Medical Laboratory Technology, A.A.S.

Sheila Johnson, Program Coordinator/Instructor

The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) curriculum is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program of study that prepares individuals to work in a clinical laboratory. As members of the health care delivery team, clinical laboratory personnel are responsible for assuring reliable and accurate laboratory test results that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of physiological and pathological conditions. This program is designed to meet the standards and requirements for careers in clinical laboratory science. At career entry, the medical laboratory technician/clinical laboratory technician will be able to perform routine clinical laboratory tests (such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, and urinalysis) as the primary analyst making specimen-oriented decisions on pre-determined criteria. Upon successful completion of the technical program, the student will be eligible to take a national certification examination. This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N River Rd. Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, (773) 714-8880.

Mississippi Law requires health care professionals or Career Technical Education students enrolled in programs whose primary purpose is to prepare professionals to render patient care services to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting prior to beginning any clinical rotation in a licensed health care entity. If such fingerprinting or criminal background checks of the student disclose a felony conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23 (g), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust, aggravated assault or felonious abuse and/or battery of a vulnerable adult which has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to be admitted to such health program of study, nor will he/she be eligible to participate in clinical training in a licensed entity.

If a student currently enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by any clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., positive drug screen, gregarious behavior, violation of patient safety, non-compliance with the College’s “Student Behavior Code,” etc.), then the student will be dismissed from the program of study. The student is not eligible for program readmission unless the clinical restriction is removed.

In addition to the disqualifying events listed in Section 37-29-232 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 annotated, clinical affiliates may, at their discretion, refuse to provide clinical experiences to any student whom the clinical affiliates feel are not suitable for employment or for the clinical experience setting.

Any drug conviction; bodily harm, neglect or abuse, or felony DUI conviction within a year of the starting date of class is cause for denial of the clinical experience setting. Any convictions more than a year beyond the starting date of class will be examined by the “Review Standards Committee” with a decision rendered if the student is allowed to participate in the clinical experience setting. Any charges pending a resolution will require documentation of disposition from the student.

Progression: To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.00) or better. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each MLT course to progress in the program.

Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):

Attain an 18 composite score on the ACT;

Or

Score a 251 or higher on the ACCUPLACER NG Reading Section and a 251 or above on the ACCUPLACER NG Arithmetic Section;

Or

Complete 15 semester hours with a “C” average or above at an accredited college or university and meet requirements for MAT 1233 - Intermediate Algebra . Developmental coursework does not satisfy this requirement;

And

Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) on all previous college coursework;

And

Attend an MLT Information Session. Students will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office about scheduling their Information Session.

The MLT Admissions Committee will select each year’s class from the pool of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements. Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission. The admission process is competitive, and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows: 1) In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; 2) Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; 3) Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere; 4) Out-of-state students. Check with the Health Education Advisor for selection details and deadlines.

After program admission and prior to classes beginning, students must provide proof of immunization for MMR. A Drug Screening Test will be scheduled after classes begin. A negative Mantoux Two-Step TB Skin Test is required before students can enter the clinical practicum the second January in the program.

All students admitted into the program will be required to pay for fingerprinting and background checks, which will be performed after admission and prior to clinical laboratories. These fees will be attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that will prevent an individual from being eligible to participate in clinical experiences. If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences, he/she will be dismissed from the program. For additional information, please contact the health education advisor.

Students in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program must attend MCC full-time (12 or more semester credit hours).

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