Program Description
The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum prepares individuals to perform clinical laboratory procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology that may be used in the maintenance of health and diagnosis/ treatment of disease. Course work emphasizes mathematical and scientific concepts related to specimen collection, laboratory testing and procedures, quality assessment, and reporting/recording and interpreting findings involving blood and body fluids.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and entry-level technical skills required for dermal and venous blood collection according to policies governed by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).
- Identify acceptable specimens and perform processing procedures required in preparation for specimen analysis in the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory according to established laboratory standards.
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of and entry-level technical skills required for performance of diagnostic procedures in the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory according to established laboratory standards.
- Describe laboratory safety and patient safety measures and recall safety regulations followed to achieve safety regulatory compliance in the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory according to established laboratory standards.
- Describe all aspects of quality assurance in the clinical laboratory and produce and assess acceptability of quality control results in the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory according to established laboratory standards.
- Evaluate and categorize test results to determine proper approaches in results reporting in the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory according to established laboratory standards.
- Interpret laboratory test results and make logical decisions to distinguish between medical diagnoses demonstrating integration of patient laboratory data with clinical condition.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior consistent with a laboratory professional and in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Articulation Agreements
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program has articulation agreements for the following MLT to MLS programs resulting in a four-year degree in clinical laboratory science:
- Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)-on campus and online options
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)-online
- University of Cincinnati (UC)-online
NAACLS Accreditation
The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Telephone: (773) 714-8880. website: www.naacls.org
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technology program are eligible to work in clinical laboratories in hospitals, physicians’ offices, health departments, clinics, reference labs and other related areas.
Partnership with LabCorp
The program is a partnership with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Inc. (LabCorp). LabCorp provides a student laboratory on site in the LabCorp Orange Drive facility in Elon, where MLT courses are taught.
Admission
The following requirements must be completed for admission:
- Updated application
- High School Transcript or equivalent
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on previous college work
- Required Placement test scores or minimum SAT scores or approved waiver For more specifics on admissions criteria contact the department head or the Student Success office.
Progression
All courses with MLT prefix require final minimum grade of “B.” General education courses in Phase I require final minimum grade of “C.” Specific program academic and progression policies are in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program Orientation and Policy Manual given to students upon program entry. Students must meet minimum program academic requirements and satisfactory completion of all laboratory skills to remain in the program. For questions, contact the Medical Laboratory Technology department head.
Clinical sites require a criminal records check, drug screen, required immunization records, and other site-specific requirements before students can participate in clinical rotations at their facility.
Technical Standards
Students entering the program must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in the admissions office and in the program handbook.
Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards may contact the Disability Services Coordinator at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.
Additional Program Costs
The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum has additional costs associated with it. Students who enroll in this program are required to pay for such items as certification exams, achievement tests, uniforms, supplies, and the like. Many of these are required as part of the curriculum, but are not provided by the College. Additional expenses required for this program are listed below with approximate costs.
- Uniforms-$100
- Vaccinations and required physical-$300
- Liability insurance-$16 per year
- Certification exam-$215
- Name badge-$10
- Criminal background check-$25
- Urinary drug screen-$50
Degree, Diplomas, and Certificates
Graduates of the MLT program receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Laboratory Technology. Graduates will be eligible to take the certification examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification. The associate degree is NOT contingent upon passing a certification or licensure examination.
The MLT curriculum consists of three phases. Each phase must be completed before progression into the next phase.
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