September 25th, 2018 Issue No. 1 Welcome to Faculty Focus! This enewsletter will connect medical laboratory educators and CSMLS on an ongoing basis. Each issue will be archived on the Educator’s Hub section of the CSMLS website. Click here to go to the Educator’s Hub. MLA Practice Test We are excited to announce the addition of a practice test to help candidates prepare for the CSMLS Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certification exam. The practice test will give those preparing for CSMLS MLA certification an understanding of how actual exam questions are structured as well as an understanding of the pacing needed to complete the exam within the allotted 2.5 hours. The practice test consists of 150 questions covering all MLA competencies. After completing the practice test, students will be able to identify areas that may require additional study and confirm whether they are prepared for the CSMLS MLA certification exam. Those registered for the October MLA certification exam will receive an email notifying them of the availability of this practice test. Knowledge in ECG Certificate CSMLS is aware of current and potential task shifting with regards to ECG. Employers are starting to look for confirmation of ECG competence, and we are delighted to support our member’s needs with our new Knowledge in Electrocardiography (ECG) Certificate. The purpose of this certificate is to verify ECG proficiency of the candidates as this subject is not tested on the certification exam. To receive this certificate, candidates need to pass a 25-question quiz. It is only available to those who are registered for the October MLA certification exam and is free for them to take. Instructions on how to enrol will be sent to those who have already registered for the exam. Uniting Simulation Education November 15, 2018, Hotel Arts, Calgary, AB SIM-one and CSMLS are collaborating to create medical laboratory-specific, educator-based simulation training centred on SIM-one’s Keystone Certificate Program. This collaboration is in alignment with the CSMLS position statement on the “Use of Simulation to Reduce Clinical Placement Hours,” and prior research. The event will be held in English only. CSMLS will also utilize the event to conduct two exercises:
Registration and event details will be released via eNEWS and the CSMLS website. Questions? Email research@csmls.org. Notice regarding CSMLS Diagnostic Cytology Exam offering As of January 1, 2019, the CSMLS Diagnostic Cytology Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) certification exam will be available in English only. At the current time, there are three Canadian accredited Diagnostic Cytology programs, offered in English. There have been no French Cytology candidates since 2014. As the national certification body for Medical Laboratory Technologists and Medical Laboratory Assistants, the CSMLS offers the General MLT certification exam and the MLA certification exam in both French and English. The national Clinical Genetics MLT certification exam is available in English only (two Canadian accredited programs, offered in English). As needs arise, we evaluate offering certification exams in both languages. 2019 Certification Exam Fee Increase The following certification fee increases will apply for the 2019 June and October exam sessions following Board approval. 2019 June and October Exam Fees* *Registration fees subject to change Help your students get on the right career path CSMLS recently conducted a public awareness survey to Canadians about medical laboratory assistants and the results were clear.
We will be sending more materials to the educator community about these results in the coming weeks. CJMLS welcomes scientific contributions from students As an educator, you teach students the skills necessary to integrate smoothly into the medical laboratory. You encourage them to take their career paths seriously and to take opportunities offered to them to grow their reputation in the field. CSMLS is currently accepting scientific submissions to our quarterly publication, the Canadian Journal of Medical Laboratory Science (CJMLS), from students in medical laboratory technologist/assistant programs in Canada. Interested students can review CJMLS Guidelines for Authors of Scientific Feature Articles and direct questions to editor@csmls.org. Become a member of the CSMLS Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee recruits CSMLS members for open Board of Directors positions. They prepare the slate of nominations and review the final ballot before it is released. Positions available (2019–2021 term):
Interested in applying? Submit a letter of application to: Mary Costantino, Chair 2018 Nominating Committee, Or email Miriam Gracey, Executive Assistant (miriamg@csmls.org) Must be a member in good standing to apply. Application Deadline: October 15, 2018. If you have any questions or would like additional information on any of the topics listed, please contact certification@csmls.org. |