Molecular diagnostics clinical laboratory science course design: making it real

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Medical Education

Background:

• Molecular diagnostic testing is crucial for clinical laboratory scientists (CLS).
• Knowledge of pathogen detection and inherited genetic disorders is essential for CLS.
• Current CLS programs incorporate human genetics and molecular diagnostics in varied formats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a commentary on the experience of designing a dedicated CLS molecular diagnostics course.
• To offer a flexible template for integrating molecular diagnostics into CLS curricula.
• To address the need for both theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular diagnostics for CLS.

Main Methods:

• The article presents a commentary based on practical experience.
• It details the design of a dedicated lecture and laboratory course.
• The approach focuses on a flexible template for curriculum integration.

Main Results:

• The commentary outlines specific details from the course design experience.
• A flexible template for a lecture and laboratory course is provided.
• The proposed course structure aims to impart theoretical and practical knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Integrating molecular diagnostics into CLS education is vital.
• A dedicated course with a flexible template can effectively train CLS in molecular diagnostics.
• This approach addresses the challenges of incorporating expensive methods into the curriculum.