Associate of Applied Science

Health Technology
SWCC-WCC Cooperative Program
Major: Medical Lab Technology

Medical Lab

Length: Two-year Program - Five semesters

Purpose: The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum is a concentrated course of study and coordinated practice in the knowledge and skills of the medical laboratory. The Associate Degree program prepares students for employment as Medical Laboratory Technicians. Upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, the student is eligible to take a national registry examination for certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician. The program is fully approved by the State Council of Higher Education and the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

* The program is offered in conjunction with Wytheville Community College.

Refer to the Wytheville Community College Programs website for additional program information.

Occupational Objectives:
Positions for Medical Laboratory Technicians are available in:
• Hospital Laboratories
• Service Agencies
• Physicians’ Offices
• Clinics
• Public Health
• Industrial Laboratories
• Pharmaceutical Firms
• Research Institutions
• Veterans’ Administration
• Independent Clinical Laboratories
• Armed Forces
• Reference Laboratories

Admission Requirements:

Students who apply to the Medical Laboratory Technology Program:

1. Must be high school graduates or have the equivalent.
2. Must have satisfactory scores in English and proficiency in MTH 03 based on COMPASS/ASSET placement tests, one unit each of biology and chemistry with a grade of “C” or better in both.
3. Must be interviewed by program head.
4. Must be able to adapt to laboratory situations.
5. Must review essential standards required to perform in the program, which will be presented during the interview.
6. Must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required on all college work completed. Selection is made after the applicant has satisfactorily met the above criteria based on the date completed applications (application form and all transcripts) are received in the Admissions and Records Office.

Students are admitted annually in August; therefore, early application is necessary since the class size is limited. Students applying for admission who have attended MLT (Certificate or Associate Degree) programs in other institutions must discuss their individual admissions criteria with the program head.

Program Requirements:

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

1. The student must have a complete medical examination which must include a tuberculin skin test (not more than one year old), a profile of medical condition, designated immunizations, and documentation of HBV status. A chest x-ray is required only if the tuberculin test is positive.
2. A minimum of “C” must be maintained in each Medical Laboratory course. The student must demonstrate a desire and capability of becoming a contributor of quality patient health care.
3. The student will be required to secure student professional liability insurance, available through the college from a reasonably priced group insurance plan.
4. 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 uniforms.
5. Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes against minorsare required for entrance into some clinical agencies. Students with convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program.

Clinical agencies may require drug testing prior to placement of students forclinical rotations. Students with positive drug test results may be prohibited from clinical practice and may be unable to complete the program. Cost of criminal background checks and drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.

Course
Number		 Course Title

Lecture
Hours

Lab
Hours

 Course
Credits
First Semester
BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 3 3 4
CHM 111 College Chemistry I 3 3 4
MDL 101 Intro. to Med Lab Techniques 2 3 3
MDL 127 Hematology 1 6 3
SDV 108 Orientation 1 0 1
TOTAL 10 15 15
         
  Second Semester      
BIO 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 4
ENG 137 Communication Processes I 3 0 3
MDL 126 Clinical Immunohematology/Immun I 2 6 4
MDL 130 Basic Clinical Microbiology 2 3 3
MDL 261 Clinical Chemistry & Instrumentation I 2 3 4
  TOTAL 8 15 18
         
  Summer Session      
Elective Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3 0 3
Elective Social/Behavioral Science 3 0 3
Elective Social/Behavioral Science 3 0 3
MDL 199 Coordinated Practice in the Clinical Lab 0 6 2
  TOTAL 11 6 11
         
  Third Semester      
MDL 190 Coordinated Practice 0 6 2
MDL 225 Clinical Hematology II 2 3 4
MDL 240 Clinical Microscopy II 1 3 2
MDL 252 Clinical Microbiology II 2 3 3
MDL 262 Clinical Chemistry & Instrumentation II 2 3 4
  Total 15 18 15
         
Fourth Semester
MDL 227 Clinical Immunohematology/Immun II 1 6 3
MDL 263 Clinical Chemistry and Instrum III 1 3 3
MDL 275 Clinical Hematology III 2 3 3
MDL 279 Clinical Microbiology III 2 3 2
MDL 290 Coordinated Practice 0 6 2
Total 13 21 13

Total Minimum Credits for Medical Laboratory Program 72