Program Director, MLS Lab Education

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Work Location: Atlanta, GA

Overview:

The Prog Dir, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Lab Education provides operational leadership for the didactic and clinical components of the accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited MLS Program. This role manages accreditation compliance, evaluation of and oversight of students self-studies to ensure academic consistency, hands-on laboratory experience, and student progression. Ensures that Emory Healthcare program meets strict standards for quality education, preparing students for certification exams and entry-level jobs. Graduates of our program, take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Supervises the day-to-day instructive and clinical education activities under the direction of the Director, Information & Technical Services, Corporate Division Digital Operations. This position is designed to support program sustainability and succession planning.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

1. Develop and implement initiatives with all stakeholders (including external vendors as well as internal partners) to streamline processes to ensure efficient and effective experience.

2. Provide strategic leadership and management to teams in both lab and hospital settings.

3. Cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented environment for promoting specialization and professional development.

4. Ensure compliance with all regulations and policies related to Emory Healthcare.

Operational Excellence

1. Manage the day-to-day operations by optimizing workflows and resource allocation to enhance access and service delivery.

2. Monitor and analyze performance metrics and implement quality improvement initiatives to improve satisfaction and outcomes.

3. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and execute improvement projects.

Collaboration and Communication

1. Work collaboratively with hospital administration, lab leaders, and other departments to ensure integrated services.

2. Maintain open and effective communication with all stakeholders, providing updates and insights on operations and impact.

Education and Didactic Oversight

1. Oversee day-to-day didactic and clinical education delivery.

2. Monitors student progression and performance.

3. Conduct student counseling and mentoring.

4. Perform ongoing student performance and competency assessments.

5. Perform student advancement review.

Accreditation and Data Management

1. Leads collection and review of outcomes measures.

2. Assists in preparation of NAACLS self-study and interim regulatory reports.

3. Surveys students, lecturers, preceptors and hiring managers to assess program.

4. Maintains compliance documentation.

Admissions Coordination and Leadership

1. Coordinates applicants review process.

2. Performs applicant confirmation of program requirements.

3. Prepare applicant summary for interview process.

4. Leads interviews and onboarding activities.

5. Responds to applicants and program inquiries.

Clinical Rotation Supervision

1. Coordinates clinical site relationships and maintains schedules.

2. Conduct clinical site evaluation visits and document summaries.

3. Evaluates preceptors and instructional quality.

4. Oversee competency validation processes.

Program Development

1. Participate in budget and strategic planning discussions.

2. Represents program in advisory meetings as assigned.

3. Serve as Director designee as assigned.

Additional Duties as Assigned.

Travel: Less than 10% of the time may be required.

Work Type: Hybrid employee - splits time between working remotely and working in the office.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education: Masters degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Education, Healthcare Administration, or related field (Required).

Experience: Minimum five (5) years clinical laboratory experience and three (3) years supervisory experience. Minimum three (3) years MLS/CLS education delivery, curriculum development, student evaluation, or preceptor experience.

Certification: MLS (ASCP) or equivalent generalist certification.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities (required): Knowledge of NAACLS standards and accreditation procedures. This role requires a proactive approach in developing innovative solutions to improve processes, enhance satisfaction, and streamline communication across diverse teams. Computer skills are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications Experience:

Five (5) plus years of clinical laboratory experience and extensive knowledge of NAACLS standards, self-study, and compliance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the work day (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.