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 for 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 program will:

• Demonstrate the entry level competencies necessary to perform routine clinical laboratory tests in all areas of the laboratory.
• Demonstrate the ability to be responsible for information processing, training, and quality control monitoring wherever clinical laboratory testing is performed.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply safety and governmental regulations to maintain compliance in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate awareness of their responsibility to the profession and the community it serves.
• Understand the need to participate in continuing education activities to remain current with changes in the health care profession, laying the foundation for a lifetime of 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

• Eligible for ENG 101; eligibility may be demonstrated through placement, current enrollment, or previous college coursework

• Eligible for MAT 177;  eligibility may be demonstrated through placement, current enrollment, or previous college coursework

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 accepted to Health Programs must be in compliance with the current immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Health Care Personnel (HCP) and in accordance with state law, MGL, Chapter 76, Section 15C, and its regulations at 105 CMR 220.700 in order to participate in an externship placement or clinical experience.
• Students must submit the Student Health Record form, provided by Middlesex Community College, to the Student Information Center. 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, Meningitis, and one lifetime dose of TDAP (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis - after 2006). Most programs also require seasonal flu vaccine.
• Students enrolled in the program must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in class and clinical settings in order to remain in the program.