Medical Laboratory Technology

The medical laboratory technician (MLT) performs a wide variety of routine and specialized diagnostic and screening procedures to provide the physician with accurate results. These results are used by the physician to diagnose, treat, and monitor patient progress. As medical investigators, medical laboratory technicians perform blood collection techniques, operate state-of-the-art instruments, and computers, and examine specimens under the microscope.

The MLT program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a wide variety of healthcare laboratory settings. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take national certifying examinations, earning the designation Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Technician.

 

Information Guide           Program Outcomes

 

 The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)

 

How do I complete this program?

The next Medical Laboratory Technology information sessions are:

 

Friday, 8/30/2024 at 10:00 AM - Rm. 306 of the Health Sciences Building

 

Thursday, 9/5/2024 at 4:00 PM - Rm. 306 of the Health Sciences Building

 

Friday, 9/20/2024 at 10:00 AM - Rm. 306 of the Health Sciences Building

 

Thursday, 10/10/2024 at 4:00 PM - Rm. 306 of the Health Sciences Building

 

Friday, 10/18/2024 at 10:00 AM - Rm. 306 of the Health Sciences Building

 

All sessions are held at the Spartanburg (Giles) Campus in HSB 306 (Health Sciences Building, Medical Laboratory Technology Classroom). You only need to attend one information session.

Students must have a 2.5 grade point average or greater on the required college courses for the MLT program.

 

Click here to calculate your GPA (PDF).

 

MLT Technical Standards

Required of Students for Admission and Progression in a Health Sciences Program (MLT)

Applicants and students should be able to perform these essential functions or with reasonable accommodations, such as the help of compensatory techniques and/or assistive devices, be able to demonstrate ability to become proficient in these essential functions.

Essential Function

Technical Standard

Some Examples of Necessary Activities (not all inclusive)
Critical Thinking Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical/placement judgment. Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; evaluate patient or instrument responses; synthesize data; draw sound conclusions.
Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Establish rapport with patients and colleagues. Use therapeutic communication (attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, teaching). Function (consult, negotiate, share) as a part of a team.
Communication
Ability		 Communication abilities sufficient for effective interaction with others in expressive and written English, including computer literacy. Explain treatment procedures; initiate health teaching; document and interpret instructions. Listen attentively.
Physical
Endurance		 Remain continuously on task for several hours while standing, sitting, walking, lifting, bending, and/or transporting patients/clients. Stand or walk for extensive periods of time. Lift lab equipment / reagents weighing up to 50 pounds.
Mobility Physical abilities sufficient to move from area to area and maneuver in small spaces; full range of motion; manual and finger dexterity; and hand-eye coordination. Move around in patient's rooms, work spaces and other small areas.
Motor Skills Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient/client care and operate equipment. Calibrate and use equipment; transfer and position patients or lift and operate equipment with necessary strength and dexterity.
Adequate Height Ability to reach and operate overhead equipment. Turn wall mounted monitors/gauges on and off . Reach, manipulate, and operate equipment on counters 36 inches high.
Hearing Ability Auditory ability sufficient to access non-direct essential patient information. Hear monitor / equipment alarms, emergency signals, ausculatory sounds, cries for help, and patient reactions during procedures within normal hearing range.
Visual Ability Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for patient/client observation, assessment and/or treatment; ability to discriminate between subtle changes in density (black to gray) of a color in low light. Observe patient responses, secretions, colors, and color changes during performance of procedures. Observe proper operation of equipment. Read computer screen, procedure manuals, patient information on charts, bracelets, etc. Differentiate cells, organisms, etc. under a microscope.
Tactile Ability Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention.
Olfactory Ability Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environmental safety, and patient/client needs. Distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or those maintaining the patient's health status or environmental safety (fire.)
Professional
Presentation		 Ability to present professional appearance and attitude; implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health and emotional stability. Work under stressful conditions and irregular hours. Be exposed to communicable diseases and contaminated body fluids. React calmly in emergency situations. Demonstrate flexibility. Show concern for others.

MLT Experience and Opportunities

Opportunities for Advancement

A medical laboratory technician may advance to Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist after earning a baccalaureate degree. Students may transfer credits from our program to USC Upstate, Converse, or Limestone.
 
For more information on Medical Laboratory Technology, visit these sites on the web: