Medical Laboratory Technician - AAS

Medical Laboratory Technology

Associate in Applied Science

Available: Shoals Campus

Advisor(s): M. Hayes (8073) michelle.hayes@nwscc.edu

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Division of Health Studies offers an Associate Degree Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program. Upon satisfactory completion of the pre-requisites and the four-semester program, the Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded.  The MLT program prepares graduates for the national certification examination.  The MLT program trains student to perform a wide array of tests on patient samples and use the results to assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients.

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Shoals Community College is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC.  The MLT Program is currently seeking and completing requirements for programmatic accreditation.  All agencies used for students’ clinical experiences are accredited or licensed by the appropriate governing body.

ADMISSION

1. Complete and submit college admissions application to the Admissions Office and receive a NWSCC student number prior to application deadline.

2. Complete and submit the online MLT program application (separate from college application) with unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended attached, by October 15th for spring admission.

3. Have an unconditional admission to the college.

4. Be in good standing with the college.

5. Submit official high school transcripts showing graduation OR official GED report to the Admissions Office by October 15th.

6. Submit official transcripts from ALL other colleges attended to the Admissions Office prior to application deadline. If you are attending another college, the final official transcript must be received by the Admissions Office by December 20th.

7. Must have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale based on the required academic core courses for MLT, and

• a. Current or previous NWSCC students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA or higher at NWSCC.
• b. Transfer students must enter NWSCC on clear academic status (cumulative 2.0 GPA)

8. Have completed BIO 103 or 201, CHM 104, ENG101, and MTH116 or MTH 100 or higher with a grade of C or higher. (Classes must be completed with official documentation before the deadline of October 15th, with the exception of CHM 104.  For spring 2025 admission, CHM 104 must be completed by the end of fall 2024 with a grade of C or higher.)

10. Meet the eligibility criteria required for the MLT program.

The College reserves the right to adjust requirements or use additional criteria to determine admission.

Admission to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in MLT is competitive; the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission into the Program. After meeting all minimum criteria, applicants are ranked using a point system. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in MLT is developed as a combined sequence of MLT coursework. Prerequisite general education coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or higher prior to the admission (See 8 above).  Selected general education coursework must be complted with a minimum grade of "C" or higher by the designated semesters in the degree plan. The general education courses are offered on both the Shoals and Phil Campbell campuses at NWSCC. Completion of certain courses prior to application results in a higher ranking score and improves the chances of being admitted.

NOTICE: Your ability to comply with the Eligibility Criteria listed may be evaluated by health studies faculty at anytime that your ability to do so is in question.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

After acceptance each student must:

• Submit completed medical examination forms (at student expense) that provide evidence the student is free of communicable disease and chemical dependency, and is physically and psychologically able to participate fully in both classroom and clinical aspects of the program. The faculty reserves the right to require at any time (at student expense) an additional medical examination in order to evaluate the student’s state of physical, mental, and/or emotional health such as during pregnancy, infectious diseases, interference with mobility, emotional instability, chemical dependence, etc. When an examination or treatment is required, written proof must be provided by the physician attesting to the student’s ability to carry out both classroom and clinical requirements of the program.
• Meet the Eligibility Criteria with or without reasonable accommodations. These functions relate to physical, mental, and emotional capabilities of the prospective students and are available in writing from the MLT Department. Additional health criteria may be required by clinical agencies. Students are required to meet all health requirements of all clinical facilities used by the program.  Therefore, should a clinical facility change policies to require proof of another health-related requirement, all students must comply to progress in the program.
• Purchase regulation uniforms and specified accessories.
• Participate in and pay for certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the health care provider level (BLS) by the American Heart Association.
• Receive certain immunizations at the student’s expense.
• Purchase professional liability insurance through the College.
• Participate in and pay for periodic standardized tests.
• Participate in and pay for drug testing as directed by the Health Studies Division.
• Participate in and pay for background checks as directed by the Health Studies Division.

It is highly recommended that the student carry health insurance.

NOTE: Northwest Shoals Community College reserves the right to remove from the program any student who is refused use of facilities by any clinical agency.

NOTICE: The Alabama Community College System Curriculum is continuing to be reviewed and analyzed. Modifications will be made as needed.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION POLICY

1. Students must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all required courses.
2. Grading scale for MLT courses:
   • 90 – 100 A; 
   • 80 – 89 B; 
   • 75 – 79 C; 
   • 60 – 74 D; 
   • BELOW 60  F
3. Students must be accepted by all clinical agencies for all clinical experiences and must complete unpaid clinical hours during the last semester in the MLT program in a facility assigned by MLT department (hours completed Monday – Friday according to facility).  If a student is dismissed from any clinical agency, he or she will be dismissed from the program. Depending on the issue, the student may be withdrawn or receive a failing clinical grade.
4. Students must perform a satisfactory evaluation on all clinical skills.
5. Maintain ability to meet eligibility criteria for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.
6. Maintain current CPR at the health care provider level by American Heart Association.
7. Maintain an adequate level of health, including but not limited to, annual physical examination, TB screening, vaccinations, and freedom from chemical dependency.

A student who has a unsuccessful attempt in a MLT course (W, D, or F) cannot progress in the MLT course sequence until the course is repeated successfully. Course repetition will be based on instructor availability and program resources.

REINSTATEMENT POLICY

Definition of reinstatement: Students who have a withdrawal or failure in an MLT course and are eligible to return to that course will be considered for reinstatement to the program.

• Students who desire to be reinstated following non-progression must schedule an appointment with an MLT faculty advisor to discuss reinstatement.
• A student must request reinstatement within one year from the term of non-progression to be eligible for reinstatement.
• To be eligible for reinstatement, the student must,
  • Apply for readmission to the college if not currently enrolled.
  • Receive unconditional admission status from the College;
  • Demonstrate a cumulative 2.0 GPA;
  • Have no more than one non-progression since program admission;
  • Submit application requesting reinstatement to the MLT program by the following deadlines:
    • Fall Semester - May 15;
    • Spring Semester - October 15;
    • Summer Semester - February 15
  • Demonstrate the ability to meet eligibility criteria for the MLT program with or without reasonable accommodations;
  • Demonstrate competency in previous MLT courses by those students who have been out of progression for greater than one semester; (This may be evaluated by testing and/or skills validation.)
  • Be accepted by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
• If a student is dismissed from the program due to unsatisfactory behavior related to unethical or unsafe behaviors/actions, the student will be ineligible for reinstatement. The student is eligible to apply as a new student after a period of two years have lapsed, unless the unsafe/unethical action resulted in actual harm or injury to self or others. In such cases, students may not reapply nor reinstate to the MLT program.  In cases of dismissal due to criminal background or substance abuse, the program will follow the criminal background or substance abuse policy. 
• Reinstatement to the MLT program is not guaranteed and will only be allowed once. Reinstatement will be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:
  • Refusal by any clinical agency to accept the student for clinical experiences;
  • space unavailability;
  • more than twelve (12) months have lapsed since the student has enrolled in an MLT course;
  • being previously dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe client care in the clinical area.
  • Grade point average is less than 2.0 from courses completed at the current institution.

Two unsuccessful attempts (D, F, or withdrawal) in MLT courses will result in dismissal from the MLT program. Withdrawal and/or a D or F in one or more courses in a term will be considered one attempt.

If a student has a documented extenuating circumstance that should be considered related to a withdrawal or failure, then this student may request a hearing before the Admission Committee or other appropriate college committee for a decision on repeating a course or readmission to the program.

READMISSION POLICY

Students who withdraw, or are dismissed from the program, must apply for readmission. Students who are ineligible for reinstatement due to two unsuccessful attempts in any MLT program may apply for admission as a new student to any MLT program within the Alabama Community College System, provided:

• The student meets current entry requirements, and
• The student was not dismissed from the previous program for unsafe/unsatisfactory patient care in the clinical area that resulted in actual harm or injury to self or others or for disciplinary reasons.
• The student is accepted by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions. Criteria for transfer:

• Must meet minimum admission standards for the MLT program. 
• Must have a C or better in all MLT Program-required courses taken at another institution and at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of transfer.
• The director of the previous program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in the previous program.
• Must comply with all program policies and requirements at the accepting institution (including the program progression policy, progression policy, and reinstatement policy).
• Complete at least 25% of the MLT Program required courses for the degree at the accepting institution.
• Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
• Acceptance of transfer students into MLT Programs is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
• ACCS Curriculum courses will be transferred without reviewing the course syllabus. The last MLT course in which the student was enrolled cannot be more than 12 months old.
• Apply requesting transfer to the MLT Program by the following deadlines:
  • Fall Semester: May 15th
  • Spring Semester: October 15th
  • Summer Semester: February 15th

ANTICIPATED EXPENSES

The tuition rate is the same as that for other NWSCC students, but MLT program students will incur other expenses, which are listed below. In addition to the expenses listed, the student is responsible for transportation, meals, expenses, and liability incurred while traveling to clinical sites/educational experiences. Note that the amounts listed are approximations and that they are subject to change without notice:

Pre-clinical requirements (Physical Exam, TB Test, and vaccinations): $500.00-$1,000.00 (depends on insurance coverage)

Books and online resources: $1,000.00

Scrubs and lab coat: $100.00

Lab kit fees: $30-$45 per semester

Course materials: approximately $50.00 (notebooks, printed materials)

ID Badge: $10.00

Liability Insurance: $40.00

Background Checks: $75.00

Parking Decal: $20.00

Certification Exam: $200-$250

MediaLab MLT Exam Simulator 1-year subscription; 4th semester; $75-$130; for exam review; available for purchase at www.labce.com.

MLT TECHNICAL STANDARDS/ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Students enrolled in the medical laboratory technician program must complete both academic and clinical requirements. The purpose of the eligibility criteria is to delineate the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills deemed minimally necessary for admission, progression, and graduation, and for the provision of safe and effective client care. Before enrollment in the MLT program, students are given the eligibility criteria. If a student cannot demonstrate the following skills and abilities, it is their responsibility to request appropriate reasonable accommodation through the Student Disability Services Office.

The eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to, the ability to:

• Sensory Perception
  • Visual
    1. Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
    2. Visualize distinct color spectrums and color changes
    3. Read fine print in varying levels of light
    4. Read for prolonged periods of time
    5. Read cursive writing
    6. Read at varying distances
    7. Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
  • Auditory
    1. Interpret monitoring devices
    2. Hear and discriminate high and low-frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment
    3. Effectively hear to communicate with others
  • Tactile
    1. Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location, and other physical characteristics
  • Olfactory
    1. Detect odors in the environment
• Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships
  • Verbally and in writing, engage in two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
  • Work effectively in groups
  • Work effectively independently
  • Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
  • Express one's ideas and feelings clearly
  • Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner
  • Obtain communications from a computer
• Cognitive/Critical Thinking
  • Effectively read, write, and comprehend the English language
  • Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking to formulate and implement safe and ethical decisions in a variety of health care settings
  • Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
  • Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives
• Motor Function
  • Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination, or destruction
  • Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry clients without injury to clients, self, or others
  • Maintain balance from any position
  • Stand on both legs
  • Coordinate hand/eye movements
  • Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self, or others
  • Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self, or others
  • Walk without a cane, walker, or crutches
  • Function with hands-free for care and transporting items
  • Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices
  • Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
  • Respond rapidly to emergency situations
  • Maneuver in small areas
  • Perform daily care functions for the client
  • Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective care
  • Calibrate/use equipment
  • Execute Movement required to provide care in all health care settings
  • Operate a computer
• Professional Behavior
  • Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance, and a healthy attitude toward others
  • Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
  • Handle multiple tasks concurrently
  • Perform safe, effective care for clients in a caring context
  • Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
  • Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
  • Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline
  • Meet qualifications for certification by examination as stipulated by the respective program
  • Not to pose a threat to self or others
  • Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing care
  • Adapt to changing environments and situations
  • Remain free of chemical dependency
  • Report promptly to clinicals and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit
  • Provide care in an appropriate time frame
  • Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one's actions
  • Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
  • Examine and modify one's own behavior when it interferes with care or learning

Upon admission, an individual who discloses a disability can request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation of the disability to assist with the provision of appropriate reasonable accommodations. The respective College will provide reasonable accommodation but is not required to alter the program's requirements or provide accommodation that inflicts an undue burden on the respective College. To be admitted, one must be able to perform all the eligibility criteria with or without reasonable accommodations. If an individual's health changes during the program of learning, so that the eligibility criteria cannot be met with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will be withdrawn from the program. The faculty reserves the right at any time to require an additional medical examination at the student's expense to assist with the evaluation of the student's ability to perform the eligibility criteria. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to the ADA Coordinator's Office 256.331.5262.

Medical Laboratory Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology is a four-semester program beginning with the first MLT course, which prepares the graduate to sit for the MLT certification examination. Candidates for the Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology must complete the prescribed general education course requirements, plus 45 hours in medical laboratory technology for a total of 68 hours.

*ENG 101, BIO 103 or BIO 201, CHM 104, and MTH 116 or MTH 100 or higher are prerequisites.  The remainder non-MLT courses must be completed with a "C" or higher before or during the semesters specified below.  Failure to complete a non-MLT course before or during the specified semester below will result in non-progression.