Importance and emphasis of mycobacteriology competencies as perceived by educators.
OBJECTIVE
To compile a list of mycobacteriology competencies and to investigate the importance and emphasis of these competencies as perceived by clinical laboratory educators of three program types.


METHODS
Use of a survey instrument, which included 97 competency statements with Likert-type scales for the quantitative study of importance and emphasis of competencies.


METHODS
Randomly selected sample from all accredited college/university-based clinical laboratory science programs, hospital-based clinical laboratory science programs, and associate-degree clinical laboratory technician programs.


RESULTS
For analysis, the competencies were divided into eight sub-categories. Means for each competency and each sub-category were calculated. Analysis of variance was used to determine any difference among the three program types for each sub-category of competencies. Chi-square analysis was used to determine significant differences for competencies requiring dichotomous responses.


CONCLUSIONS
With the significant increase in tuberculosis and other mycobacterioses, the mycobacteriology experience for clinical laboratory students must be validated for relevance.
Seabolt
J P
JP
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536, USA.
D001432:Bacteriology / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education*; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000382:microbiology; D014481:United States