Program Description
The Clinical Lab Technician performs laboratory procedures designed to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. These procedures include physical, chemical or microscopic analyses of body fluids and tissues. Proficiency in these skills is achieved through practice in College laboratories and affiliated clinical laboratories in the community.
Training includes both manual and automated experiences. High school courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics are strongly recommended for those planning to enter this program. Students satisfactorily completing this program may choose to transfer to earn a baccalaureate degree in medical technology or biological sciences.
This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018)
The number of students in the program is limited on the basis of clinical facilities available. Upon completion of this program, the graduate is eligible to take the New York state examination for certification as a Clinical Laboratory Technician and national board examinations. Graduation from the Clinical Lab Technician program does not guarantee admittance to the state certifying examination. Individuals who have prior convictions, felony or misdemeanor, exclusive of parking violations, are advised to contact the New York State Board of Clinical Laboratory Technology for advice on legal limitations for certification.
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is awarded upon completion of the requirements for this program.
Students who successfully complete the A.A.S. degree in Clinical Lab Technician will be prepared to:
- Collect, process and analyze biological specimens and other substances;
- Perform analytical tests of body fluids, cells and other substances;
- Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated;
- Monitor quality control within predetermined limits;
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs;
- Apply principles of safety;
- Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public;
- Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their jobs and patient care;
- Apply basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures;
- Relate laboratory findings to common disease processes;
- Recognize and act upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.
Students who experience a break of more than three semesters between their first MLT course and MLT 207/208 may need to repeat one or more MLT courses or take qualifying examinations. Contact the program chairperson.
Program Outcomes
For requirements, see Program Map.
| Course Hours Per Week | Semester Hours | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| AHS-100 | ALLIED HEALTH INTRO SEMINAR | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| BIO-105 | GENERAL BIOLOGY I | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| CHE-121 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| MAT-118 | ELEMENTARY STATISTICS | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MLT-105 | CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | 10 | 16 | |
| Second Semester | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| BIO-106 | GENERAL BIOLOGY II | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| ENG-101 | COMPOSITION I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CHE-122 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| CIS-111 | COMPUTER SYSTEMS & APPLICATNS | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MLT-101 | CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | 9 | 18 | |
| Third Semester | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| BHS-103 | SOCIAL PROBLMS IN TODAY'S WRLD | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG-102 | COMPOSITION II | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MLT-106 | IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY/SEROLOGY | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| MLT-202 | PARASITOLOGY/BODY FLUIDS | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| MLT-203 | CLINICAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | 9 | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| MLT-204 | CLINICAL CHEMISTRY II | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| MLT-207 | EXTERNSHIP I | 0 | 16 | 4 |
| MLT-208 | EXTERNSHIP II | 0 | 16 | 4 |
| Oral Communication (a) | 3 | |||
| Credit Hours | 2 | 35 | 14 | |
| Total Required Minimum Semester Hours Credit | 64 | |||
NOTES: All MLT students are required to submit a completed physical examination form prior to clinical assignment. All immunizations indicated on the form must be current. When this form is on file, the College Health Office will issue a waiver clearing the student for clinical assignments. Hepatitis B Vaccine series is highly recommended and may be required by the clinical facility under the OSHA Standard on Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens.
a. Oral communication: Any three-credit course listed in Category J2.
b. Criminal background checks and drug screens are required for clinical placement.
Karen Ingham
Program Chair