From student laboratory to clinical environment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a clinical laboratory practice simulation experience for clinical laboratory science (CLS) students which was intended to improve the transition from the student laboratory to the clinical environment. SETTING: University of Kentucky Center for Rural Health, a rural health professions education center for a state-assisted institution. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Baccalaureate-level CLS program. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Clinical laboratory practice simulation experience allows students to become familiar with the clinical environment. It also allows faculty to assess student performance and to provide students with feedback in a controlled setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Perception of benefit from the simulation experience by CLS graduates. RESULTS: CLS graduates report the simulation experience helped to prepare them for practice in the clinical environment. CONCLUSION: Clinical laboratory simulation can improve the transition to actual clinical laboratory practice and is a valuable tool to evaluate pre-clinical deficiencies.