinking, Communication, Professionalism).
Program Objectives/Expected Learning Outcomes—Histotechnology Specialization
The educational objectives for the Program correlate with the key domains of clinical laboratory practice: Safe Laboratory Practice, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Professionalism. Upon completion of the Program, the graduate shall have acquired knowledge, skills, and competence related to the key domains as evidenced by the ability to:
- Competently demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for safe histotechnology clinical laboratory practice (Safe Laboratory Practice, Critical Thinking);
- Demonstrate collaboration by actively engaging in interdisciplinary local and global community out-reach efforts for health promotion (Communication, Professionalism);
- Participate in health-related research and scholarship (Professionalism);
- Demonstrate technology skills to enhance overall lifelong learning through continuing education (Communication, Professionalism); and
- Demonstrate achievement of the Program’s objectives and synthesis of educational activities by completing a scholarly work in the form of a research project (Safe Laboratory Practice, Critical Thinking, Communication, Professionalism).
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university with appropriate undergraduate/graduate credits in biology.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Deference is given to the last sixty hours of undergraduate work. Applicants with a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university will have their graduate GPA included for admissions consideration.
- Official satisfactory scores, as determined by the Admissions Committee, from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within five years of application. GRE scores are evaluated in the context of the overall application package submitted by the applicant.
- Two letters of recommendation in support of graduate work
A personal interview is required and arranged only by invitation after the applicant’s admissions file is reviewed and the candidate deemed eligible. All applicants who do not give evidence of being native English speakers or who have not graduated from an institution where English is a primary language of instruction are required to submit scores of the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL paper-based test total score of 600, or a minimum computer-based test score of 250, or a minimum Internet-based total score of 100 is required for admission.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Students are responsible for all material and assignments covered in every course and all examinations, including all unannounced quizzes. Attendance at scheduled exams is mandatory. Examinations may be given outside of normal class hours due to space or time limitations. Acceptance of excuses for absences and administration of make-up examinations are solely at the discretion of the instructor.
Non-Academic Requirements
Vision
- Read charts, labels, graphs, materials with the aid of a microscope; discriminate colors and record results.
Speech and Hearing
- Communicate effectively using standard English, and assess non-verbal information.
- Skills necessary to operate instruments and manipulate tools.
Psychological Skills
- Possess the emotional health required to utilize full intellectual abilities.
- Recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions.
Curriculum
The curriculum is reflective of a program of graduate study that provides for intense and analytic exploration of laboratory and clinical science, professional practice, technological applications, and research methodology.
Students will have the opportunity to develop skills that prepare them for leadership positions in health sciences, research, and industry.
Progression Requirements
- Students must comply with policies related to the Academic Dishonesty Policy and Civility Policy. Failure to do so will prevent progression.
- A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or above to progress.
- Receipt of a failing grade is cause for dismissal from the Program.
- Students may not progress in the Program while on a Medical Leave of Absence.
- Students may not begin a new semester with a grade of ‘I’ grade in a didactic from the previous semester without the permission of the Program Director.
- A student must successfully complete a semester to progress to the next semester.
- Students who are dismissed from the program may re-apply for admission. Readmission is not guaranteed.
Graduation Requirements
M.S. with a specialization in Laboratory Management: Completion of 31 semester credit hours, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) and no more than 6 semester credit hours of C grade is required for graduation. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated and replaced with grades of B or better. Successful completion of the Capstone Project is a requirement for graduation. The granting of the degree or certificate must not be contingent upon the student passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.
M.S. with a specialization in Histotechnology: Completion of 32 semester credit hours, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) and no more than 6 semester credit hours of C grade is required for graduation. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated and replaced with grades of B or better. Successful completion of the Capstone Project is a requirement for graduation.
The granting of the degree or certificate must not be contingent upon the student passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.
Grading Policy
The following grades may be recorded for a course:
| A |
= |
90–100 points |
| B |
= |
80–89points |
| C |
= |
70–79points |
| D |
= |
60–69points |
| F |
= |
Below 60 points |
| I |
= |
Incomplete |
| IP |
= |
In Progress (incomplete internship, project); students have six months to complete the course requirements or the grade will be converted to an “F.” |
| W |
= |
Withdrew from course before the withdrawal deadline. |
*An ‘I’ grade is not automatically given for absence from class or incomplete work. An ‘I’ grade will need to be requested in writing by the student to the course instructor when course assignments have not been satisfactorily completed. A substantial portion of the required coursework and assignments/assessments, as determined by the faculty member, should be complete to qualify for an ‘I’ grade. Students who are granted an ‘I’ grade in a course must complete all the course requirements by the date set by the Registrar’s Office. An ‘I’ grade becomes an F if assignments are not completed.
Immunization and Physical Examination
Before attending the Clinical Experience, the student must present proof of medical insurance, physical examination, and current immunizations to include annual TB screening (PPD), Diphtheria Inoculation Tetanus (DTP), MMRx2, and Hepatitis B. These documents must be presented before the student will be allowed to progress to Clinical Experience status. Immunizations and physical examinations are done at the student’s expense.
Program Policies and Procedures
Students are responsible for compliance with the policies of Barry University and the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Since these policies are under constant scrutiny the College of Nursing & Health Sciences reserves the right to change any provisions or requirement in this document at any time within a student’s term of enrollment.
Information technology resources are integral to the education of the graduate student. Barry University provides a number of information technology resources to students, including email, Internet and intranet services, Web Advisor, library services, and access to computer laboratories (see catalog section for Division of Information Technology). Many course instructors provide student access to course materials on the Blackboard Learning System and communicate with students through email.
Email is considered the standard and official means of communication between the faculty, staff, and students of the Clinical Biology Program. For that reason, students must monitor and maintain their Barry University (mymail.barry.edu) email accounts. Due to identity and privacy concerns, administration, faculty, and staff of the Clinical Biology Program may refuse to respond to email messages from students who use external email providers.
Participation in the Clinical Experience
Participation in the Clinical Experience is a requirement for students in the histotechnology specialization program and is contingent upon successful completion of all didactic coursework. Students may be required to relocate during the clinical session. Students must be financially prepared to enter into and complete the program. Students must be able to provide their own transportation during the Clinical Experience. Every student in the Clinical Experience must secure and retain primary care health insurance coverage that meets the Barry University requirements. Coverage must remain in effect at all times while registered in the school. The University maintains liability insurance for each student entering the Clinical Experience at affiliate sites. There will be an annual fee of $50 charged to the participating student’s account.
The minimum passing grade for each Clinical Experience is: CLB 547 Clinical Experience, “73” (C) or higher.
The grading scale for the Clinical Experience courses only is as follows:
| 93–100 |
= |
A |
| 83–92 |
= |
B |
| 73–82 |
= |
C |
Academic Integrity and Behavior
Promotion of academic integrity and ethical professional academic behavior are objectives of the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Refer to the policies and procedures section of this catalog and the Barry University Student Handbook for definitions of cheating and plagiarism.
Academic Advising
Every student matriculating into the Clinical Biology Program is assigned an academic advisor by the Program Director. Students are required to make their own academic decisions after consultation with the advisor. The advisor’s role is to advise the student but the final decision is the responsibility of the student.
Readmission
Students who have been academically inactive for at least one calendar year and who wish to be readmitted must complete an application for readmission. Readmission is contingent upon approval of the Admissions Committee and Program Director.
Master of Science, Laboratory Management Specialization (31 credits)
Required Science Courses (19 credits)
Health Services Administration Courses (9 credits)
Electives (3 credits)
Choose from the following:
Fifteen-month program for full-time students. Upon completion, students receive a Master of Science in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Laboratory Management.
Master of Science, Histotechnology Specialization (32 credits)
Required Courses (32 credits)
Fall
Spring
Summer
Twelve-month program for full-time students. Upon completion, students will receive a Master of Science degree in Clinical Biology with a Specialization in Histotechnology and will be eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) histotechnologist (HTL) examination.