Program Overview

Introduction to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program

The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences program at the University of Connecticut is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of genetic sciences. The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of genetic sciences.

Essential Program Requirements

The NAACLS requires the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences program to publish a list of essential program functions. These essential requirements reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the UConn DGS program. The standards are not conditions of admission to the program, but rather a guide for students to understand the skills and abilities required to succeed in the program.

Essential Observational Requirements

The DGS student must be able to:

• observe laboratory demonstrations in which biological samples (blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, solid tissue) are tested
• characterize the color, clarity, and viscosity of biologicals, reagents, and chemicals
• employ a binocular microscope to discriminate among fine structural differences of microscopic specimens
• comprehend text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and on a video monitor or screen

Essential Movement Requirements

The DGS student must be able to:

• move freely and safely about a laboratory
• reach laboratory bench tops and shelves
• travel to one or more clinical laboratories for practical experience
• perform moderately taxing work, often requiring prolonged sitting, over several hours
• control laboratory equipment (i.e., pipettes, syringes, scalpels, test tubes, culture flasks, etc.) to perform laboratory procedures
• adjust laboratory instruments and equipment (i.e., centrifuges, safety cabinets, incubators, etc.) to perform laboratory procedures
• use an electronic keyboard to operate laboratory equipment and to record and transmit laboratory information

Essential Communication Requirements

The DGS student must be able to:

• read and comprehend technical and professional materials (i.e., textbooks, journal articles, handbooks, and instruction manuals)
• follow written and verbal instructions to correctly and independently perform laboratory test procedures
• communicate with faculty members, fellow students, staff, and other health care professionals verbally and in recorded format (writing, typing, graphics, or telecommunications)
• independently prepare papers and laboratory reports
• independently take paper, computer, and laboratory practical quizzes and examinations

Essential Cognitive Requirements

The DGS student must be able to:

• independently possess and demonstrate the following cognitive and problem-solving skills: comprehension, measurement, mathematical calculation, reasoning, integration, analysis, self-expression, and compassion

Essential Behavioral Requirements

The DGS student must be able to:

• manage the use of time and organize work to complete multiple tasks and responsibilities within realistic constraints
• independently exercise appropriate judgment and apply cognitive skills in the classroom, laboratory, and health care settings
• provide professional and technical services while experiencing the stresses of task-related uncertainty (e.g., ambiguous test ordering, ambiguous test interpretation), emergent demands (“stat” test orders), and distracting environment (e.g., high noise levels, crowding, complex visual stimuli)
• be flexible and creative and adapt to professional and technical change
• recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and work safely to minimize risk of injury to oneself and nearby individuals
• adapt to working with unpleasant biological substances (e.g., blood, products of conception)
• foster a team approach by supporting and promoting the activities of fellow students and health care professionals in learning, task completion, problem-solving, and patient care
• admit when an error has been made, when uncertain about analytical results, or when unsure about the appropriate response in professional situations
• critically evaluate one’s own performance, accept constructive criticism, and seek ways for improvement (e.g., participate in enriching educational activities)
• evaluate the performance of fellow students, faculty, clinical instructors, and the program and tactfully offer constructive criticism

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The University of Connecticut complies with the requirements and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut will consider requests that an individual with a disability, who is otherwise qualified, be afforded reasonable accommodation in fulfilling the essential requirements of the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program. To accommodate individuals with disabilities, the University will endeavor to make reasonable accommodation for students that will not impose an undue burden on the program or fundamentally alter its educational requirements and standards. If you believe that you will need any accommodations to meet specific requirements, after acceptance into the program, contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at the University of Connecticut to facilitate review of the documentation and recommendations for reasonable accommodations.