Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should participate?
ASCP is proud to collaborate with the American Pathology Foundation to develop and deliver a variety of courses
to further your skills and knowledge in laboratory management so you can achieve your career goals and improve
the performance of your lab. The Lab Management University (LMU) Program is a certificate program focusing on
the six competencies of lab management: Leadership, Personnel Management, Financial Management,
Operations, Informatics and Compliance. LMU is created for residents, fellows, pathologists, and laboratory
professionals. Lab Management University is for individuals moving into leadership positions, or who are in the
leadership realm and want to bolster their experience.
LMUAdvanced is a new collection of advanced courses in laboratory management. If you have not completed the
LMU fundamental curriculum, take a moment to access if LMUAdvanced is for you. Click Here:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ascpcdn/static/LMU/LMU+Q-Module/LMU+Self-Assessment++Storyline+output/story.html to access the LMUAdvanced Pre-purchase Questionnaire.
What would be the difference in the LMU Fundamentals Curriculum and the LMUAdvanced Curriculum?
The LMU Fundamentals curriculum offers a foundational level of courses across six core competencies; Leadership,
Personnel Management, Operations, Financial Management, Path Informatics and Compliance. The 25-course Lab
Management University fundamentals program has grown worldwide, providing Laboratory Professionals,
Pathologists, and Residents alike with the foundation and practical skills they need to elevate their careers, with
real results. The new LMUAdvanced concepts package lets you expand your capabilities even more. The newly
developed curriculum dives deep into specialized topic areas, and an innovative portfolio development module
guides you through the development of a personal showcase, to solidify competence and confidence in your
abilities and achievements.
Is there a difference in the curriculum for Pathologists/Residents & Laboratory Professionals in the LMU
Laboratory Management Certificate program?
LMU offers all available courses to both audiences. If a course is specific for a particular audience, it will be
indicated and identified in the title and description for that course. If a course is indicated unique to a particular
audience, please take the course specified to your role first toward the 25 total requirements.
What is my investment for LMU?
ASCP offers various pricing options. Please see www.ascp.org/lmu for the latest pricing schedule. We also offer
special Residency Program Pricing through RISEPlus or LMU only for residents. Contact [email protected] or ASCP
customer service for those options.
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How long will it take to complete the Lab Management Certificate?
The fundamentals certificate of completion in Laboratory Management is awarded upon completion of 25 courses
across six core competencies; Leadership, Personnel Management, Operations, Financial Management, Path
Informatics and Compliance. The advanced certificate in awarded upon completion of 10 advanced courses and 1
(15CE) Portfolio Development course. LMU is open entry/open exit program meaning that you can complete your
certificate online at your own pace as new courses are available. Although your purchase includes access to LMU
for three years (or until requirements are met), we anticipate the average participant will take approximately sixmonths to a year to complete each certificate program.
What are the completion requirements for completing the LMU fundamentals certificate?
The following requirements are required for award of the LMU Certificate of Completion:
• You must complete 25 courses across six core competencies; leadership, personnel management, operations,
financial management, informatics, and compliance. All courses are offered online however, a select number
of pre-approved live sessions will be offered at the APF and ASCP live meetings, at additional costs.
• One Roles and Responsibilities Course is required as indicated per your certificate program track. (One for
Residents, Fellows and Pathologists and the other for Laboratory Professionals). In addition, you should also
take at least 2- 3 courses in each competency area. Based on each individual skill needs, choose all additional
courses you deem appropriate to meet the 25 course requirement.
• To receive credit for online or live courses you must pass an online quiz with a score of 80% or better within
three attempts.
What are the completion requirements for completing the LMUAdvanced certificate?
The following are required for award of the LMUAdvanced Certificate of Completion:
• You must complete 10 advanced courses plus a 15 credit personal portfolio development course.
• The portfolio development course includes a Multi-Media Educational Activity, Guidelines, Resources
(Templates/Samples), Post-Test (3 Attempts 80% or better), Portfolio Submission in a Drop Box (including 5
work samples), and an Evaluation.
• All courses are offered online however, a select number of pre-approved live sessions will be offered at the
APF and ASCP live meetings, at additional costs. To receive credit for online or live courses you must pass an
online quiz with a score of 80% or better within three attempts.
What if I do NOT pass an online quiz with a score of 80% or better within three attempts?
New LMU courses are always being developed. If a participant does pass an online quiz with a score of 80% or
better within three attempts; that course quiz cannot count toward your 25 credit /course completion
requirement. You will need to move on to another course to fulfill the requirements. If no additional courses are
available at that time, you will need to wait on the release of additional courses throughout the year to complete.
All courses can be taken online, at your own pace, through LMU's interactive learning module. Additional live LMU
courses are also available to take at select ASCP and APF events, providing you options to fit with your individual
learning preferences.
Can I complete the courses whenever I want and in any order?
LMU is open entry/ open exit program meaning that you can complete your certificate online at your own pace as
new courses become available. Online courses may be released throughout the year. You can access course
materials 24/7 online for 3-years after purchase or up until completion requirements are met (meaning you have
access for three years to complete the 25 credit program). Participants will always have access to completed
courses through their transcripts area, in addition to unlimited access to LMU Educational Tools and Resources.
I’ve completed the requirements, how do I get my certificate?
1) After completion of the program you will be sent an email notification for confirmation within 1 week of
completion. The notification will have your certificate of completion order number.
2) Your original certificate will be mailed via USPS to our system address. Certificate processing will take 5-7
business days for mailing. Special recognition will be provided at the ASCP or APF live meetings each year for
all of those who have completed the educational requirements prior to the meeting. There are no additional
ASCP credentials associated with the LMU program. A PDF copy of our certificate can be requested at
[email protected].
3) As an LMU participant, you know the importance of continuing education. Self-assessments can be very
helpful in determining where your strengths and weaknesses are. Please use the following link
http://survey.highroadsolution.com/votingmodule/VOTING3/f/499258/2061/?msig=5cc42ebd648c519cf1878
98c5f2f1871 to determine the effect of the LMU Certificate program on your lab management skills. It will
take approximately 15-20 minutes at the most.
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What does each online course include?
All online courses (fundamentals or advanced) are approximately 1-hour consisting of a pre-reading assignment,
engaging on-line multimedia activity and 5-10-question post-test. You have 3 attempts to pass the test with a score
of 80% or higher. You can earn AMA PRA Category1 Credits™ CMLE, and SAMs (from 2015 and beyond) credits for
each course completed.
In the advanced curriculum, what does each the Portfolio Development course includes?
The Portfolio Development course consists of a Multi-Media Educational Activity, Guidelines, Resources
(Templates/Samples), Post-Test (3 Attempts 80% or better), Portfolio Submission in a Drop Box, and an Evaluation.
You have 3 attempts to pass the test with a score of 80% or higher. You can earn 15 AMA PRA Category1 Credits™
and CMLE credits for this course. You will also have access to a library of Laboratory business tools and resources
designed to reinforce learning so that you can apply learning on the job.
Can I work on the portfolio portion while completing the advanced 10 courses?
The LMUAdvanced curriculum allows you to work on your portfolio components while completing the additional
10 advanced courses. The portfolio components to include (but not limited to):
• Brief biography and contact information
• Career Goals, Objectives, and Personal Interest
• Résumé, highlighting competencies, achievements, and volunteer experiences, professional associations and
memberships.
• Five (5 or more) samples of work related by LMU competency areas. (Ex: course/training
conducted/developed, videos links to presentations/meeting delivery, budget developed, job aids, reports,
memos, or any other evidence that documents competencies, etc.)
• Summary of self-evaluation or other measure of performance.
How do I submit my Portfolio?
Submitting your portfolio requirements is easy! The drop box allows participants to upload papers, resumes, and
other documents for consideration. Participants are required to upload portfolio files:
• Please use the drop box on the applicable screen to upload your full portfolio or portfolio files. You can
upload a maximum of 5 files in this section.
• Once you have finished uploading your files, click the Submit button to submit your files.
• Not ready to submit this portion of the assignment? If you only upload some of your files, you can click the
Save button to save your work so you can return later to continue
Are all the courses online or is there live course? How will these courses count towards LMU?
Courses may be completed online or at approved APF or ASCP live meetings at an additional fee.
As a LMU student, by attending any of the approved ASCP live meetings for LMU, you now have an opportunity to
earn AMA PRA Category1 Credits™, CMLE and SAMs credit towards a Certificate of Completion in Lab Management
University. Post-Meeting, you will be required to take an online posttest for the approved LMU sessions. If you
passed with 80% or better within three attempts you receive credit for the live session toward your LMU
Certificate of Completion. Participants in the live sessions have 3 months to complete the posttest to receive
credit.
What LMU events are scheduled?
Please register for our new student orientation now offered as needed on the last Thursday of each month at 4
pm Central (with the exception of holidays). This new student orientation will outline the structure, benefits, and
details around enrolling into the program and obtaining your LMU certificate of completion. Details for the next
new student orientation are as follows:
LMU New Student Orientation | Last Thursday of Each Month
Preparing Laboratory Leaders for Today and Tomorrow
Angel Fisher, MPM, PMP, LMU Manager – ASCP
http://survey.highroadsolution.com/votingmodule/s180/f/514224/92a4/ to register to receive info on how to
access the session.
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FREE LMU Hot Topic Webinar Series
More Information coming soon!
As an enrollee in Lab Management University (LMU), you are invited to participate in a series of FREE
webinars (non-credit) quarterly on timely lab management topics hosted by leading experts in the field of lab
management. The format will provide the ability to ask questions and interact with colleagues. If you miss a
webinar, a recording will be posted as link and accessed via the ASCP website under our ONELab group.
At the conclusion of each webinar there will be a 30-minute new student orientation. For those LMU
participants that cannot attend the live session, a recording will be available by request at [email protected].
What courses are now available?
Courses are titled with LMU to identify courses toward the LMU certificate in your learning plan. They are also
listed by competency area as well.
·The Laboratory Medical Director: Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations (Required for
Pathologist/Residents)
·The Laboratory Manager/Supervisor: Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations (Required for
Laboratory Professionals)
·Management Theory: Applying Emotional Intelligence in the Healthcare Environment
·Conducting an Effective Team Meeting
·Delivering Effective Presentations
Leadership
·Basic Elements of the Strategic Process
·50 Ways to Lead Your Laboratory (enduring material)
·Beginning to Develop a Sales and Marketing Strategy for Your Organization
·Getting to the Soul of Leadership in Lab Medicine: The Skills You Need to Navigate Change
(enduring material )
·Empowerment as a Function of Leadership and Peak Performance (enduring material)
·Setting Performance Expectations
·Coaching for Performance Improvement
·Delegating for Success and Accountability
·Appraising Employee Performance
Personnel
Management ·Maintaining Ethics in the Laboratory
·Mis-Hires: How to Avoid Making One and How to Avoid Being One (enduring material)
·Laboratory Job Classifications and Job Descriptions
·Laboratory Personnel Issues: What Works in the Real World (enduring material)
· Delegate Effectively to Manage Your Organization (enduring material)
·Preparing Standard Operating Procedures and Reports
·Designing Test Menus for a Majority Population
Operations
·Competency Assessment of Testing Personnel Using a Test System Approach (enduring material)
Financial
Management
Informatics
Compliance
·Developing Quality Control Systems
·Nuts and Bolts Financial Management for the Pathology Practice (enduring material)
·Show Me the VALUE -- Financial Management for Practice of Pathology (enduring material)
·Foundation in Strategic and Business Planning as basis for Financial Mgmt.
·Preparing a Budget for Pathology and Laboratory Services
·Budget Analysis and Financial Performance
·Pathology Informatics Management (enduring material)
·Informatics in the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory: Making It Work For You (enduring material)
·Laboratory Management Information Systems in Daily Practice
·Pathology compliance Issues and Practical Solutions (enduring material)
·Laboratory Inspections: How To Ensure Your Lab Will Meet The Regulatory Guidelines (enduring
material)
·Developing Model Compliance Programs
·Fundamentals of a Laboratory Safety Program
·Safety Culture, Teamwork, Effective Communication and More: Utilization of High Reliability
Practices in Pathology (enduring material)
·Patient Safety
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What advanced courses are available now?
Courses are titled with LMU to identify courses toward the LMU certificate in your learning plan. They are also
listed by competency area as well.
Leadership LMU Leadership (Advanced) - Pathology Personnel and The Challenge of Change
Personnel LMU Personnel - (Advanced) The Benefits of Mentoring in the Pathology Department (enduring
Management material)
Personnel LMU Personnel - (Advanced) Portfolio Development (worth 15 credits)
Management Portfolio Submission Required
Operations LMU Operations (Advanced) - Analyzing and Managing Workflow in the Lab
Operations LMU Operations (Advanced) -Lean Quality Improvement: A Practical Approach (enduring material)
Operations LMU Operations (Advanced) - Managing the Utilization Of Diagnostic Tests: Developing a Laboratory
Utilization Management Program (enduring material)
Operations LMU Operations (Advanced) - Project Management
Financial LMU Financial (Advanced) - Strategic Planning and Performance Analysis for Your Pathology Practice
Management Budget (enduring material)
Financial LMU Financial (Advanced) - CPT Coding and Medicare Payments: Preparing for 2015 and Beyond
Management (enduring material)
Financial LMU (Advanced) Financial - Reimbursement in the Lab
Management
Informatics LMU Informatics (Advanced) - Harnessing Automation and Informatics to Improve Quality, Efficiency,
and Turnaround Time in the Clinical Laboratory (enduring material)
Compliance LMU Compliance (Advanced) - How to Develop an Individualized Quality Control Plan: Laboratory Risk
Management in Action! (enduring material)
How do I Access my CE course?
• Login at www.ascp.org
• Click on the “My Courses” tab
• Locate and launch course.
When you are in your course, you will have access to a “Dashboard” which contains links to:
• Print Certificates and Transcripts
• Claim SAMs CME
• Access Additional Courses
• Return back to the ASCP Home Page
• FAQs
How do I view courses already completed or view transcripts?
• Click on the “Certificates & Transcripts” Tab.
• Locate course and click on “Review Course”.
To view transcripts:
• Click on the “Certificate & Transcripts” Tab
• Locate course and click on “View Transcript”.
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*Access to view courses already completed will only be available in the new system for 1 year after
expiration date. Unfortunately if you completed a course in the old system you will no longer be able to
access that course material.
Where can I find the Educations Tools and Resources?
These tools and resources are specially designed to reinforce learning acquired in Lab Management University
courses. You’ll find quick-reference guides, templates, worksheets and related articles that provide additional
insights and methods for applying concepts in your organization. Below are some helpful hints for you to access
your materials and navigate the ASCP website. Your educational tools and resources are located in your online My
Course Materials folder.
To access, please:
• Step 1 - Login to the ASCP website: www.ascp.org/login
Enter Your ASCP ID and password. Your Dashboard page will display.
• Step 2 – Scroll down to ASCP Activities.
• Step 3 - Click on the link under Event & Material titled My Course Materials
• Step 4 - Find the educational tools and resources and click on the documents on the right-hand side to
download
What are the Technical Considerations for viewing LMU courses?
Operating Systems:
For PC users: Windows XP, Windows Vista
For Mac users: Mac OS X or higher, or Windows compatible with Internet browser.
Internet Browsers:
This course is optimized to work with Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 3.0 and Safari 2.0.
Internet Connection:
Modem, LAN, or Broadband Internet connection.
Monitor/Display:
For best viewing, a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 is recommended with 32 bit color and a 17" monitor.
Video Players:
Some courses may require a video player to view mp4 files. While this will vary, QuickTime 7.7.4 for Windows XP,
Windows Vista or Windows 7 video player is recommended. Apple Quicktime (free download)
(Download video option - right-click on the link and then select “Save target as” in Internet Explorer or “Save link
as” in FireFox/Chrome to save the video to your computer.)
Support: For questions or problems, please contact www.ascp.org/feedback; or call 1-800-267-2727.
Technical Considerations for Portfolio Course:
THIS COURSE MUST BE VIEWED ON A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER.
Operating Systems
For PC users: Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows XP
For Mac users: Mac OS 10.5 or higher
Internet Browsers
Chrome version 33 and higher (recommended), Firefox 3.0 and higher and Safari 2.0 and higher.
Internet Connection
Modem, LAN, or Broadband Internet connection.
Monitor/Display
For best viewing, a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 is recommended with 32 bit color and a 17" monitor.
Support
For questions or problems, please contact www.ascp.org/feedback; or call 1-800-267-2727.
How is this program different from an accredited University Program?
An accredited university program provides broad knowledge and skill sets in management, but does not address
the unique skills and knowledge required to manage or supervise a clinical laboratory. This is especially true in the
laboratory-specific aspects of Operations Management, Financial Management, Medical Laboratory Informatics
and Regulatory Compliance. While the LMU does not provide educational training comparable to that of an
accredited university degree, it does provide insights into the unique management challenges of the clinical
laboratory in our evolving health care system. LMU is accredited by the American Medical Association where you
would earn AMA PRA Category1 Credits™ and CMLE credits towards the Lab Management Certificate of
Completion. There are no additional ASCP credentials associated with LMU.
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How is the
e Lab Managem
ment certificatte different fro
om the BOC Di plomate in Lab
boratory Management (DLM
M)
certificate?
The certificcation for Diplo
omate in Laboratory Manage
ement is a prodduct of the ASC
CP Board of Ceertification and
d
unrelated to the educational offering of
o Lab Management Universitty. LMU focusees on improvin
ng skills in six
different competencies: Leadership, Pe
ersonnel Manaagement, Operrations, Financial Management, Informaticss and
Compliancce. Improving skills in those areas can add to your knowl edge base wheen studying for the Diplomatte in
Laboratoryy Certification Examination. You would apply for Diplom ate in Laborat ory Medicine ccertification ussing
the approp
priate eligibilityy route (http:///www.ascp.org/Board-of-Ce rtification/GettCertified#tabss-1) and if eligible,
taking and passing the Diplomate in Laboratory Certiffication Exami nation. More sspecific inform
mation about th
he
Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM) certificaation can be foound at: http:///www.ascp.orrg/PDF/BOCGuidelineDLM.aspx
PDFs/Guidelines/ExaminationContentG
ONELab is Here!
O
fill outt your profile, and begin exp
ploring the sitee!
Log in to ONELab,
You talk, we
w listen! ONELLab was create
ed to foster relationships amoong all membeers of the laboratory team. W
We
will now use ONELab as the platform for
f all LMU Ne
ews and Updattes. If you havve not done so already, begin
n
exploring the
t site! Share
e, Ask, and Con
ntribute!
nt and Studying for the DLM from guest faccilitator Nathan Johnson, Ph..D.,
Check out blogs about Laab Managemen
ASCP, DLM (ASSCP). Would yo
ou like to be an
n ONELab Com
mmunity Leadeer? Contact [email protected] w
with
FACHE, MA
your intere
est.
A
Go from GRADUATE to ADVOCATE!
A spotlightted blog platform within the ONELab Online Community ffor Lab Managgement University (LMU) is w
waiting
on you! Sh
hare, Ask, and Contribute by probing the grroup with Lab Management questions, possting hot topicss to
discuss, an
nd commentingg or asking que
estions regarding the LMU m
modules.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
t top right.
Visit ascp.org and click "Login” in the
Enter your ASCP Member Login an
nd Password.
ur Account Landing Page, pleaase click on the
e ONELab Iconn.
In You
You will
w be redirecte
ed to the ASCP’s online ONELLab Communityy page, where you are alread
dy logged in.
A speccial LMU Group
p has been cre
eated specificallly about the oonline certificatte program.
Stay up-to
o-date on the la
atest LMU new
ws and update
es through the LMU Group o
on ONELab!
Visit the
e LMU Group page
p
and join tthe group.
LMU ne
ews and updates will be postted on the grou
up’s Discussion
ns page.
Upcoming events will be posted on the Events page.
7
Members of the ONELab LMU Group can receive LMU Group Digest emails with news from the group.
New LMU Group members will receive this digest automatically. Current group members will need to choose to
receive the digest via the LMU Group page:
To begin receiving the LMU Group Digest or change your notification preferences,
go to the LMU Group page and click on Edit Message Prefs on the right-hand side
of the page.
Check Receive Group Digest.
Select Discussions and Events, as well as any other activities you would like in your
digest.
Use Frequency to customize how often you would like to receive the digest.
Then click Submit!
To receive any messages the LMU Group Manager sends to all members, Leave
Receive Group Manager Messages checked under Edit Message Prefs.
You can update these preferences at any time.
ASCP 2016 in Las Vegas, NV!
ASCP 2016 Annual Meeting will be in Long Beach, California Oct 28–31, 2015. Join your colleagues and top thought
leaders to gain knowledge that will empower you to improve patient care today while you shape tomorrow. Gain
practical, immediately applicable skills in seven cutting-edge topic areas of pathology and laboratory medicine
through our new progressive education format.
Registration is now OPEN: http://www.ascp.org/services/annualmeeting/registrationinfo. Special promo available
for LMU Graduates that wish to attend.
Whom can I contact for help with LMU?
If you have any questions, please contact ASCP Customer Service at 800-267-2727, option 2, Monday through
Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time. You are also invited to join our online chat during normal business hours
or email us at [email protected]. The LMU Program Manager at ASCP is Angel Fisher, MPM, PMP
[email protected] 312.541.4999. We also host monthly new student orientation for all participant questions.
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