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Medical Labratory Technology

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE


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 assessment, and reporting/ recording and interpreting findings involving blood and body fluids.

The ideal student has:

  • A natural aptitude for science
  • The ability to analyze and troubleshoot
  • A detail-oriented mindset
  • An interest in working behind the scenes to help people

Graduate Employment

2020-2021

100%
2021-2022 100%
2022-2023 100%
2020-2023 Average 100%
ASCP BOC Pass Rate

2020-2021

100%
2021-2022 90%
2022-2023 91%
2020-2023 Average 93%
Graduation Rate

2020-2021

90%
2021-2022 80%
2022-2023 82%
2020-2023 Average 83%

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Telephone: (773) 714-8880.

Web site: www.naacls.org

Medical Laboratory Technology

Essential Functions and Technical Standards Requirements


Purpose Statement:

The following technical standards represent the essential nonacademic requirements of the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program that a student must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable. In adopting these standards the MLT Program is mindful of the patient’s right to safe and quality health care by students. The MLT student must be able to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a broad variety of clinical situations while providing the spectrum of medical laboratory interventions. These standards do reflect what may be required for employment of the graduate. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards/essential functions below.


Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the program.

Technical Standards
Definition of Standards
Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize, integrate and apply information.

Read and comprehend relevant information in textbooks and professional literature. Identify problems related to laboratory results and determine appropriate course of action. Apply standard precautions. Recognize errors and alter performance as needed. Problem-solve unexpected observations or outcomes of laboratory procedures. Prioritize based on the needs of the patient and/or situation. Maintain alertness and concentration during a normal work period. Determine when to seek supervisory help in a clinical setting. Actively participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises including demonstrations, lecture, student laboratory, and clinical practicums.

Interpersonal Skills Ability to collaboratively work with all MLT students and program faculty in the classroom and student lab and with clinical staff and patients in the clinical setting.   Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues. Interact appropriately with persons from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds Employ basic conflict management skills. Work independently and with others as directed under time constraints.
Communication Skills Demonstrate effective written and oral communication or alternate method in the primary language of the institution and clinical site. This includes, but is not limited to, reading, following instructions, electronic and other forms of communication.  
  • Writing: the ability to communicate effectively in legible written form Speaking: the ability to verbally communicate understandably in English.
  • Reading: the ability to read, understand, and follow directions printed in English.
  • Electronics: the ability to utilize a computer and/or electronic devices for instructional and laboratory related activities.
Mobility/Motor Skills Possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills to perform safe and effective clinical laboratory procedures. Ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices and use electronic keyboard. Bilateral use of hands or terminal devices that involves coordination and strength. Ability to maneuver in the laboratory, around instruments, in confined spaces, and in patient rooms. Movement includes utilizing shoulders, arms, and neck; bending; twisting the body; standing; reaching and grasping overhead, in front of the body, and down; prolonged standing or sitting. Be able to reach laboratory bench tops and shelves. Be able to access patients in beds or seated in specimen collection chairs.
Sensory Abilities Sufficient sensory ability to function in a clinical laboratory setting.
  • Visual: the ability to distinguish red color from yellow color; distinguish clear from cloudy; and see through a microscope. Must be able to discern viscosity, primary colors and/or shades thereof; and differentiate shapes macroscopically and microscopically.
  • Hearing: demonstrate hearing ability with any type of auditory aid in order to follow verbal instructions; ability to hear alarms; ability to adapt (phone receivers, hearing aids, etc.) 
  • Smell: the ability to distinguish odors from various sources including chemical reagents, products of chemical reactions, and biological specimens.
  • Somatic: the ability to palpate veins to make determinations in venipuncture, sense temperature changes, and vibrations.
Behavioral/Emotional Stability Demonstrate professional behaviors and strong work ethic. Demonstrate the ability to work independently maintaining composure and competence under stressful situations. Demonstrate emotional health conducive to application of intellect and sound judgment. Accept constructive criticism & respond by appropriate modifications. Examine and correct personal behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships. Accept responsibility for own actions as an emotionally mature individual. Demonstrate respect for patients and healthcare team members. Present professional appearance. Recognize emergency situations. Demonstrate the ability to follow directions/procedures with accuracy and precision. Practice discretion and confidentiality.
Ethical Standards Demonstrate professional/medical ethics Demonstrate honesty and integrity. Be willing to admit to mistakes and take responsibility for one’s own actions. Perform in an ethical manner in dealing with peers, faculty, staff, and patients. Adhere to HIPAA regulations.

 

Alamance Community College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for students with documented disabilities. Students who require accessibility services or reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and provide current diagnostic documentation to the Accessibility Services Office located in the Main Building, Room 233. All information is confidential.

Please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator for more information at 336-506-4130 or email at accessibilityservices@alamancecc.edu and notify your course instructor of your special needs, as appropriate. Students should initiate this process as soon as possible (prior to the start of classes and/or field experience).