Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory
Length: Five-semester (two-year program)
Offered: Students are admitted every other year with the next class starting Fall semester of 2018. Deadline for applications will be February 15, 2018.
Purpose: The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum is a concentrated course of study and coordinated practice designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to join the medical field as a contributing health professional. The Associate Degree program prepares students for employment as Medical Laboratory Technicians. Upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, the student is eligible to take a national registry examination for certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician and is eligible for employment in a variety of medical and scientific laboratory settings. The program is fully approved by the State Council of Higher Education and the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Minimum Admission Requirements: (Please see the information below concerning selective admission.)
Applicants must be high school graduates or the equivalent. In order to meet the admission requirements, the applicant must have completed:
- A WCC application (including all high school and college transcripts or copy of GED by February 15.
- Competency in English and Math Essentials MTE 1-4 as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required MTE units or equivalent.. All developmental courses must be completed the spring semester before entering the program in the fall of the next academic year.*
- High school biology or equivalent (one unit) with at least “C”.
- High school chemistry or equivalent (one unit) with at least “C”.
- A 2.0 average for high school courses or a 2.0 cumulative average for all college coursework.**
- Shadowing hours in selected program to be determined by program head.
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- An interview/information session with the program head or designee.
*Students who have completed all academic requirements prior to the February 15th deadline will be admitted first. Students completing developmental coursework in the spring will be admitted to any remaining unfilled slots in the program, based on the selective admission criteria.
**If the student has completed a minimum of 12 college credits that are included in calculating the college GPA (non-developmental courses), the 2.0 high school GPA requirement will be waived.
In the event, there are more applicants who apply in a given year than there are slots available the college will employ selective admission. Please consult the Health Professions Admission Packet for a detailed description of the selective criteria. The packet is available in the Admissions Office.
Graduation Rates:
Program Year 2013 - 2014
Attrition Rate – 17%
Placement Rate – 63%
Graduation Rate – 83%
Certification Pass Rate – 75%
Program Year 2014 - 2015
No Graduating Class
Program Year 2015-2016
Attrition Rate – 40%
Placement Rate – 78%
Graduation Rate – 60%
Certification Pass Rate – 60%
Program Year 2016-2017
No Graduating Class
Program Year 2017-2018
Attrition Rate – 31%
Placement Rate – 72%
Graduation Rate – 69%
Certification Pass Rate – 67%
*Latest Update: February 2019
Program Requirements: Upon admission to the Medical Laboratory program, the following are necessary:
- The student must have a complete medical examination, which must include a 2-step tuberculin skin test, a profile of medical condition, designated immunizations, and documentation of HBV and varicella status. A chest x-ray is required only if the tuberculin test is positive. Cost for the medical examination and all necessary testing will be the responsibility of the student.
- The student must obtain a criminal background check and urine drug screen (see below). Costs will be the responsibility of the student.
- The student must read the Essential/Technical Standards required for the program and indicate by signature readiness for physical requirements of the profession.
- The student must maintain a minimum of a “C” grade in each Medical Laboratory course. The student must demonstrate the desire and capability to become a contributor of quality patient health care.
- Clinical experience will be provided in affiliated hospitals or laboratories. Each student will be responsible for transportation to and from the hospital and must also secure the required apparel.
Criminal Background Check/Drug Screening:
Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes and urine drug screens are required for admission to clinical sites. Students with convictions and/or positive tests may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Costs for criminal background checks and urine drug screens will be the responsibility of the student.
Readmission Requirements: A student receiving a final grade lower than “C” in any course in the medical laboratory sequence will be ineligible to continue in the program. Contact the program head for readmission requirements.
Special Accreditation Status: The program is fully approved by the State Council of Higher Education and the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, (773) 714-8880.
Cooperative Program: Through June 1 of a given year, preference will be given to applicants from the service areas of the six southwest Virginia community colleges that participate in a cooperative program and to instate applicants from service areas of other Virginia community colleges that do not provide access to a Medical Laboratory Technology program.
Occupational Objectives: Positions for Medical
Laboratory Technicians are available in:
Hospital Laboratories
Service Agencies
Physicians’ Offices
Clinics
Public Health
Industrial Laboratories
Pharmaceutical Firms
Research Institutions
Veterans Affairs
Independent Clinical Laboratories
Armed Forces
Reference Laboratories
The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.
