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    Oct 07, 2024  
2023-24 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-24 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS


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This is a G3-eligible program.  Click here to learn more.

Program Description/Purpose: The Associate of Applied Sciences Degree program in Medical Laboratory Technology is designed to prepare students to master entry-level knowledge of Medical Laboratory Technology. The program combines the use of sophisticated instruments and techniques with the application of theoretical knowledge to perform complex procedures on tissue specimens, blood specimens, and other body fluids. The tests and procedures that Medical Laboratory Technologists perform provide critical information enabling physicians to diagnose, treat, and monitor a patient’s condition.

Accreditation Status: NAACLS Accredited

Admission Requirements:

Acceptance into the AAS Medical Laboratory Technology program is selective and competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the AAS program. The deadline for submitting completed applications is March 31st for the upcoming academic year. Applicants are responsible for making certain that the following have been submitted to the Medical Technology Program Director:

  1. Official transcripts from all colleges attended (transcripts from Laurel Ridge Community College and other Virginia Community Colleges are not required). Must have applied to Laurel Ridge Community College.
  2. Official transcript showing completion of a high school diploma or records showing completion of GED with scores.
  3. A current Medical Laboratory Technology application form.
  4. One unit of high school Biology or college equivalents (BIO 101 ).
  5. Laurel Ridge Community College placement tests (if required) and completion of any developmental work that may be identified by the placement test.
  • Applicants must receive an ENG 111 placement test recommendation or have successfully completed all developmental English requirements.
  • Applicants must be eligible for MTH 161.
  1. A GPA of 2.5 or higher based on the twelve most recent college credits completed by the end of fall semester, prior to submitting an MLT application. A GPA lower than 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  2. Completion of the pre-requisite courses, or equivalent, noted in the course curriculum. Students who are currently enrolled in the prerequisites may apply; acceptance into the program will be contingent upon passing the courses with a “C” or 70% or better, prior to beginning the MLT program curriculum.
  3. Two completed reference forms - one personal and one professional reference - must be included in the application packet.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will apply the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) based on Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), to prevent pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors.
  2. Students will evaluate analytical outcomes to identify common causes of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors.
  3. Students will find employment as an MLT upon graduation from the program.  Alternatively, students who wish to continue their education will enroll in or transfer to a 4-year program.
  4. Students will comply with all laboratory safety procedures and use Universal Precautions when handling all patient specimens.
  5. Students will successfully pass a national registry examination, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) exam.
  6. Students will demonstrate the ability to adhere to the Security Rule of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.

Program Curriculum


Spring Semester


Completion of all prior MDL courses with a grade of “C” or 75% or better is required to enroll in Clinical Rotation semester of the MLT Program

Program Total: 62 Credits


*The Coordinated Internships (MDL 290 ) will consist of 375 clinical hours, rotating throughout different departments in a predetermined Clinical Laboratory. The students will spend 3 weeks in Chemistry (4 days a week, 7 hour days), 3 weeks in Hematology (4 days a week, 7 hour days), 4 weeks in Microbiology (4 days a week, 7 hour days), and 4 weeks in Blood Bank (4 days a week, 7 hour days). Serology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis clinical hours will be incorporated in the four mentioned departments. Students will be allotted a 30-minute break each day of their clinical rotation.  Students who do not complete 375 hours will not pass the course. Successful completion of this course is mandatory in earning the AAS degree.

CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS: During the final semester, students will enter the field for a 14-week clinical rotation. Medical laboratory personnel frequently work with blood and body fluids which may harbor infectious diseases such as bacteria and viruses. Students may likewise be exposed to potentially infectious blood borne disease as well as bacterial and viral cultures in the clinical microbiology laboratory due to time pressures placed on the laboratory personnel.

Prior to admission to the Clinical Rotation:

  1. Students must be 18 years of age.
  2. Students must purchase required apparel for the clinical rotation prior to start of the rotations.
  3. Students must provide their own form of transportation to and from the clinical sites.
  4. Current immunization record to include Td/Tdap, MMR, Varicella, PPD, Bacterial Meningitis, Polio, Influenza, Hepatitis series and COVID 19.
  5. Proof of health insurance.
  6. Results of Criminal Background Check and Urine Drug Screen completed within ninety days and submitted prior to entering Clinical rotation. The cost of the background check and the drug screen are the responsibility of the student.
  7. Sign an agreement which releases all clinical agencies and their employees, Laurel Ridge Community College, The Virginia Community College System and the Commonwealth of Virginia from any liability for any injury or death to the student or damage to his/her property arising out of agreement of use of facilities associated with the MLT program.

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