Medical Laboratory Technology Associate Degree

Medical laboratory technicians play an important role in the practice of modern medicine. They perform diagnostic procedures in the health care setting, such as chemical analysis of body fluids, classification of blood cells, identification of disease producing microorganisms, and the selection of compatible donor blood for transfusion. The Medical Laboratory Technology Associate Degree program is designed to prepare graduates to perform laboratory procedures in a variety of settings. Career and employment opportunities include hospitals, research and reference laboratories, public health and veterinary facilities, and environmental and quality assurance laboratories. Graduates may also pursue careers in marketing, sales, and customer service.

The first six quarters of the Medical Laboratory program provide the students with entry-level knowledge and skills in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, and phlebotomy in a classroom laboratory setting. This training is enriched during the seventh quarter of the program when students have the opportunity to apply their previously acquired knowledge and skills in an actual working environment. Affiliated hospital and private laboratories within an approximate sixty-mile radius of Columbus will be utilized for this ten-week clinical practicum.

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and become a certified MLT(ASCP). Graduates are also eligible to take the certification examination administered by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and become a certified clinical laboratory technician (CLT). With additional education and/or technical experience, graduates may also advance in the field to become a technologist, research specialist, manager or educator.

The Medical Laboratory Technology program at Columbus State is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60631-3415, telephone (773) 714-8880. The program has produced over 800 graduates in the past 35 years who have consistently met or exceeded the national average on credentialing examinations. The Ohio Board of Regents recognizes Columbus State’s MLT program as a “Program of Excellence.”

Distance learning options for MLT lecture and MLT laboratory components are available for students currently working in a laboratory setting upon approval by the MLT program director.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, the graduate should be able to demonstrate entry-level competencies in the following areas of professional practice:

• Collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis.

• Performance of analytical tests and statistical calculations on body fluids, cells, and products related to all routine areas of the clinical laboratory.

• Recognition of factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate action within predetermined parameters.

• Performance and monitoring quality control to evaluate analytical procedures within predetermined parameters.

• Performance of operation and preventive and corrective maintenance of routine laboratory equipment and instruments by referring to appropriate sources/reference materials for repairs.

• Relationship of laboratory findings to common disease processes.

• Utilization of the keyboard to interact with computerized instruments and laboratory information systems to keep accurate records, prepare reports, and transmit reports clearly and completely.

• Follow prescribed safety procedures in all areas of laboratory work.

• Meet requirements to take a national certifying examination for medical laboratory technicians.

• Application of basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures.

• Recognition and adherence to established safety policies.

• Recognition of the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care.

• Demonstration of professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.

• Recognition and action upon one's need for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.

Traditional Classes and Distance Learning Choices at Columbus State

The Medical Laboratory program is proud to offer traditional and distance learning options for our students. The traditional class room experience continues to provide students with high quality instruction in a small classroom setting at our main campus and off-campus locations. The Medical Laboratory program also offers distance learning courses that provide the same high quality learning as traditional instruction, yet with the flexibility of being able to complete your course work online or through video based instruction.

Students interested in the Medical Laboratory distance learning option will need to contact the Medical Laboratory program coordinator for specific entrance requirements. The distance learning program is designed for students who are not located in Columbus, Ohio, and who are sponsored by a CLIA accredited Clinical Laboratory facility. Students complete the theory courses online and the laboratory portion of each course in their sponsoring facility. The Medical Laboratory program contact number is (614) 287-2518 or visit our home page at http://www.cscc.edu/MLT/index.htm.

Specific Program Admissions Information

Listed below are additional requirements for admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology:

• Required high school courses with a grade of “C” or better or Columbus State equivalent courses with a grade of “C” or better within the last five years: Biology or BIO 100, Chemistry or CHEM 100.

• Placement into ENGL 101, or ENGL 111, or completion of ENGL 100 with a grade of “C” or better.

• Placement into MATH 135, or completion of MATH 103, with a grade of “C” or better.

• Completion of CHEM 113, CHEM 111, or CHEM 171 with a “C” or better.

• Completion of MLT 100 with a grade of “C” or better.

• Demonstration of computer literacy (high school, work related, or CIT 101).

• Completed health record on file in the Health Records Office.

• Minimum GPA of 2.500 or better through most recently completed course work.

• Students may be required to complete drug testing, background screening, and an interview.