Northwest Ohio Allied Health Education Consortium

Rhodes State College recently entered into a consortium with Marion Technical College, in order to offer Rhodes State students the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. The program began Fall quarter 2008. Students will obtain their general education requirements here at Rhodes and take their technical training classes at Marion Technical College.

Medical Laboratory Technician

What is Medical Laboratory Technology?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) or Clinical Laboratory Technicians (CLT)are a critical part of any health care team, serving as the "detective'' to turn clues into useful diagnostic statements. More than 10 billion diagnostic laboratory tests are performed in the United States each year, carried out by competent, highly trained Medical Laboratory Technology program graduates. Medical laboratory technicians may work in several areas of the clinical laboratory, or just specialize in one field.

What are the skills of a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

Medical Laboratory Technicians work in all areas of the clinical laboratory including blood bank, chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. They operate complex electronic equipment, computers and precision instruments. They are responsible for confirming the accuracy of the test results, and reporting these findings to the pathologist and other physicians. These professionals perform laboratory testing to aid in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

What education do I need to become an MLT?

At MTC, the medical laboratory program consists of seven quarters of academic and hands-on laboratory studies to prepare graduates for work in a variety of laboratory and clinical settings. Graduates of this program receive the Associate of Applied Science degree, and will also be eligible to take the appropriate national certification examinations offered by agencies such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel. After successful completion of the exam, the graduate will have the credentials of MLT (ASCP) or CLT (NCA) depending upon which exam the graduate completes

What is the job outlook for Medical Laboratory Technology?

The job outlook for MLTs is excellent. The average age of current MLTs is over 50 years old and many are retiring. In addition, the general population is growing older and will require more medical services. A national job growth rate of 14% is predicted through 2016. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, 138,000 new laboratory professionals will be needed by 2012, but fewer than 50,000 will be trained.

What will it take to succeed?

To be successful, a student must make a personal commitment to attend all classes, work independently between class sessions, and complete all assignments in a timely manner. You must be dedicated and disciplined. In addition, you must be able to meet the following technical standards:
Visual ability to locate patient veins, read computer screens, instrument prints, and accurately interpret color readings;
Gross and fine motor control to allow manipulation of medical instrumentation, analytical equipment, microscopes, blood collection equipment, and computer technology;
Physical mobility to assist a patient with walking devices, carry medical equipment to a patient’s bedside, and gain access to the patient in a variety of situations;
Language skills to enable communication with patients, co-workers, and supervisors;
Emotional maturity and stability to function under physical and mental stress;
Ability to meet attendance requirements;
Freedom from infectious diseases;
Ability to hear audible sounds and respond appropriately

What will I be expected to learn in the MLT program?

Collect and process biological specimens for analysis;
Perform analytical test and mathematical calculations relating to all areas of the clinical laboratory;
Monitor quality control recognize factors which interfere with analytical tests and take appropriate actions;
Perform basic maintenance of equipment and instruments;
Recognize and solve medical laboratory problems;
Apply basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures;
Utilize computer technology applications to interact with computerized instruments and laboratory information systems;
Demonstrate knowledge of infection control and safety practices and follow established guidelines and regulations;
Relate laboratory findings with basic disease processes;
Demonstrate professional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of computer software as it applies to document production, spreadsheets, and databases;
Demonstrate professional conduct and apply legal, social, and ethical responsibilities within the health care environment;
Pursue continued professional development.

How to I apply to the MLT program?

MTC application for admission and nonrefundable application fee.
American College Test [ACT] scores with a minimum composite score of 18, or successful completion of college-level required program courses with a 2.5 GPA or better.
Successful completion of the basic skills assessment [COMPASS] in reading, writing, and mathematics [algebra].
Final high school transcript [or GED results] and college transcripts [if applicable]. Your high school/college courses should include successful completion of biology, chemistry, and algebra.
Minimum of four [4] hours of observation in an approved Medical Laboratory documented with completion and submission of an observation validation form.
Minimum accumulative grade point average [GPA] of 2.5 in high school or college-level coursework [whichever is most recent], is required for program admission. Minimum accumulative grade point average [GPA] of 2.0 is required for program continuation and completion.
Completed Medical Laboratory Technology application.
Students accepted to the program will be required to submit to a criminal background check facilitated by Marion Technical College and conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification. Students with certain felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related arrests as specified in Senate Bill 38 and House Bill 160, will be ineligible for admission into the program.