Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS

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 31^st 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.

6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.