Medical Laboratory Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (AAS_CLAB)

Occupational Title: Medical Laboratory Technician

Flanagan Campus, Lincoln only

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018; 773-714-8880.

Tremendous advances in medicine have resulted in an ever-increasing demand for diagnostic laboratory tests. The complexity of laboratory sciences today requires a highly trained technician to carry out these intricate analyses. The Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares students to enter this interesting and rewarding field.

This program provides the classroom and laboratory preparation required for students to work under supervision in a hospital or a public or private health laboratory, performing a wide variety of blood, chemical, microbiological, immunological and other clinical laboratory tests. Students undertake three semesters of preparation at CCRI and two semesters at an affiliated site where clinical practices are performed under the supervision of qualified, registered, professional personnel. Techniques of the operation, care, and maintenance of the latest equipment are emphasized throughout the clinical and academic experiences.

The Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares students as medical laboratory technicians with entry-level knowledge, application, and problem-solving skills to competently and safely perform a variety of laboratory procedures and function as an active member of the healthcare team.

Graduates of this program are eligible for employment in a hospital, public or private health laboratory, health care clinic, veterinary office, research lab, crime lab or pharmaceutical lab, performing a wide variety of blood, chemical, microbiological, immunological and other clinical laboratory tests. They also may choose to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for MLT given by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC).

Technical standards: The physical activity (strength) level for medical laboratory technician (078.381-014) is classified as “light” by the Department of Labor.

Note: Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

GENERAL POLICIES

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum requirements to apply to the Medical Laboratory Technology program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit a CCRI Application for Enrollment. General Studies should be the first choice; CLAB should be the second choice.
2. High school transcript – An official copy of a high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation, must be provided. If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded.
3. Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER) issued by CCRI’s Department of Advising and Counseling. Students may NOT retake the ACCUPLACER test before completing the remedial course/ courses. Note: For application purposes, ACCUPLACER testing can be waived for students who provide documentation of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students are advised that individual departments may still require ACCUPLACER testing as a prerequisite for their courses.
   Reading comprehension test must show competency of 80 or above or students must complete ENGL 0890 - Critical Reading with a grade of B- or better. ENGL 1300 will not substitute for ENGL 1010.
4. Complete courses required for admission with a grade of C or better:
   1. BIOL 1002 - Introductory Biology: Cellular
5. Aptitude Examination – Take the PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination administered through Advising and Counseling. The exam may be taken no more than three times. See psbtests.com
6. GPA – A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better for all college courses.
7. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit a performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period.
   1. IMPORTANT: Submission of a performance-based Health Sciences application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Acceptance is based on points earned as listed in the program acceptance criteria point system. (See www.ccri.edu/dean-hrs.) At the time of admission, students must meet the current admission requirements. Students declining acceptance into the program for the semester offered must resubmit a performance-based Health Sciences application and meet the current admission requirements. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation conducted by the Allied Health Department.
8. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from Enrollment Services

Program Requirements

• Students are responsible for the purchase of books, uniforms, and transportation to clinical assignments.
• Program faculty reserve the right to require withdrawal of any student from the program or to refuse reinstatement based on the student’s academic, clinical or behavioral performance.
• Students must complete all courses in this program with a cumulative index of 2.0 to qualify for the Associate in Applied Science degree.
• No grade of less than C is acceptable in any technical course (MLTC). Students receiving less than C will be dismissed from the program.

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE

Total General Education Requirements Credits 18

Total General Education Credits 22

Unless otherwise noted in course descriptions, major requirements are open only to students who are formally accepted into the program.

Total Major Requirements Credits 53

Total Program Credits 75