Hegis # 5205

Accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773) 714-8880 | www.naacls.org

Program Description

The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Medical Laboratory Technician prepares students to become certified and licensed as medical laboratory technicians.

A medical laboratory technician is a healthcare professional who performs general testing on biological specimens such as blood,urine, various body fluids and tissues in the medical laboratory. The results of these analyses are utilized to determine the presence,absence, progress and causes of disease. A medical laboratory technician, also known as a clinical laboratory technician, enjoys science, problem solving and investigation, and performs his/her work accurately, efficiently and responsibly. The medical laboratory technician must be able to perform several duties simultaneously, work well in a fast-paced laboratory and be self-motivated.

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program curriculum corresponds to the program’s mission: it provides each student with educational experiences and knowledge to develop the critical thinking, technical and interpersonal skills required to be a successful clinical laboratory scientist. The program will integrate knowledge gained from general education, biological science and clinical laboratory science so that the future laboratory professional will exercise good judgment, ethics and appropriate decision-making abilities to serve the needs of the community and the profession.

Students will take courses in the following disciplines: medical physiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, immunology,immunohematology and microbiology. Students study laboratory safety, microscopy and clinical instrumentation and apply the principles in the laboratory. As part of the program, a clinical rotation is assigned at one of the clinical affiliates.

The program begins in the Fall semester of each year and the courses must be taken in the sequence in which they are offered. A grade point average of 2.5 or better is required in all MLT courses for progression in the program and graduation with an A.A.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Technician. Once you begin taking MLT courses, the degree must be completed within three years.

Students who are considering this program must provide their own transportation to and from the college and clinical sites. They must also have a yearly physical examination and tuberculin skin test (TST). Upon admission to the program, students will need to successfully complete a urine drug screen as well as a criminal background check. The Hepatitis B vaccine is strongly recommended.An individual who has charges pending or has ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and/or has been found guilty of professional misconduct or negligence may not be eligible for licensure. Contact the Office of Professional Discipline, New York State Education Department prior to applying to this program.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

• properly collect, process and analyze biological specimens
• safely and accurately perform analytical procedures, recognize factors affecting results and take the appropriate action
• be eligible for national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician by successfully completing the examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification
• be eligible to sit for the NYS Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician Licensing Examination

More info on Program Outcomes can be found HERE

Note: Several essential movement, observational, communication, intellectual and behavioral functions are required to complete the objectives of the courses in the program and to perform the necessary duties required of a medical laboratory technician. A detailed listing of these essential functions is included in the MLT admissions packet and is discussed at the pre-admission orientation session.

Admission Criteria

Academic Requirements

• High school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) diploma
• Eligible to take ENG 101  (Freshman English I)
• Eligible to take MAT 102  (Intermediate Algebra)
• Students must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Department-Specific Requirements:

• Attendance at a pre-admission orientation. At this orientation, students will receive and sign off on information pertaining to health forms, drug testing, and criminal record policies.

Note: Admission to this program is selective. In addition to an application to the College, students must apply for acceptance into this program through the Admissions Office. Consideration for admission is based on the completion of all mandatory academic and departmental-specific requirements, highest combination of CGPA and credits completed towards the degree, Orange County residency and seat availability. All requirements must be completed and an eligibility form must be submitted to the Admissions Office before February 1 in order for a student to be considered for acceptance into this program for the Fall semester.

Transfer Options

This degree program prepares students for immediate entry into the workplace. Consult the CLS department for more information regarding further educational opportunities in this profession.

Your Career Coach

Career opportunities exist in the following fields:

• hospitals
• doctors’ offices
• reference laboratories
• food/cosmetic industries
• pharmaceuticals
• veterinary laboratories
• research
• sales and marketing
• industry
• forensics
• teaching
• management
• field service
• information technology

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