Medical Laboratory Technology

(Jackson County Campus)

Fall Entry

The Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares individuals to work in a medical laboratory under the supervision of a medical technologist or pathologist and/or other physicians. Included are routine laboratory procedures and tasks in the areas of hematology, bacteriology, immunohematology, chemistry, parasitology, immunology, and urinalysis.

This program is twenty-four months duration and is offered in affiliation with local hospitals. The clinical laboratories are recognized as extended campuses of the college. Students successfully completing this program are prepared for employment in hospitals, medical laboratories, clinics, and industry as Medical Laboratory Technicians.

Graduates of this program will be awarded Associates of Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and are eligible to sit for national certification examinations.

The college is assisted and advised by a Medical Laboratory Technology Advisory Committee composed of pathologists, medical technologists and technicians, college administrators and instructors. The Medical Laboratory Technology - Associate Degree Program is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). 5600 N. River Road Suite 720 Rosemont, IL. (773) 714-8880. Website: www.naacls.org

Program Goals

The goals of the Medical Laboratory Technology program include;

1. Provide the graduate with skills and knowledge to function as a laboratory technician in a variety of health care settings, performing competent laboratory testing, using standard precautions, and following quality control procedures.
2. Prepare graduates to successfully pass the Medical Laboratory Technology certifying examinations and become nationally registered.

Admission Procedure

• Make application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
• Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed by the Office of Admission for determination of course credits.
• Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
• After successful completion of all academic and entry requirements, the student may submit an Allied Health Application for Program Admission beginning April 15^th of each year. Please meet with a counselor on the Jackson County Campus to submit and complete your Medical Laboratory Technology Program Application Packet. Application deadline for Fall Entry programs is July 1^st. All test scores, transcripts and required documentation must be received by this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Late applications may be considered depending upon the availability of program openings.

Academic and Entry Requirements

• Achieve a minimum ACT Reading sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 74 Reading)
• Achieve a minimum ACT Mathematics sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 34 Pre-Algebra or 22 Algebra)
• Hold a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 on college work. (High school GPA will be reviewed if student has no previous college course work.)
• Attend a Mandatory Pre-Allied Health Orientation Session (Check http://www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/ for current dates & times)

Selection Process

Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission; applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. Student ranking for entry into the MLT program is based on a point system. Students are awarded points for their required ACT sub-scores (or COMPASS equivalent) and given extra points based on the grade earned for successful completion of any other college credit courses which could be used to complete degree requirements. Bonus points are also award to those individuals who currently hold documented ASCP Certification in Phlebotomy and/or have already earned a bachelors or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Program enrollment is a floating number which can fluctuate each year based on availability of clinical rotation slots. Students who are selected are also held to the following program policies.

MLT Program Policies

• Once a program opening has been awarded, the student will be required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police at JD, JC, Perkinston or the George County Campus/Center. MGCCC’s Criminal Background Check Policy can be viewed on-line at www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/
• All Nursing and Allied Health students must submit to substance testing in accordance with the Substance Testing Policy and Procedures for Associate Degree Nursing and Allied Health Programs. The Nursing and Allied Health Program’s substance testing policy can be viewed on-line at www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/.
• A student must be deemed physically and emotionally able to meet the requirements for the MLT program. A physical examination, immunization records and completed health form, signed by a Medical Physician, is required prior to the first meeting of the program. (Required immunizations: measles and rubella, diphtheria-tetanus (within last 10 years), chicken pox, and current TB skin test. The Hepatitis B series is recommended.)
• Upon admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on the required courses and complete each course with a C or better.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. hospital orientation, HIPPA training, CPR certification)