Associate in Medical Laboratory Technology (A45420)
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 assurance, and reporting/ recording and interpreting findings involving tissues, blood, and body fluids.
Graduates may be eligible to take examination given by the Board of Registry of American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Employment opportunities include laboratories in hospitals, medical offices, industry, and research facilities. Completion for the Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum does not guarantee success in passing the certification exam.
The Medical Laboratory Technician is an allied health professional who is qualified by academic and practical training to provide service in clinical laboratory science. The medical laboratory technician must also be responsible for his/her own actions, as defined by the profession.
The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are qualities essential for a medical laboratory technician. They must demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles which are essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient and family. An attitude of respect for the patient and confidentiality of the patient’s record and/or diagnoses must be maintained.
Medical Laboratory Technicians are competent in:
collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances.
performing analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other substances;
recognizing factors that affect procedures and results and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated.
performing and monitoring quality control within predetermined limits.
performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or referring to appropriate sources for repairs.
applying principles of safety;
demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with
the public.
recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patientcare;
applying basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures;
relating laboratory findings to common disease processes; and
establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
Upon successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Technology program, graduates will have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required for entry-level competency in all areas of clinical laboratory practice. Graduates are prepared to perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical procedures; apply principles of quality assurance and safety; and function effectively as members of the healthcare team in compliance with the standards of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, 2024 Standards).Program Purpose
The purpose of the Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum is to prepare graduates to perform clinical laboratory procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology in employment settings that include laboratories in hospitals, medical offices, industry, and research facilities.
Program Goal
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum will be able to demonstrate entry level technical, theoretical, and analytical competencies in the following areas of clinical laboratory practice: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology,
Immunohematology, Serology, and Phlebotomy.
Program Accreditation
The Medical Laboratory Technician-Associate Degree program at Halifax Community College is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, Phone: 773-714-
8880. http://www.naacls.org.
Admission Policy
Applicants for admission to the MLT program must meet the following minimum criteria:
Submission of a completed “Application for Admission” to the college admission office.
Submission of records of high school graduation or equivalency and any post-secondary transcripts if transfer credit is desired.
Completion of a counseling interview with the MLT program director or MLT
Clinical Instructor. Interviews will be scheduled after the above requirements are met.
Submission of a signed statement that the applicant is aware of the Essential Functions necessary to work in a medical laboratory and believe he/she is capable of the stated requirements.
Submission of a physical examination form which indicates that the student possesses satisfactory physical and emotional health indicative of their ability to function safely in a medical laboratory. This requirement must be met by summer semester of the second year of the program.
Science classes taken prior to acceptance into the MLT program must have been completed within five (5) years prior to acceptance into the program (Bio 168, Bio 169 and Bio 175).
Must be 18 years old or older before starting MLT 110 Introduction to MLT
Readmission
Students seeking readmission to the MLT program must submit a written request for readmission to the MLT Program Director during the semester prior to the requested readmission and must comply with college policies as stated in the college catalog. If a student was removed from their clinical practicum for disciplinary reasons, they are not eligible to reapply. Readmission of students who have exited the MLT program is subject to the approval of the MLT Program Director and the Dean of Students. Students who were withdrawn from the MLT program for any reason, voluntary or academic, are limited to one readmission.
First time applicants will have priority over those requesting readmission. GPA may be a consideration in ranking for readmission. Cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for readmission. Readmission is contingent upon clinical space available. Students applying for readmission may be required to repeat for credit any MLT course if the grade from the MLT course previously taken is two (2) years old or older as evidenced by the date of completion of the course. Alternatively, the student may be allowed to take proficiency examinations for all previously completed MLT courses with the permission of the instructor. The student must pass the proficiency exams with a C (78%) or better. Financial aid may not be available for courses retaken.
Selection Procedures
Due to the limited clinical and laboratory space available, admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology program will follow selective admission procedures. The number of students fully accepted into the fall semester of the first year of the curriculum will not exceed 10. Additional students who meet the minimum qualifications may be admitted as alternates. Fully accepted applicants will have priority over alternates for placement in second year clinical rotations. The MLT Program Director will use the following criteria to rank applicants for selection:
- High school GPA or GED score.
- Grades in related courses at HCC.
- Credits for transferred college courses.
- Extra points may be earned for science and math courses successfully completed In high school.
- Extra points may be earned for related employment in an allied health profession.
Selection procedures occur during the summer and students are notified by mail of their acceptance into the MLT program.
Essential Functions of a Medical Laboratory Technician
According to the nature of the work required in the clinical laboratory, the applicant must be able to:
- Reach, manipulate and operate equipment necessary for laboratory work.
- Move and manipulate a patient as necessary for the performance of laboratory procedures.
- Visually evaluate patients, test reactions, clinical test results and the working environment.
- Communicate, both verbally and in writing, with the patient, family, personnel and others to disseminate information relevant to care and work duties, and to accurately gather information relevant to patient and work duties.
- Demonstrate emotional stability and psychological health in day-to-day interaction with patients, visitors, staff and peers in routine and non-routine decision-making processes and on the daily execution of didactic and clinical assignments.
- See through a microscope clearly enough to differentiate microscopic components.
- Discriminate color reactions.
Health and Immunization Requirements
- Physical Examination Form – completed by a healthcare provider;
- Evidence of current immunizations
- Tetanus or Tdap (within 10 years)
- Influenza
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 immunizations or positive titers)
- Varicella (2 immunizations or positive titer)
- Hepatitis B (series of 3 immunizations or positive titer or a sign letter delineations)
- Results of two TB tests within the past 12 months with the second one within 90 days prior to the student entering their Practicum, or negative chest X- ray results within the past five years for history of positive TB test
-
COVID Vaccine is required or a wavier must be approved by the clinical site.
- Criminal background checks/drug screening exams per clinical agency requirements (NOT required for HCC admission must use our MLT HCC Form)
Immunizations may not be declined except by a written statement from the student’s healthcare provider for acceptable exemptions (ex: allergy). Students who do not have access to previous immunization records may provide titer results demonstrating immunity as applicable.
Malpractice insurance is needed before attending any clinical rotations. The fee will be paid at the Cashier’s Office at HCC (You must keep the receipt to show proof of purchase).
Explanation of Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening
In the MLT program, students are assigned clinical rotations in a number of participating agencies. The clinical agencies may require that students, prior to or while practicing in the agency, have a criminal background check and/or drug screening performed. The drug screening may be done once before the student reports to the clinical agency or randomly at any time during the clinical experience. If the student has a criminal conviction, tests positive for illicit drugs, or drugs for which the student cannot produce a valid prescription, the agency may refuse to allow the student to participate in the clinical experience. Halifax Community College recognizes and is fully supportive of the clinical agencies that choose to perform drug tests and/or criminal background checks on MLT students.
If a MLT student is prohibited from participating in any clinical agency based on the criminal background or positive drug screening, the student will be dismissed from the MLT program due to the inability to complete the MLT curriculum. All costs associated with criminal background checks and drug screening in the clinical agency are the responsibility of the student.
Faculty
Lonnie Barker, MBA, MLS (ASCP) MLT/PBT Program Director, Clinical Instructor.
Wendy Barley, MBA, MLS (ASCP) MLT/PBT Clinical Instructor
Clinical Affiliates
Vidant North, 250 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
Nash General Hospital, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Vidant Heritage Hospital, 111 Hospital Drive Street, Tarboro, NC 27886
Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital, 500 S. Academy Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910
VCU Community Memorial Hospital, 1755 N Mecklenburg Ave, South Hill, VA 23970
Maria Parham Medical Center, 566 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson, NC 27536
Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital, 100 Fairview Dr, Franklin, VA 23851
DLP Wilson Medical Center, 1705 Tarboro St, Wilson, NC 27893
Boice-Willis Clinic, Rocky Mount Medical Park 901 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, 200 Medical Park. Blvd, Petersburg, VA 2385
Please note: These clinical sites are subject to change.
The possible transfer or substitution of general education courses must be evaluated by the Registrar ’s Office. Call 252-536-7227 for information regarding transcript evaluation and credit transfer.
Academic Plan
Academic Plan
First Year
Fall Semester
Subtotal: 18
Spring Semester
|
BIO 169
|
Anatomy and Physiology II
|
4
|
|
BIO 175
|
General Microbiology
|
3
|
|
CHM 132
|
Organic and Biochemistry
|
4
|
|
ENG 112
|
Writing/Research in the Disciplines
|
3
|
|
MLT 120
|
Hematology/Hemostasis I
|
4
|
Subtotal: 18
Summer Semester
Subtotal: 6
Second Year
Fall Semester
|
MLT 125
|
Immunohematology I
|
5
|
|
MLT 141
|
General Clinical Microbiology
|
3
|
|
MLT 216
|
Professional Issues
|
1
|
|
MLT 251
|
MLT Practicum I
|
1
|
|
PSY 150
|
General Psychology
|
3
|
|
Elective
|
Humanities/Fine Arts
|
3
|
Subtotal: 16
Spring Semester
Subtotal: 12
Subtotal: 70
First Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 175 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| CHM 132 | Organic and Biochemistry | 4 |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3 |
| MLT 120 | Hematology/Hemostasis I | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Summer Semester
| MLT 111 | Urinalysis & Body Fluids | 2 |
| MLT 130 | Clinical Chemistry I | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Second Year
Fall Semester
| MLT 125 | Immunohematology I | 5 |
| MLT 141 | General Clinical Microbiology | 3 |
| MLT 216 | Professional Issues | 1 |
| MLT 251 | MLT Practicum I | 1 |
| PSY 118 | Interpersonal Psychology | 3 |
Elective
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
Total Credit Hours: 71
Requirements
Requirements
Humanities Electives
Humanities Electives