No. of Credits: 65
Contact: L. Polk, Chair, Health Sciences Division; T. Gill, Program Coordinator
This two-year program (including one summer session) is seeking accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). It is designed to prepare students to work as a member of a diagnostic healthcare team. The medical laboratory technician performs routine procedures under the supervision of a medical technologist or pathologist. Tests performed by the medical laboratory technician include complete blood counts, urinalysis, cross matching blood for transfusion, identifying pathogenic organisms, and chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids. The program includes rotations in a clinical laboratory. Graduates of the program may apply to take a national certification exam. The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accrediated by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119.
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admissions to the Medical Laboratory Technology program:
- High school diploma or GED or dual/concurrent status at CSM
- Minimum of 2.00 GPA in high school with one year of chemistry, biology, and algebra with a minimum grade of “C”
- Placement test scores at ENG 1010 and MTH 1115 levels and placement out of Reading
OR
In addition to meeting either of the above criteria, students must earn a composite score of 16 on the ACT (American College Test) or equivalent on the SAT. Students with a previously earned degree are not required to take the ACT or SAT.
Admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology program is on a competitive basis. All petitioners who have met the admissions criteria will be ranked and admitted according to: (a) grade point average; (b) number of non-MLT courses within the program completed; (c) preference is given to petitioners from the college’s service area.
No students may register for any MLT courses until they have been admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technology program.
MLT students must achieve a “C” or better in all MLT and required general education courses. The MLT courses are designed to be completed within five consecutive (including summer) college semesters.
The Medical Laboratory Technology program at CSM has been designated as a Health Manpower Shortage program. The Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has determined certain health occupations in the state to be in short supply. The Maryland Higher Education Commission has designated educational programs that correspond to these health occupations to be eligible for the Health Manpower Shortage Program. This means that Maryland residents from outside of Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties who are entering this program are eligible for in-county tuition rates. Some restrictions apply. Check with the Admissions Office for more information.
Students may be required to provide proof of current health insurance, a negative drug screen and a criminal background check at the students’ expense.
Applicants may obtain additional information from the Health Sciences Division.
The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 48.
Career Opportunities:
medical laboratory technician
For the Medical Lab Tech Petition click here.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will…
- Accurately perform manual and automated procedures in Hematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology, Serology, Clinical Microbiology, Urinalysis, Body Fluids, and Blood Banking
- Demonstrate competency in safely collecting, processing, and analyzing specimens and results
- Analyze specimens and procedures for Quality Assessment factors that affect patient results and perform actions to make corrections
- Accurately comply and interpret quality control measures in all major areas of the lab
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct including confidentiality and interpersonal communication skills
- Correctly perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments
- Effectively plans for continuing education and lifelong learning as a requirement for maintaining professional certification