THE ANTICIPATED LEARNING OUTCOME OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES GRADUATES FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF EMPLOYERS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Learning outcomes, as a new concept in higher education, are defined as the abilities that students are expected to have gained at the end of the training course. The purpose of this study is to determine and define the learning outcomes for graduates of clinical laboratory sciences from the perspective of employers. Method: This study was a qualitative study. The participants were 15 employers selected from 10 private laboratories and hospitals using purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and were recorded or handwritten. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis method. Results: Analysis of data revealed 4 overall themes and 11 classifications. Learning outcomes of graduates of clinical laboratory sciences included: skills (pre-analytical, analytical, and post- analytical process) attitude (professional ethics, accountability, interest, and motivation) communications (communication with patients, communication with colleagues, and communication with different departments of the hospital) education and continuous learning (teaching and motivating subordinates, and trying to learn new things). Conclusion: It recommended that university staff pay more attention to learning outcomes expected from graduates by employers. These learning outcomes result in success in the labor market and specialized laboratory environment. More communication between universities and workplaces, including laboratories and hospitals, are recommended.