Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS

Program Start Date: Fall term
Minimum Program Length: 90 academic weeks; 6 consecutive terms, day; 76 credits
Program ID:  AAS.MLT
Curriculum Code: 35205

Program Description

Medical laboratory technology students’ work as medical investigators analyzing blood, urine, spinal and other body fluids and tissues to help the physician diagnose, treat and monitor disease processes in patients. Students have less patient contact than many other health science students.

Practical Experience

Students gain interpersonal and technical skills by completing a nine month clinical rotation in affiliated hospitals, physicians’ offices and clinics.

Professional Opportunities

Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, veterinary clinics, private and research laboratories, and industrial laboratories. Medical laboratory technicians may also work as technical representatives and salespersons for medical supply companies.

Unique Aspects

A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing Policy section of the SCC webpage.

Students perform blood collection techniques, examine specimens under a microscope, culture microorganisms, and operate complex digital medical equipment and computers. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the national certification examination to become certified Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT). The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
(773) 714-8880
NAACLS Website (http://www.naacls.org)

EEDA Career Cluster:

Health Science

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proper procedures for the collection, processing, and analysis of biological specimens.
2. Perform routine clinical laboratory tests in Chemistry, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunology/Immunohematology, Microbiology, and Point of Care Testing.
3. Perform and monitor Quality Control, and Preventative Maintenance recognizing factors which interfere with analytical tests and to take appropriate actions.
4. Correlate laboratory test results with patient diagnosis and treatment.
5. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior consistent with current academic and clinical standards.
6. Demonstrate their ability to speak publicly, listen actively, and respond effectively.

Prerequisites:

• One unit HS biology or equivalent
• One unit HS chemistry or equivalent