Course program
Internship III represents the final phase of the professional training pathway within the Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Techniques.
Its goal is to consolidate the technical-scientific, organizational, and ethical-deontological competencies acquired during previous internships, fostering the student’s full operational and professional autonomy within the biomedical laboratory.
During the internship, the student participates in theoretical–practical modules and applied activities aimed at refining diagnostic and managerial skills, with the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest and carry out research or experimental thesis work.
1. Structure and organization of the internship
- The internship is structured as a rotational program across the various Operational Units (U.O.) of Biomedical Service Laboratories (LSB), with two- or three-month rotations.
- A specific period is also dedicated to thesis laboratory work, during which the student conducts experimental or applied research under the supervision of an academic tutor and a professional tutor.
- Attendance takes place both in university teaching laboratories and in affiliated hospital facilities, including the G.B. Grassi Hospital in Ostia, to provide direct exposure to real clinical–diagnostic environments.
2. Training activities and skills developed
a) Technical and methodological advancement
- Advanced application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all phases of the analytical process.
- Independent execution of biochemical, hematological, microbiological, immunohematological, and histological investigations at intermediate and advanced levels.
- Operation and maintenance of complex and automated laboratory instruments, including calibration and quality control.
- Analysis, technical validation, and interpretation of laboratory results.
- Ability to extract and evaluate data from calibration curves, internal quality controls, and external quality assessments (EQA).
b) Safety and risk management
- Application of advanced safety regulations for the prevention of biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
- Proper management of reagents and biological materials, ensuring traceability and disposal in compliance with current regulations.
- Identification, management, and reporting of non-conformities (NC) and implementation of corrective actions as required by the quality system.
c) Quality systems and documentation
- Practical application of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and quality management systems (ISO 15189).
- Understanding and use of technical data sheets for laboratory methods and their analytical performance parameters.
- Management of workflow processes and knowledge of audit procedures and continuous improvement systems.
d) Professional and interpersonal competencies
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, effectively interacting with technicians, biologists, and physicians.
- Development of communication and teamwork skills.
- Application of ethical, professional, and deontological standards, ensuring confidentiality of data and respect for patient dignity.
- Independent management of time and operational priorities, demonstrating increasing responsibility within the diagnostic process.
Thesis laboratory
- Experimental or research activities aimed at developing the undergraduate thesis, carried out in the assigned laboratory.
- Collection, analysis, and processing of scientific and experimental data.
- Application of the scientific method and relevant laboratory techniques related to the research topic.
- Preparation of technical and scientific reports and presentation of results in a clear and professional manner.
Supervision
The internship activities are continuously monitored by the technical coordinator and by the academic and professional tutors, who oversee the student’s progress and ensure the achievement of the established learning outcomes.
Prerequisites
To access Internship III, the student must have successfully completed Internship II and consolidated the technical, scientific, and professional competencies acquired during the previous internships.
In particular, the student should:
Have an in-depth understanding of the structure and organization of the biomedical laboratory, demonstrating mastery of workflows and main diagnostic procedures.
Correctly apply the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Safely handle biological samples and chemical reagents, ensuring traceability, integrity, and proper disposal.
Be familiar with the principles of quality management systems (ISO 15189) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), understanding the role of internal and external quality controls.
Operate basic and intermediate laboratory instrumentation independently, performing calibrations and quality checks.
Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, suitable for working within a multidisciplinary team.
Exhibit a strong sense of responsibility, accuracy, and adherence to safety and professional ethics standards.
These prerequisites ensure that the student can approach Internship III with adequate operational autonomy, critical thinking, and full awareness of their role within the biomedical laboratory and the healthcare team.
Books
Texts provided by the instructors
Frequency
Mandatory attendance
Exam mode
The student will be assessed by an examination committee composed of faculty members, professional Biomedical Laboratory Technicians (TSLB), and subject matter experts.
Lesson mode
Oral and practical