Forward

Evidence-based laboratory medicine assists clinical management of patients by integrating the
best available scientific evidence into clinical decision-making.  The use of laboratory
investigations with the clinical expertise of the physician also helps effective use of healthcare
resources and plays a vital role in  the prevention and control of diseases. In line with these,
Clinical laboratory professionals take part in testing various biological specimens and
advise/consult relevant health professionals in selection, procurement and distribution of
laboratory commodities at health facility, regional and national levels. These roles are
accomplished by applying scientific clinical laboratory knowledge, which is preceded by
advanced and in-depth training in clinical laboratory science.
Competency is not acquired within a short period of time, and graduating from a Laboratory
school will never guarantee the retention of acquired knowledge and skill. Moreover, Laboratory
skill and Knowledge are dynamic, which obliges professionals to update their knowledge and
skill according to current advancements.
A triad of activities is crucial to acquire competence: learning the required competence at school,
maintaining it, and updating it. The last two activities can be achieved by taking continuous
professional development (CPD) courses, making learning lifelong.
Competency in the accreditation and quality management system is very crucial for Laboratory
professionals and effective laboratory operation in health facilities and regional and national
healthcare system. A substantial number of studies, including the recent study by EMLA on CDP
needs assessment, show a significant gap in this competency among Laboratory professionals.
Hence, it’s believed that, all Ethiopian Laboratory professionals who have a knowledge or skill
gap in accreditation and quality management system will benefit a lot through this CPD course,
updating their competence, to provide reliable service for patients/clients who require their
expertise. It is important to note that the laboratory professionals are responsible to maintain and
update their knowledge and skill to apply knowledge and skill in accreditation and quality
management at its optimal level. EMLA is playing the leading role, while the MoH, regional
health bureaus, regulatory agencies, CPD accreditors, CPD providers other partners will provide
the necessary support in the rollout and promotions of the continuous professional development
of Laboratory professionals.

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Approval statement by

The Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia has been granted a power to accreditors to
standardizing the CPD course materials. The ministry developed a national CPD directive and
implementation guide for managing the entire process CPD related activities since 2018. All
CPD courses should fulfill the standards set in the implementation guide to ensure quality. Based
on the standards, the all accreditorsreviews and approves all CPD materials.
As part of the national CPD quality control process, this CPD course package named “Quality
Management System for Medical Laboratory Professionals” has been reviewed and approved by
the August in 2021.
The course is face-to-face having classroom and practical sessions and is awarded 15
Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Course summary This session is designed to update the knowledge and skill of the
participants on quality management system, its characteristics, and benefits in improving
laboratory service quality.
Course name Quality Management System for Medical Laboratory

Professionals
Course code EMLA//24/22/0001
Course owner Ethiopian Medical Laboratory Association