Medical Laboratory Technology

Medical Laboratory Technology (A.A.S.)

The Medical Laboratory Profession
Laboratory tests play an important part in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of many diseases in modern medical practice. The laboratory professionals who carry out these tests are medical technologists (bachelor’s or master’s degree level) and medical laboratory technicians (associate degree level). They work under the direction of pathologists and other physicians or scientists. Medical laboratory workers perform a wide range of tests and laboratory procedures that require a high level of skill. They examine and analyze blood, body fluids and other specimens using precision instruments, such as microscopes and automated analyzers. They look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. They also prepare specimens for examination, count cells and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They may work in several laboratory areas, such as hematology, clinical chemistry, blood banking, microbiology or molecular diagnostics, or specialize in just one.

Program Mission
Education’s aim is to develop the characteristic excellence of which people are capable, and to hold as it’s ultimate end, human happiness and the welfare of society. The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program is committed to this and to academic excellence, and the dignity and worth of the individual. Our program’s mission is to prepare competent medical laboratory technicians with the entry-level knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required to fulfill current and future professional roles and leadership positions as members of the health care team. Occupational competence is developed through classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The MLT faculty and staff encourage the fullest development of each student’s potential so that all may contribute to society. This statement is consistent with the mission of the Department of Allied Health Sciences and Nassau Community College.

Program Description
The Medical Laboratory Technology program is a two-year curriculum leading to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. It offers technician-level education for those career-oriented students interested in employment as medical laboratory technicians and laboratory or research aides.

The curriculum consists of courses in the humanities, behavioral sciences, mathematics, basic sciences and specialized clinical courses. All students are exposed to the methods and applications of routine medical laboratory procedure, including the detection of errors and quality control. The program combines coursework at the College with off-campus clinical education at an affiliate hospital or clinical laboratory.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the New York State licensure exam for Certified Clinical Laboratory Technicians. Students will also be eligible to take national certification exams given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Program Goals

• To develop understanding of the services performed in the clinical laboratory and their relationship to the detection and treatment of disease.
• To provide a working knowledge of clinical equipment and supplies.
• To develop understanding of all aspects of clinical laboratory procedure and their practical applications.
• To provide academic preparation and practical experience essential for intelligent and responsible performance as a clinical laboratory technician.
• To create attitudes of ethical responsibility for the welfare of the patient undergoing treatment.
• To insure a well-rounded liberal arts education as well as providing for the expanding knowledge in the field of medical laboratory technology.
• To provide mechanisms for the development of a professional identity, creation of leadership skills and ensuring the capacity of decision-making.
• To encourage upward mobility through formal and informal continuing education.
• To improve the quality of patient care and service through the education and training of competent medical laboratory technicians.

Accreditation
The MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018; 773.714.8880; www.naacls.org.


ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

High School Academic Requirements:

• Two years of mathematics, including Sequential Math I & II, or Math A
• One year biology
• One year chemistry
• Grades 75 and above

The student must take the NCC placement test given by the College's Office of Admissions prior to applying.

Non-Academic Requirements:

• Sight, hearing and speech within normal limits.
• The fine motor coordination to manipulate tools, instruments and laboratory equipment in a safe and accurate manner.
• The emotional health required to work in an environment that might include exposure to agents of disease and to be able to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions.

All applicants are required to arrange for an interview with an MLT program faculty member. * For information call the Allied Health Sciences Department Office: 516.572.9640.

*Students must meet the Academic and Non-Academic requirements to be eligible for admission. For qualified students, recruitment and admission shall be nondiscriminatory with respect to race, ethnicity, creed, sex, age, disabling conditions (handicaps), and national origins.

AHS Departmental Requirements:

• A minimum grade of "C" is required in all AHS courses
• Evaluation of clinical practice is based on:  professional competence and skill, adherence to professional codes of ethics, sensitivity to patient and community needs, attitude, attendance, punctuality, appearance and ability to work with and relate to peers and other members of the health care team
• AHS student are required to carry malpractice insurance
• AHS students are required to submit completed health forms prior to enrollment
• AHS students are required to supply their own transportation to clinical sites
• AHS students must supply their own required uniforms

To make an appointment with a faculty advisor, call the Allied Health Sciences Department Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 516.572.9640. For an application, call the Admissions Office 516.572.7345

For the Program Director
Professor Lois Lucca
516.572.9640 ext. 26575
Office E-3211
Lois.Lucca@ncc.edu