Program Start Date/End Date: September 1, 2009–August 31, 2010

The program is composed of six courses which can be completed online in 1-4 hours each.  Each course contains a lecture, required reading, and a quiz, and may include case studies, practical exercises, a glossary, and resource materials. There are opportunities for interaction with faculty and other participants using the program’s dedicated listserv. You can earn 12 continuing education units for completing the entire program.

• Leadership Skills for Effective Laboratory Management
• Time Management Skills to Benefit Your Laboratory
• Laboratory Personnel Management Techniques: Recruiting, Hiring, Evaluating
• Team Development in the Laboratory
• The Importance of Motivation in Managing Laboratory Personnel
• Strategy and Leadership

One of the biggest obstacles to operational excellence in the clinical laboratory is inadequate staff leadership and managerial skills. Millions of dollars are wasted annually because of poor laboratory management. By improving your skills as a change leader, you can advance your career, improve job satisfaction for yourself and others, and contribute to successful laboratory operations. Here’s what you can expect from participation in the program:

• Ignite and nurture an environment of creative problem solving
• Work smarter, not harder through effective time and stress management
• Develop emotional intelligence skills that earn trust and help build effective teams
• Inspire and reward individual and team excellence
• Think strategically and implement change through effective planning and goal setting

Laboratory professionals often have excellent technical skills but little opportunity for training in leadership and management. This certificate program is offered for those laboratory professionals who want to contribute to successful laboratory operations and, at the same time, improve their job satisfaction and career opportunities. By adopting strategic thinking, embracing innovation, and investing in change, you can contribute to patient satisfaction, reduced staff turnover, and improved laboratory performance. 

The AACC Management Sciences Division has developed this 6-course certificate program to introduce the theory and practical applications of effective leadership. The program concentrates on developing the knowledge and abilities to run a laboratory efficiently and effectively by focusing on skills in leadership, time management, personnel management, team development, motivation, and strategic thinking and planning. The expert faculty are experienced educators who have extensive knowledge of laboratory operations.