Associate in Science

Lowell Campus - Day

Program Description:

The Medical Laboratory Technician Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare the student for entry into the clinical laboratory setting as a medical laboratory technician. As a member of the health care team, the medical laboratory technician plays a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease by developing data on blood and other human body fluids using highly computerized and automated instrumentation. Medical laboratory technicians work under the supervision of medical technologists or physicians in all areas of the laboratory, including chemistry, hematology, immunology, serology, immunohematology and microbiology. The student will become proficient in these disciplines of the laboratory through didactic and laboratory sessions at the college, and clinical practicums at affiliated sites. Students who complete the program are then eligible to sit for the board of certification exam with the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

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Career and Transfer Outlook:

The continued growth of the laboratory science profession is producing an increased demand for educated and motivated laboratory professionals. Employment opportunities for graduates of a medical laboratory technician program include hospital and reference laboratories, physician-office laboratories, clinics, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and research facilities. In the design of this program articulating to a B.S. program was also considered when mapping courses.

Helpful Hints:

Most general education credits taken to complete the Associate in Science degree will transfer to other colleges.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technician degree program are prepared to:

• Perform routine laboratory procedures encompassing all major areas of the clinical laboratory, including hematology, chemistry, immunology, serology, microbiology, urinalysis and transfusion services at the career-entry level;
• Procure laboratory test samples in an efficient and timely manner;
• Recognize unexpected results and instrument malfunctions, and take appropriate action;
• Produce accurate laboratory test results within acceptable limits of quality control;
• Correlate laboratory findings to common disease processes;
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills with patients, coworkers and physicians;
• Comply with safety procedures and ethical standards of practice;
• Demonstrate the importance of continuing education and life-long learning.

 

Admission to Medical Laboratory Technician

Required Course Prerequisites

• BIO 131 General Biology with a grade of C or better within the last 5 years

• High school or college Chemistry with a lab, with a grade of C or better within the last 5 years

• Required Testing

• Eligibility for ENG 101

• Placement above or completion of MAT 080 with a C or better or completion of math module 12, 73, or 82

• Current CPT reading score above 75

Required Documents

• A signed Admission Requirements Certification Form
• A completed Middlesex Community College Application
• Official college transcripts (required from all colleges attended, except Middlesex Community College)

Admission Notes

• Admission to the program is competitive.
• The Admission Committee will review applications in their entirety. In addition to the admission requirements listed above, successful applicants will have documented success in science courses. Academic history will also be considered and students are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA.
• Non-Massachusetts residents will be admitted on a space-available basis only

Requirements After Admission:

• Students must submit the Student Health Record form, provided by Middlesex Community College, to the Center for Health & Wellness. Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, a two-step Mantoux (TB/PPD) skin test or blood test (T-Spot or Quantiferon Gold) for tuberculosis, a color deficiency test, proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and one lifetime dose of TDAP (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis - after 2006).
• Students enrolled in the program must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in class and clinical settings in order to remain in the program.