SDA College \u2013 Laboratory Assistant Program Guide<\/title><\/p>\n<style>\n body {\n font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\n line-height: 1.6;\n color: #222;\n background-color: #fafafa;\n }\n h1, h2, h3, h4 {\n color: #004b70;\n }\n h1 {\n text-align: center;\n font-size: 30px;\n margin-bottom: 1em;\n }\n h2 {\n border-bottom: 2px solid #004b70;\n padding-bottom: 0.3em;\n margin-top: 2em;\n }\n h3 {\n margin-top: 1.5em;\n }\n p {\n font-size: 18px;\n }\n ul {\n margin-left: 20px;\n }\n table {\n border-collapse: collapse;\n width: 100%;\n margin: 1em 0;\n font-size: 16px;\n }\n th, td {\n border: 1px solid #ddd;\n padding: 8px;\n text-align: left;\n }\n th {\n background-color: #f0f0f0;\n }\n section {\n margin-bottom: 2em;\n }\n <\/style>\n<p><\/head><br \/>\n<body><\/p>\n<h1>SDA College Laboratory Assistant Program<\/h1>\n<p><strong>Comprehensive Academic Year Course Guide<\/strong><br \/>\n <em>3 Semesters | 12 Weeks Theory + 6 Weeks Practical Each<\/em><br \/>\n <strong>Institution:<\/strong> SDA College, Brikama, The Gambia<\/p>\n<section>\n<h2>Program Background<\/h2>\n<p>The SDA College Laboratory Assistant Program addresses the growing demand for qualified laboratory professionals in The Gambia\u2019s healthcare sector. It supports the National Development Plan and the Ministry of Higher Education\u2019s TVET framework. The program blends theoretical instruction with hands-on training and clinical rotations, producing graduates capable of contributing to diagnostic services, research, and quality laboratory operations.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>Program Objectives<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide foundational scientific knowledge and laboratory skills for diagnostic and public health practice.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare students to perform routine laboratory procedures safely, accurately, and ethically.<\/li>\n<li>Develop professional competencies in laboratory data management, communication, and teamwork.<\/li>\n<li>Promote adherence to biosafety, quality assurance, and ethical standards in laboratory operations.<\/li>\n<li>Support national healthcare goals through competent laboratory support staff.<\/li>\n<li>Encourage professional growth and lifelong learning in medical laboratory science.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>Semester 1 Overview<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Duration:<\/strong> 12 Weeks Theory + 6 Weeks Practical<br \/>\n <strong>Schedule:<\/strong> 3 Days\/Week | 9:00 AM \u2013 4:00 PM (1-Hour Lunch)<\/p>\n<h3>Module 1 \u2013 Introduction to Laboratory Science & Ethics<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Objective:<\/strong> Introduce students to laboratory structure, ethics, and safety.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Understand laboratory organization, roles, and safety rules.<\/li>\n<li>Identify and use basic laboratory equipment correctly.<\/li>\n<li>Apply confidentiality and professional ethics in practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 2 \u2013 Hematology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Learn blood composition and function.<\/li>\n<li>Perform hematological procedures and differential counts.<\/li>\n<li>Record and report results accurately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 3 \u2013 Clinical Chemistry<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Perform biochemical assays (glucose, urea, protein).<\/li>\n<li>Handle reagents and instruments safely.<\/li>\n<li>Interpret and document results correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 4 \u2013 Microbiology & Parasitology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Apply aseptic techniques and diagnostic microscopy.<\/li>\n<li>Identify microorganisms and parasites in clinical samples.<\/li>\n<li>Communicate laboratory results effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Practical Block (Weeks 13\u201318)<\/h3>\n<p>Students apply theoretical skills in hospital or diagnostic labs under supervision.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Assessment:<\/strong> Attendance (10%), Supervisor Evaluation (20%), Logbook (20%), Practical Exam (50%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>Semester 2 Overview<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Modules:<\/strong> Histopathology, Serology, Laboratory Management, Instrumentation<\/p>\n<h3>Module 5 \u2013 Histopathology & Cytology<\/h3>\n<p>Students learn tissue processing, staining, and microscopic analysis. Focus on fixation, embedding, and special stains.<\/p>\n<h3>Module 6 \u2013 Serology & Immunology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Study immune reactions and diagnostic testing (ELISA, VDRL, HIV).<\/li>\n<li>Apply biosafety and quality control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 7 \u2013 Laboratory Management & Quality Assurance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Develop administrative and quality management skills.<\/li>\n<li>Conduct audits, manage inventory, and supervise personnel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 8 \u2013 Instrumentation, Maintenance & Basic Research Methods<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Operate and maintain laboratory instruments.<\/li>\n<li>Design and execute basic research projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Practical Block 2 \u2013 Clinical Rotation (Weeks 13\u201318)<\/h3>\n<p>Students gain experience across histopathology, serology, and management units.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Assessment:<\/strong> Attendance (10%), Supervisor Evaluation (20%), Logbook (20%), Practical Exam (50%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>Semester 3 Overview<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Modules:<\/strong> Advanced Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Public Health, Research Project<\/p>\n<h3>Module 9 \u2013 Advanced Microbiology & Parasitology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Perform advanced microbial isolation and antibiotic sensitivity testing.<\/li>\n<li>Identify fungi and parasites through microscopy and culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 10 \u2013 Clinical Biochemistry & Endocrinology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Study biochemical analysis for renal, hepatic, and endocrine disorders.<\/li>\n<li>Perform hormonal assays and analyze results using quality standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 11 \u2013 Public Health & Epidemiology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Learn disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and health data reporting.<\/li>\n<li>Support public health programs through laboratory evidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Module 12 \u2013 Laboratory Professional Practice & Research Project<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Develop ethical research proposals and data collection tools.<\/li>\n<li>Present findings using ICT and professional communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Final Practical Block \u2013 Comprehensive Rotation (Weeks 13\u201318)<\/h3>\n<p>Students integrate theoretical and practical competencies through supervised clinical and research placements.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Assessment:<\/strong> Supervisor Evaluation, Logbook, Practical Exam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2>Program Completion & Certification<\/h2>\n<p>Upon successful completion of all three semesters and practical rotations, students are awarded the <strong>Laboratory Assistant Certificate<\/strong> by SDA College. Graduates are equipped for employment in diagnostic, public health, and research laboratories across The Gambia and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/body><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SDA College \u2013 Laboratory Assistant Program Guide SDA College Laboratory Assistant Program Comprehensive Academic Year Course Guide 3 Semesters | 12 Weeks Theory + 6 Weeks Practical Each Institution: SDA College, Brikama, The Gambia Program Background The SDA College Laboratory Assistant Program addresses the growing demand for qualified laboratory professionals in The Gambia\u2019s healthcare sector. 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