Practicum I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MLAB-2266-001 Practicum I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 16 practicum)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

• Amarillo College Picture ID Badge
• Program specific scrubs (Black scrub bottoms and black scrub top)
• Laptop/Notebook with internet access
• Registration with Trajecsys
• Pocket size spiral notebook
• Calculator
• Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference (previously purchased)

Student Performance

COURSE OUTCOMES

Apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry. The student will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities publication contains policies, regulations and procedures that include a Code of Conduct, and Alcohol and Drug policies. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by its provisions. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the MLT program. 

PHONES/HEADPHONES

Cell phones are disruptive, unprofessional, and are not to be used in the clinical site. Phones should be silenced and put away during clinical rotations. If you anticipate an emergency during practicum time, please communicate with the clinical site/MLT faculty. Headphones are not to be used while in the laboratory.   

DRESS CODE

1. Students will be required to wear black slacks or black scrub pants (no sweat pants or black jeans) and a black blouse, black shirt or black scrub top. Black MLT T-shirts are allowed on Fridays only. If the student is in doubt about the suitability of his/her attire, he/she should contact either the MLT faculty or the MLT Program Director. Students should make sure that clothing is clean and is neat.

2. Shoes will be close toed, low-heeled and soft soled nursing shoes or athletic shoes.

3. Student's hair must be clean, secured back off of the face and of a style that is professional in appearance.  Hair color must be a naturally occurring color.  Hats will not be worn at any time while at the practicum sites.

4. Students may not wear excessive cologne, perfume or after-shave while in the practicum setting.

5. Student’s fingernails must be short and not painted. Any type of artificial nails are not allowed.

6. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Earrings and bracelets must not be loose or dangling.

7. An Amarillo College picture name tag MUST be worn at all times while in the practicum facility. Some facilities require additional badges that are supplied by the facility. 

8. Students will maintain good hygiene at all times. Common sense should dictate that all students must shower at least daily, brush their teeth, use deodorant, and wear a clean uniform to practicum each day.

9. Failure to comply with the dress code will result in dismissal from practicum for that day. The time missed must be made-up prior to the end of that rotation. There will be no excuses made for noncompliance with the dress code.

SERVICE WORK

A Medical Laboratory Technology student must not be used to substitute for regular laboratory staff during the hours of his or her assigned practicum rotation.

1. A student may hold a laboratory job outside of the practicum rotation hours, but this service will not be applied or take the place of the assigned rotation hours. In other words, a student may not be paid for work that takes place during the assigned hours for the practicum rotation.

2. Service work by students in practicum/clinical facilities, outside of the regular hours assigned for practicum/clinical rotations must not be compulsory.

3. After demonstrating proficiency, students, with qualified supervision, may be permitted to perform actual laboratory procedures.

STUDENT INJURIES

If a student is injured in the clinical/practicum setting, it is his/her responsibility to notify the MLT faculty or Program Director, (806-354-6060) IMMEDIATELY. If the student is unable to notify MLT program officials, due to the nature of their injury, then it is the responsibility of the Clinical Supervisor to notify program officials. Injuries include needlesticks, cuts, falls, splashes, etc.

STUDENT LIABILITY AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE

All students enrolled in a clinical/practicum course are required to purchase Student Liability/Accident Insurance as part of their fees each semester they are enrolled in practicum.

IMMUNIZATIONS/DRUG SCREENING/BACKGROUND CHECKS

All MLT students are required to subscribe to Complio for tracking of immunizations, drug screens, and background checks. Each student must submit documentation of immunizations to Complio and submit to, and pass, a drug screen prior to beginning their clinical/practicum rotations. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the immunization/drug screening process. If the student had a previous subscription to Complio, such as the subscription used in phlebotomy/other program, they must change the package type and keep the subscription active throughout MLT clinicals. Additionally, the clinical facility may require a drug screen and/or background check to be submitted at any time.   

WHILE AT THE CLINICAL SITES:

DO:

1. Be on time. You will be required to clock in and out each day using the Trajecsys Report System. You will clock in and out using either your smart phone or any computer in the laboratory (check for the facilities preference). Location is logged when clocking in or out. You must have location settings on while clocking in/out.

2. Dress appropriately, and in a professional manner. (See dress code in the syllabus)

3. Be courteous to all employees, even if they are somewhat brusque or unfriendly to you. Clinical instructors are not paid or compensated by the college for instruction, and unfortunately, some may resent having to teach.  YOUR positive attitude can make all the difference in the clinical lab!

4. Be willing to do tasks assigned by the clinical instructor or the employee with whom you are working. If you are asked to draw blood, empty trash, check temperatures do so willingly. (See service work policy)

5. If the student has to be late or absent from the clinical site, the student is required to call the clinical department AND the instructor at least 1 hour before anticipated arrival. Notification is part of the clinical evaluation. If the student fails to notify the clinical site and/or the instructor, 10% will automatically be deducted from their total Practicum grade. The student must also make arrangements with the clinical department to make up any missed time. 

6. Plan to make up any timed missed. Three excused absences, with documentation, will be allowed within each clinical semester, but the time missed must be made up within 10 days of when it occurs. It is the responsibility of the student to coordinate with the clinical site and also communicate make up time arrangements with the faculty. 

7. Expect your performance at the clinical site to be discussed between the clinical coordinator/instructor, program director, and the technologist/technician with whom you work. Feedback may be given verbally or through evaluations submitted through Trajecsys. 

8. Maintain the same work schedule, including coffee breaks and lunch, as the employees with whom you are working. Do not stretch these out past the time the employees return to work.

9. Try to find answers to individual job procedures on your own, once these have been explained, but don't be afraid to ask questions if you can’t. They would rather have you do it right than not ask.          

10. Remember that CONFIDENTIALITY is a key concept in health care

11. Patient results should NOT be taken out of the facility, even if you have generated them.

12. Refrain from gossiping about patients, doctors or other employees. 

13. Discuss any problems you may be having with your clinical instructor. Do not hesitate to call.

DON'T:                       

1. DON'T criticize a facility's methods. You can ask "why" they choose to do things a certain way, but no one wants to hear "At XYZ Hospital we did (do) it another way", or “At AC they told us……….”

2. DON'T make ANY copies of personal material, other than those permitted to complete your assignments, and only that with written permission.

3. DON'T do personal work at the clinical site. If there is downtime, you may use it to study/work on practicum assignments, or review the facilities procedure manuals. You may NOT read unrelated materials, such as novels, scroll through social media, make personal phone calls, etc. 

4. DON'T allow yourself to become involved in employee-employer, or employee-employee disputes. You may listen, but keep any opinions/comments to yourself. You are likely to hear only one side of the dispute, which is inadequate for objective judgment.

5. DON'T gossip or repeat gossip about patients, doctors or employees.

6. DON'T leave the lab without telling someone (clinical instructor or employee with whom you are working) where you are going and when you will be back.

7. DON'T expect all employees with whom you work to know WHY they do something a certain way. Often times, there is more than one way to do things. 

8. DON'T expect to be "useful" to the department. Your work has to be checked by the employees, and that slows them down. It is a "plus" for both of you if your accuracy shows you can be left to do some work on your own, but first it will have to be checked to determine your level of accuracy.

9. DON'T resent doing something that has already been done, e.g. doing glucose on the morning run. While it may look like "busy work" to you, it is the simplest way for you to have immediate check on the accuracy of your own work, and it disrupts the workflow the least. It is a learning experience and that is first and foremost what the practicum experience is designed for.

10. DON'T expect to receive the amount of attention from either clinical instructor or employees with whom you work as you do in school. Be prepared to look up things you have forgotten or don't know before you ask questions. Appropriate resource materials are available at the clinical sites. Keep in mind that most questions can be answered by reviewing the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). 

11. DON'T bring personal problems to the work bench. The Counseling Center and Advocacy and Resource Center are useful resources, please utilize them. 

12. DON'T argue with any of the technologists. You are only in their department for a short time. The technologists are employed by the clinical site and their word will carry more weight with the hospital. If a problem arises, that requires immediate attention, call the MLT office at 354-6060 or 354-6059. If an instructor is not in the office, please leave a message and an instructor will return your call as soon as possible.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems through the instructor. If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Program Director, the Dean/Division Committee (Kim Boyd), Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (Becky Burton), Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

The technologist in charge at the affiliated facility, with input from the other practicum instructors, will prepare evaluation forms at the end of each departmental rotation.

Each of the following departments will receive a grade during Practicum I/II:

• Blood Bank
• Chemistry
• Microbiology 
• Hematology/Coagulation 
• Urinalysis 
• Small Facilities 
• In House Clinicals/Lab Assist 

The total points earned for each rotation is derived from the following:

a. Student Department Task List Score (45% of the total grade for a rotation): All tasks performed during a given rotation are graded on a basis of 0-120 points by the clinical site. The points are only given for tasks performed, and there is no penalty for tasks that are not performed by the students during a given rotation.

b.  Student Professional Evaluation Score (40% of the total grade for a rotation): All items are graded on a basis of 0-120 points. The total number of points is added and that number is divided by the number of items. The result is the average number of points for all items in the professional evaluation, during a given rotation. Points are only awarded for categories that are applicable to a given rotation and that have been graded by the clinical site. There is no penalty for categories that are not graded by the practicum instructor for a given rotation.

c. Study Questions/Department Exit Exams/Practicum Journal: 15% of the total grade for a rotation

• Study Questions: All rotations will have a set of study questions that directly correlates with the rotations. The study questions are to be completed by the student and turned in BEFORE the first day of that particular rotation. The study questions can be found in Blackboard under the appropriate rotation title. The student’s study questions are to be typed into the study question document and then submitted through the Blackboard dropbox.

• Department Exit Exam - This exam will cover the department in which the student is currently in or just completed. It can be completed at any time during the clinical rotation and the student must score at least a 75% in order for the grade to be recorded. Instructions on how to complete the exam are found in Blackboard. If a student does not reach the goal of 75% for the department exam, they will receive a zero in the gradebook for that portion of their clinical grade. These exams must be completed by Sunday night following the end of the rotation. 

• Practicum Journal: Entries must be completed on the weekend after the rotation is completed and should include the department name, people you worked with, instruments you worked with, and tests that you performed. Due by the Monday following the rotation at 8 am.

d.  Site Evaluation: Each student must complete a site evaluation for each clinical site. This is due by the Monday following the rotation at 8 am. This site evaluation is to obtain student feedback of the clinical site. Please be honest, but professional, when completing the evaluations. 

The following grade scale will be used for the course:

A = 90.0 - 100.0% of the total number of points possible

B = 80.0 - 89.9% of the total number of points possible

C = 70.0 - 79.9% of the total number of points possible

F = < 69.9% of the total number of points possible

A grade of D is not possible in this course. 

Grade Deductions/Additional points

Deduction or addition of points from the total number possible in a given rotation is based on the following:

A. Addition of 10% of total points – Receipt of "Favorable Incident Report" from clinical site.

B. Deduction of 10% of total points – Receipt of “Unfavorable Incident Report” from clinical site.

C. Deductions for attendance problems (see below)

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend their clinical rotations.

Time records from Trajecsys will be reviewed frequently.  Incomplete time records will result in a loss of credit for practicum hours for that day and must be made up. The student should set his/her watch to the time clock/main clock at his/her practicum site to avoid an incidence of tardiness. Deductions from the student evaluation will be based on the information on the time card, as well as observations made by the practicum instructors. Deductions will be as follows:

• First incidence of tardiness, absence, and/or abuse of breaks: 10-pt deduction
• More than two incidences of tardiness/absence/abuse of breaks: Additional 3-pt deduction per incidence

The assigned hours during the practicum rotation must be fulfilled. If at any time a scheduled rotation day or hour must be missed, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the practicum department AND the MLT faculty an hour before they are expected to arrive at the facility. Notification is part of the practicum evaluation. Failure to do so will affect your evaluation and result in an unfavorable incident report (10% off the final grade for a given rotation). The student must make arrangements with the practicum department to make up any missed time as discussed previously.

Three excused absences, with documentation, will be allowed during each practicum semester, but the time missed must be made up within 10 school days of when it occurs. The exception is the end of the semester. If a student has time remaining to be made up at the end of the fall semester, he/she must make up the time before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday of final exam week. Absences of more than three days, regardless of the reason, will result in a full letter grade deduction, for each additional occurrence, for the entire course. Any time missed that is not fully made up within 10 school days of its occurrence, or by the end of the semester or 8-week course, will result in full letter grade deduction for that rotation.

Excused absences are as follows, with documentation being presented to the MLT Faculty and practicum site instructor, on the first day after returning from the absence:

• Illness, with official medical documentation
• Illness of immediate family member, with official medical documentation
• Death of a family member, with appropriate documentation
• Amarillo College designated holiday (ex. Thanksgiving) or cancellation of classes by Amarillo College due to inclement weather. Students are responsible for listening to the local TV, radio stations, and/or Amarillo College's notification system to determine whether to not classes have been canceled. Students will NOT be excused from rotations due to inclement weather if Amarillo College declines to cancel classes for the day. If the student is at an out-of-town facility, the student is to determine what the local schools are doing (ex. If the student is in Hereford and Hereford schools are closed = the student is excused; If the student is in Hereford and Hereford schools are open = the student must attend clinicals). In addition, students should notify their practicum site if classes have been canceled and if the student will not be attending practicum for the day.
• Any other absence will be treated as an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences automatically result in a full letter grade deduction. There will be no exceptions.

BREACH OF CONDUCT

If a student fails to observe any policy of the practicum facility, or of the MLT program, an Unfavorable Incident Report may be written by the technologist in charge or by the MLT practicum instructor or Program Director. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while at the clinical facilities. Breaches of conduct include, but are not limited to:

A. Violation of patient confidentiality

B. Violation of hospital and laboratory confidentiality

C. Refusal to perform assigned tasks, or arguing with Practicum instructors regarding assigned tasks.

D. Disrespect paid by the student toward Practicum instructors, technicians/technologists and/or patients

E. Violation of laboratory policies

F. Endangerment of patients

Violation of patient, hospital or laboratory confidentiality can occur by 1) discussing patient medical information with other students, 2) by “gossiping” with persons at other practicum facilities, or 3) by repeating or relating any information from conversations between laboratory personnel, to anyone, unless given clear permission to do so.

The first incident of Breach of Conduct will result in an overall 10% reduction in the grade for that rotation, as well as a conference with the Practicum Instructor and/or the MLT program director.

The second incident will result in a conference with the Practicum Instructor and/or MLT program director, department failure, and will necessitate repetition of the entire department. If a second incident of Breach of Conduct is committed, but in a different department or clinical site from the first incident, the student will receive an overall 10% deduction in his/her grade for the semester, as well as a conference with the Practicum Instructor and/or the MLT program director.

A third incident of Breach of Conduct is classified as a grave misdemeanor, and will result in complete termination from the clinical facility, a “F” in the course, and dismissal from the MLT Program. 

Complete termination from the practicum facility may result at any time, for any reason, at the discretion of the clinical instructor or facility. Termination automatically results in an "F" for the course and dismissal from the MLT program. All student disciplinary actions will be in compliance with the policies set forth by Amarillo College.

Department/Course failure - If a student fails one practicum rotation, that was not a result of failure to follow MLT program and facility policies, he/she will be allowed to repeat that department, at another facility, at the end of the established practicum rotation and receive an incomplete for the course. It is the responsibility of the student to secure permission from another facility in which to repeat their department rotation. The facility must be accredited and have an affiliation agreement with Amarillo College. Upon satisfactory completion of the department at the other facility, the incomplete will be removed and the points earned for both rotations will be averaged and the grade calculated on the basis of the average number of points. If he/she fails the same rotation a second time, a grade of "F" will be given for the course for that semester. 

Attendance

"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class in accordance with the requirements of the course as established by the instructor." (Amarillo College Student's Rights and Responsibilities Publication).

The Health Sciences Division follows established attendance requirements for all classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. Students should refer to their program handbook or course syllabus for specific attendance standards. Absences will be monitored and evaluated to determine a student's final course grade. Student absenteeism jeopardizes the completion of the course. 

Calendar

Additional Information