Program Expectations

Molecular Diagnostic Science students are expected to:

1. Comply with the UNC-CH Honor Code and UNC Campus Code.

2. Report to classes and laboratories (while on campus) on time and notify the appropriate instructor in case of unavoidable delay or absence.

3. Come to campus for orientation, laboratory sessions, Capstone seminar presentation, and graduation ceremony.

4. Complete course assignments on time.

5. Work cooperatively with instructors, students, and other laboratory personnel.

6. Maintain grades of Pass (75%) or higher in all MDS courses.

7. Follow all safety guidelines as outlined in the Safety Objectives.

8. Participate in clinical rotations at times designated by the MDS program (e.g. some rotations start at 7:00 am)

9. Meet the MDS program’s technical standards.

10. Conform to the CLS Division dress code while on campus for classes and/or labs and clinical rotations.

11. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals and the public.

12. Demonstrate ethical standards in all matters related to medical information and patient care.

Health Status

Your health status may affect your ability to perform patient-care activities in the clinical laboratory science program. All MDS students are required to meet immunization requirements to protect the health of patients.

In addition, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a policy concerning students who are involved in patient-care activities and are HIV infected and/or HBV infected. All MDS students are encouraged to know their HIV and hepatitis status. Any student who knows or believes that he/she is infected with HIV or hepatitis is obligated to disclose this information (on a confidential basis) so that appropriate action may be taken to protect patients and the student's own health. If you have any questions about this, please contact the CLS program director.

The full policy is located at http://www.unc.edu/campus/policies/hiv_hbv.html

Criminal Background Checks

In response to Joint Commission mandates, the Division of CLS will be conducting criminal background checks on all students before they begin clinical rotations. Results of the checks will be shared with applicable clinical sites so that they may make a determination about a student's eligibility. A conviction may affect a student's eligibility for participation in clinical rotations and program completion. Please note that participation in clinical rotations is mandatory for degree confirmation. If you have any questions about this, please contact the CLS program director.