Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science

Medical Laboratory Technology (2220)

This is a limited access program.

Mission Statement: Creating competent, ethical, confident entry-level healthcare practitioners committed to professional development through life-long learning in a positive, non-discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

The Career: Medical laboratory professionals have unlimited choices of practice settings: hospitals, reference laboratories, clinics, business and industry. Areas of scientific exploration open to students are the immune system, cell marker technology and cancer research. In the clinical area, drug testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and biogenetics are a few of the specialties with openings. For a qualified laboratory professional, the possibilities are as limitless as the imagination. For additional information about a rewarding career as a medical laboratory technician (MLT), write:

Board of Registry
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
P.O. Box 12270
Chicago, IL 60612

Expected Job Growth and Earnings
The number of jobs in this field is expected to grow by 19-37% through 2010, according to the Department of Labor. The average starting salary for day shift workers is $20,000-32,000, while experienced workers can earn between $26,800-$33,700.

Certification and Licensing
Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exams and to be licensed through the State of Florida, Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, Department of Health.

Accreditation
This limited access program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, Illinois 60631-3415 (773.714.8880).

Application Procedure
It may be difficult to work during the professional phase of the program due to clinical demands. Students will be expected to perform in a professional manner during the campus and clinical phases and must have excellent coordination skills.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in the medical laboratory courses and complete all campus-based courses with a grade point average of 2.0 or better before entering the clinical phase of their education. Placement in the clinical practicum phase of the program is on a space-available basis; a GPA-ranked waiting list will determine placement should space become limited for reasons beyond the control of the program.

While there are no specific entry dates, course sequencing is best achieved by starting in the fall term. Most classes are offered in the evening.

Applicants must:

1. Interview with the program director.
2. Complete the program application.
3. Have completed or be taking MLT 1022C Introduction to Health Technology prior to submitting an application to the program
4. Submit recommendation from MLT 1022C instructor.
5. Complete the Health Occupations Test (HOT).

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $4,800 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/05). Estimated cost of books, materials and fees is $2,000.

Curriculum

General Education Courses
**CHM 1025C	Introduction to General Chemistry	4
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
MAC 1105	College Algebra	3
	*Social and Behavioral Science	3
	*Humanities	3
	Credit Hours	16

Professional Courses
MLT 1022C	Introduction to Health Technology	3
BSC 2085C	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
MLT 1300C	Hematology	4
MLT 2500C	Clinical Immunology	4
MLT 1330C	Hemostasis	2
MLT 2610C	Clinical Chemistry	3
**CHM 2045C	General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I	4
MLT 2230C	Clinical Microscopy	2
MLT 1440C	Parasitology/Mycology	2
MCB 2010C	Microbiology	4
***CGS 1060	Introductory Computer Concepts	3
MLT 2150C	Clinical Correlations	2
MLT 2525C	Immunohematology	3
MLT 1401C	Medical Microbiology	4
MLT 2800L	Clinical Practicum I	8
MLT 2801L	Clinical Practicum II	8
	Credit Hours	60

Total Credit Hours: 76

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.
**Students who qualify may substitute CHM 2045C and CHM 2046C.
***Student may substitute HSC 1531 Medical Terminology if approved by the program chair.

Notes

Record of Conviction of a Crime
The Florida State Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 483 will determine a MLT program graduate’s eligibility for licensure when there is an arrest/conviction record. Convicted felons who have not had their civil rights restored are not eligible for licensure in the profession of MLT in the state of Florida. Students should contact the MLT Department for information regarding Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel regulations.

Clinical agencies may require students to undergo drug screening and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Students whose drug screening and criminal background checks are unsatisfactory may be denied access to clinical experiences by the clinical agencies. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical experiences.

The cost of the background check and drug screen is borne by the student. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to have all paperwork completed by the program’s published deadline. Students who are unable to complete the clinical requirements after acceptance into selective access programs are not eligible for refunds of tuition.

Immunizations: Prior to contact with patients or patient specimens, students must furnish proof of childhood immunizations and Hepatitis B immunization. Contact program chairperson for additional information. A physical exam will be required upon acceptance to the program.

You have two options in this program: the associate in science (A.S.) degree, which can prepare you for employment or transfer to a state university, and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, which is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. If you choose the A.S. degree you must take MAC 1105, MGF 1106 or a higher level mathematics and CHM 2045C. The A.A.S. degree requires MAT 1033 or higher, and CHM 2205C or CHM 1032C. You may substitute BSC 2020C for BSC 2085C if you have prerequisite requirements. Please see an advisor to determine the option that is best for you.