CLMA's Vision is to set the educational direction and standard for clinical laboratory managers,
providing affordable, accessible learning experiences that resonate with participants.

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CLMA Introduces New Educational Tracks!

Using the results from the 2008 Member Needs Assessment Survey, the CLMA Education Committee redesigned the organization of CLMA’s educational sessions into 5 broad categories that represent the basic skill set that a competent laboratory manager must possess in order to overcome the many challenges you experience on a daily basis. Our ultimate goal is to establish a Body of Knowledge for laboratory managers. The establishment of the new educational tracks is the first step in defining the core competencies.

The 5 tracks listed below will be applied across the board to all CLMA educational venues and products (to include ThinkLab, audioLab, Education-On-Demand, SmartLab, Seasonal Symposia, etc.). CLMA is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of our members. By linking all CLMA activities by common educational tracks, our members will increase their knowledge in selected areas regardless of the modality that was used to deliver the educational content. We give you the flexibility and freedom to obtain the education that you need and is critical to your professional development by giving you a variety of venues and formats to obtain this education.

Look for references to the educational tracks listed below in future announcements regarding CLMA educational programs! We have created corresponding symbols to ease in the recognition of each of the educational tracks listed below.

Business Management Track:
	This educational track provides participants with the opportunity to gain vital knowledge and develop skills in the strategic management of their laboratory. The ability to effectively plan and to acquire and allocate resources, and adhere to industry standards and regulations, is the major focus of this track. Areas of focus include: Compliance Issues (CLIA, Medicare, OSHA), Budgeting and Capital Purchasing and Risk Management.
Operations Management Track:
	This educational track provides participants with the opportunity to gain vital knowledge and develop skills in the efficient functioning of the laboratory. The ability to develop and implement efficient and effective laboratory processes, and to fully utilize laboratory resources to ensure quality and patient safety standards are met, is the major focus of this track. Areas of focus include: LIS, Data Management, Proficiency Testing, Root Cause Analysis, Project Management, Computerized Order Entry, Point of Care Testing (POCT) and Patient Safety.
Relationship Management Track:
	This educational track provides participants with the opportunity to gain vital knowledge and develop skills in building and maintaining interpersonal relationships. The ability to effectively communicate, build rapport and positively influence others is the major focus of this track. Areas of focus include: Consumer Relations (both internal & external), Outreach/Marketing, Negotiation and Presentation Skills.
Performance Management Track:
	This educational track provides participants with the opportunity to gain vital knowledge and develop skills in effectively managing and leveraging staff resources. The ability to manage employees as individuals and members of the laboratory team to improve individual and organizational effectiveness is the major focus of this track. Areas of focus include: Conflict Resolution, Performance Standards & Evaluations, Motivation and Disciplinary Action.
Innovations/Hot Topics Track:
	This educational track provides participants with the opportunity to gain vital knowledge and exposure to ‘late breaking’ information and updates in all topic areas affecting laboratory managers today. The ability to understand and leverage new and innovative information, and tools to impact the increasingly complex challenges that laboratory managers face, is the major focus of this track. Areas of focus include: Technology/Equipment Advancements, Regulatory Updates, New Clinical Discoveries and the latest Managerial Tools and Techniques.