Medical Laboratory Technician, A.S.

Program Coordinator - Ms. Kathleen P. Hoyne, M.S., MT (AMT)

Consistent with the philosophy of the College, the Medical Laboratory Technician curriculum combines science and technical courses with a liberal arts foundation to prepare graduates for entry into the field of medical laboratory technology. The student-focused curriculum provides an emphasis on liberal arts studies and includes courses in general and medical laboratory sciences and a structured clinical practicum.

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine laboratory analyses which aid physicians by providing information used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The program offers the necessary academic and clinical instruction that prepares students for employment as members of the healthcare delivery team. Graduates may find employment in hospital laboratories, physician offices, private/reference laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or industrial laboratories.

An integral part of the program is a 25-week clinical rotation at an affiliated hospital laboratory. Students receive hands on experience working with certified technicians and technologists in the clinical laboratory setting.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree Medical Laboratory Technician Program, the graduates will:

1. have a solid grounding in liberal arts that incorporates the general sciences including human biology, chemistry and microbiology;
2. have an in-depth knowledge of the clinical responsibilities of a medical laboratory technician to include: medical ethics, effective communication, infection control, safety, specimen collection, specimen processing, diagnostic testing and basic patient care;
3. have a working knowledge of laboratory testing and equipment operations to include: test kits, automatic analyzers, microscopes, autoclave, centrifuge, point of care testing analyzers and spectrophotometer;
4. be able to perform invasive and non-invasive specimen collection procedures and perform laboratory analysis that provides patient diagnostic and treatment information to clinicians;
5. develop a commitment to life-long learning and the pursuit of personal and professional growth through the participation in educational and professional activities; and
6. be able to successfully pass the Board of Registry certification examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and secure an entry level position as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

Specific Program Requirements

Prerequisites and requirements for entering the Associate Degree Medical Laboratory Technician Program:

• For acceptance at the freshmen level:
  • Complete work equal to standard high school course with satisfactory achievement (grade of “C” or better) in Algebra and Chemistry within the previous five years;
  • SAT score (combined total of verbal and math portions) of 900 on the 2005 SAT or 980 on the 2016 SAT or above (or comparable ACT score);
  • Incoming students are placed in Educational Enrichment courses based on their SAT or ACT scores; and
  • Complete all required Educational Enrichment courses with a minimum of “C” prior to program acceptance.
• Complete all general education coursework with a grade of “C” or better.
• Students who are attending a clinical have multiple requirements that need to be completed and submitted electronically. A clinical experience will not be permitted without a physical exam, titers to ensure immunity to Mumps, Rubella, Rubeola, and Varicella, immunization information for Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis, and Influenza, and a two- step Tuberculosis test. The Health Service Department assists students in creating an account and using a Certified Profile system to upload documentation for approval and tracking.
• Students are required to have a current clear urine drug screen, submit to a criminal record check, an FBI fingerprint record check and have a child abuse history clearance.
• Students in a Health Studies Division curriculum are assessed a one-time fee to cover incidental expenses connected with your program’s clinical education. One American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED), one urine drug screening, one criminal record check, one FBI fingerprint record check, and one child abuse clearance (if required) are included in the fee. If additional criminal record checks, child abuse clearances or urine drug screens are required, the student will be responsible for any additional costs associated with updating their requirements.
• Students are required to have and maintain a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR Certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED) for the duration of their clinical experience.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation and incidental expenses related to participating in clinical practicum education.