A New Capstone Program from the University
of Wisconsin -
Medical School

Expanding the boundaries of the University to serve the needs of students everywhere

This Graduate Capstone Certificate is part of a University initiative to develop innovative educational programs that will serve the educational needs of non-traditional students, such as healthcare professionals who are already on-the-job. The University of Wisconsin has always considered the boundaries of the University to be the boundaries of the State. Now, with the communication capabilities of the Internet and the World Wide Web, these boundaries are expanding to the country and the world.

Purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Quality Management

The transformation of healthcare organizations is changing the role of Medical Technologists and Clinical Laboratory Scientists from doers of tests to managers of testing processes. Professional societies, such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), and Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) are defining new skill sets, many of which are aimed at managing clinical systems and clinical testing processes. The Graduate Capstone Certificate in Laboratory Quality Management provides Medical Technologists, Clinical Laboratory Scientists, and biotechnology majors responsible for measurements in industrial and research laboratories with: (a) new knowledge and skills in quality management as applied to laboratory testing in healthcare, (b) the ability to complete studies for a graduate certificate anywhere and anytime, even if employed full-time, and (c) and the opportunity to continue these studies to complete a MS degree in Pathology with an option in Clinical Laboratory Science.

Distance Education Format via the Internet

Professionals wanting to advance their careers by becoming managers of clinical systems and clinical testing processes are likely to be employed full-time in healthcare organizations. In today's turbulent times, they are unlikely to give up current jobs to relocate to a university campus to complete additional courses. All required courses for the Graduate Capstone Certificate in Laboratory Quality Management are available via distance education through the World Wide Web. This format allows professionals to enroll anywhere in the state and nation, to minimize expenses and to maintain their current positions in healthcare organizations. Once the Graduate Capstone Certificate is completed, professionals will be able to continue their studies for a MS degree with additional web-based courses or with additional on-campus courses in selected areas of study that require access to laboratories and laboratory equipment.

Curriculum for Graduate Education

The Graduate Capstone Certificate in Laboratory Quality Management requires 12 credits in the following areas of study:

  • Validation of Laboratory Methods and Technology
  • Quality Control Practices for Laboratory Tests
  • Quality Planning for Laboratory Testing Processes
  • Quality Assurance Practices in Healthcare Laboratories

Faculty

The core courses are being developed by two senior faculty who are recognized nationally for their expertise in laboratory quality management:

Sharon L. Ehrmeyer, Ph.D., Professor, UW Medical School, Director of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

James O. Westgard, Ph.D., Professor, UW Medical School, Director of Quality Management Services in the Clinical Laboratories at UW Hospital and Clinics

Availability of Courses

Method Validation Basics - Now!
Method Validation Projects - Now!

Quality Control Basics - Now!
Quality Control Projects - Now!

Quality Planning Basics - Now!
Quality Planning Projects - Now!

Quality Assurance Basics - Now!
Quality Assurance Projects - Now!

For further information, please contact:

Sharon Ehrmeyer, Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Room 6173 Medical Science Center
University of Wisconsin Medical School
1300 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705

E-mail address lqm@pathology.wisc.edu
Telephone (608) 262-2085