Medical Laboratory Technology (WCC), AAS

Purpose

The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum is a concentrated course of study and coordinated practice designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the medical field as a contributing health professional.  Upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, the student is eligible to take a national registry examination for certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician and is eligible for employment in a variety of medical and scientific laboratory settings. The program is fully approved by the State Council of Higher Education and the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).This program is being provided through an innovative, cooperative arrangement between Wytheville Community College and Mountain Empire Community College. Students will register at MECC for their general education course requirements and register through WCC for their program courses. However, all course offerings and clinicals will be provided on the MECC campus and at regional healthcare facilities. The AAS degree will be awarded by Wytheville Community College. Opportunities for Employment Opportunities for MLTs include employment at hospital clinical laboratories, reference and industrial laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, independent clinical laboratories, service agencies, physicians’ offices, clinics, government agencies, research institutions and the armed forces.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Perform routine clinical laboratory procedures within acceptable quality control parameters in Hematology,Chemistry, Immunohematology, and Microbiology under the general supervision of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Pathologist.
2. Demonstrate technical skills, social behavior, and professional awareness incumbent upon a laboratory technician as defined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
3. Effect a transition of information and experiences learned in the MLT program to employment situations and performance on the written examinations conducted by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and/or the American Medical Technologists for Clinical Laboratory Personnel.
4. Apply systematized problem solving techniques to identify and correct procedural errors, identify instrument malfunctions and seek proper supervisory assistance, and verify the accuracy of laboratory results obtained.
5. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, utilizing appropriate quality control and safety procedures.
6. Perform within the guidelines of the code of ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and the restrictions established by state and local regulatory groups.
7. Recognize and participate in activities which will provide current knowledge and upgrading of skills in laboratory medicine.

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities for MLTs include employment at hospital clinical laboratories, reference and industrial laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, independent clinical laboratories, service agencies, physicians’ offices, clinics, government agencies, research institutions and the armed forces.

Program Requirements

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.

Applicants must be high school graduates or the equivalent. In order to meet the admission requirements, the applicant must have completed:

1. A WCC application (including all high school and college transcripts or copy of GED by February 15.
2. Competency in English and Math Essentials MTE 1-9 (or MDE 10  and MDE 60  ) as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required MTE units or equivalent. All developmental courses must be completed the spring semester before entering the program in the fall of the next academic year.*
3. High school biology or equivalent (one unit) with at least “C”.
4. High school chemistry or equivalent (one unit) with at least “C”.
5. A 2.0 average for high school courses or a 2.0 cumulative average for all college course work.**
6. Shadowing hours in selected program to be determined by program head.
7. Take the TEAS Test for Allied Health.
8. An interview/information session with the program head or designee.

*Students who have completed all academic requirements prior to the February 15th deadline will be admitted first. Students completing developmental coursework in the spring will be admitted to any remaining unfilled slots in the program, based on the selective admission criteria.

**If the student has completed a minimum of 12 college credits that are included in calculating the college GPA (non-developmental courses), the 2.0 high school GPA requirement will be waived.

In the event there are more applicants who apply in a given year than there are slots available the college will employ selective admission. Please consult the Health Professions Admission Packet for a detailed description of the selective criteria.

Additional Information

Program Requirements

Upon admission to the Medical Laboratory program, the following are necessary:

1. The student must have a complete medical examination, which must include a 2-step tuberculin skin test, a profile of medical condition, designated immunizations, and documentation of HBV and varicella status. A chest x-ray is required only if the tuberculin test is positive. Cost for the medical examination and all necessary testing will be the responsibility of the student.
2. The student must obtain a criminal background check and urine drug screen (see below). Costs will be the responsibility of the student.
3. The student must read the Essential/Technical Standards required for the program and indicate by signature readiness for physical requirements of the profession.
4. The student must maintain a minimum of a “C” grade in each Medical Laboratory course. The student must demonstrate the desire and capability to become a contributor of quality patient health care.
5. Clinical experience will be provided in affiliated hospitals or laboratories. Each student will be responsible for transportation to and from the hospital and must also secure the required apparel.

Criminal Background Check/Drug Screening

Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes and urine drug screens are required for admission to clinical sites. Students with convictions and/or positive tests may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Costs for criminal background checks and urine drug screens will be the responsibility of the student.

For Further Information, Contact:

Sarah Clarkston, Health Sciences Advisor

sclarkston@mecc.edu

276.523.9010

Dawn Warren, Program Head, WCC

dwarren@wcc.vccs.edu

276.223.4827

Wes Mullins, Dean

jmullins@mecc.edu

276.523.9017