December 21, 2018 Issue No. 2 Meet Your Educator Committee Back Row: Cindy Yates (CSMLS), Kimberly Wheelans (AB), Linda Kappel (SK), Denise Neutel (CSMLS), Jennifer O’Leary (ON), Greg Hardy (NL) Front Row: Kendra Soukeroff (BC), Irene Campo (MB), Krista Patriquin (AB), Nancy Lemelin (QC), Joël Rivero (Chair & AB) Check out the summary of their first meeting under Educator Committee Updates. Examination Cancellation Policy The certification Cancellation Policy has changed, if a candidate cancels their exam (either by their choice or they have not successfully completed their program) less than 14 days (0-13 days) before the exam date, there will be NO refund. Due to this change, the Verification Form sent to programs will be required to be submitted three weeks before the exam date (one week earlier than this past year). Currently, we ask for verification 14 days before the exam date, this will be moved to 21 days before the exam date. Examination Registration for Computer Based Testing Registration for the exam will now be a 2 stage process:
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. The cost is $95 for members and $125 for non-members. After completing the practice test, students will be able get a feel for the timing and pace required for the CSMLS Certification Exam. Additionally, it may help the candidates confirm whether they are prepared for the CSMLS MLA certification exam and may identify areas requiring additional study. Those registered for the February 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, which is available and free of charge ONLY to those who are registered for the February MLA certification exam. Instructions on how to enroll will be sent to those who have already registered for the exam. Diagnostic Cytology Announcement The CSMLS will continue to offer the Diagnostic Cytology certification examination in both English and French. In October 2018 the CSMLS announced that it would no longer offer a French language version of the Diagnostic Cytology examination as of January 1, 2019. While there have not been any Francophone exam candidates registered since 2014 and there are no accredited Diagnostic Cytology programs available in French, the CSMLS has since become aware of a few employer sponsored francophone students studying in non-accredited programs. The plan to get these students to the labour market included completing the PLA process and sitting the CSMLS certification examination. The CSMLS Board of Directors revisited the decision in light of this new information and has elected to continue to offer the examination in both languages until further notice. 2019 Certification Exam Fee Increase Reminder 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 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. |