Medical Laboratory Scientist Internship Program

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UMHS MLS Internship Program Policies 

MLS Internship Program Handbook:  MLS Internship Program Handbook

Application/Admission: Affiliated universities coordinate the matching of MLS interns to clinical internship programs. Intern candidates may go through an interviewing process with Michigan Medicine as part of the matching process.

Anti-Racism:  Michigan Medicine leaders support the institutional position that we unequivocally recognize racism as a public health crisis, and that we stand together against bias and inequality.  A key behavior to improving the climate is ensuriong that all of our workforce, learners and volunteers have the skills, confidence and support to speak up when they witness or experience bias, discrimination, or harassment.

Employment of Interns:  The internship is unpaid.  However interns may work up to 10 hours per week in the laboratories and they are considered temporary employees and paid $15/hour.  Employment is optional.  Temporary employment during the internship does not count towards years of service later should the intern take a permanent position with Michigan Medicine.

Parking:  Interns may be eligible to purchase temporary employee parking passes.  Alternatively, interns can use public commuter lots and public transportation to the main hospital.  Please see the Michigan Medicine Information page for links to the University Parking Services and public transportation (The Ride).

Pre-Employment Eligibility Screening:  Interns are subject to the same pre-employment screening as new employee candidates.  This includes a urine drug screen and a criminal background check (free of cost to the intern).  This occurs after the intern selections are made and prior to orientation.  Additionally, Occupational Health Services  requires a pre-placement health assessment appointment,  see Pre-Placement Health FAQ.  This includes a TB skin test, vaccination history, and additional requirements as necessary.  Interns may be offered vaccinations and/or testing for immunity and these are provided free of charge.  Workforce members may apply for an exemption to the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.

Rotation Hours and Break Times: The daily rotation hours are typically 8-8.5 hours per day and determined by the each lab.  Typical start times range from 6:30-8:30 am.  Some rotations may be on afternoon shift, 3pm-11pm.  Breaks are taken by the interns based on their daily schedule and are dependent on the daily work and the preceptor for the day. 

Attendance:  The interns are expected to approach their internship rotations as if they were employees.  The expectation is that interns will arrive to their internship everyday on time.  If an intern is unable to be present for a day ofinternship, they must  phone the lab and contact the clinical educator for the lab they are rotating in and the Allied Health Education Program Manager.   Excused absence may be  granted for illness or family emergency. 

Dress Policies:  The interns are expected to take pride in their appearance.  Interns are expected to follow all Michigan Medicine and Pathology guidelines for dress code. We recommend scrubs or business casual clothing.  The Department of Pathology does not require a specific color or type of scrubs.  Closed- toe shoes are required. 

ASCLS:  Depending on the affiliated university program requirements, the interns may be expected to attend the Michigan Chapter of American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science Annual Meeting.  

Internship Orientation:  The interns amust attend the MLS Internship Orientation prior to their internship.  This virtual meeting is generally held a few weeks before the start of the internship.

Orientation Mandatory Learning:  During the first days of the internship, the students will be expected to attend a safety tour, and complete mandatory online tutorials via Cornerstone Learning.  The student will also complete any requirements through Occupational Health as described above.