Medical Lab Technician, AS

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program’s mission is to provide quality didactic and clinical instruction and training. The curriculum will include a combination of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains to prepare graduates to be competent entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians.

Program Goals

The goals of the New England Institute of Technology’s MLT program are to:

1. Provide students with the highest quality academic and clinical education and training in Medical Lab Technology.
2. Provide students with the appropriate training of technical skills needed to accurately perform laboratory test procedures in an efficient manner.
3. Provide a quality program that reflects continuing assessment, evaluation, and revision.
4. Prepare students for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists’ (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification exam, employment in a clinical laboratory, and/or further education.
5. Develop an understanding of the importance of the professional role of a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MLT program, the student will graduate with an Associate in Science Degree. Graduation from the program is not contingent upon student performance on the national certification examination.

The graduate may also advance in the field to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by pursuing additional education and technical experience.

Completing the Medical Lab Technician Program prepares the graduate to:

1. Collect, process, and preserve blood and other body fluid samples.
2. Perform and report the results of clinical laboratory tests.
3. Operate laboratory equipment and instruments, performing preventive and corrective maintenance as required.
4. Identify pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that affect procedures, instruments and results, and take appropriate corrective action.
5. Monitor and evaluate quality control in the laboratory.
6. Practice laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.
7. Perform information processing functions in the clinical laboratory.
8. Correlate and apply laboratory results to diagnosis of clinical conditions and/or diseases.
9. Communicate with colleagues and patients in a professional manner.
10. Model professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance.
11. Work effectively as a team member within the laboratory and with other healthcare professionals recognizing the comprehensive impact this has on health care.

Accreditation Status

The Medical Lab Technician program at New England Institute of Technology is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS),  www.naacls.org.

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(847) 939-3597
(773) 714-8886 (FAX)
[email protected]
https://www.naacls.org

1. NAACLS BENCHMARK FOR CERTIFICATION RATES
Three years consecutive results of graduate certification rates demonstrating an average of at least 75%** pass rate on the ASCP-BOC examinations, for those who take the exam within the first year of graduation as calculated by the most recent three year period.

July 2019-June 2020          75%
July 2020-June 2021          50%
July 2021-June 2022          100%

3-year average: 75%

2. NAACLS BENCHMARK FOR GRADUATION RATES
Three years consecutive results of graduation rates demonstrating an average of at least 70%** of students who have begun the final half of the program go on to successfully graduate from the program as calculated by the most recent three year period.

July 2019-June 2020       100%
July 2020-June 2021       100%
July 2021-June 2022       100%

3-year average: 100%

3. NAACLS BENCHMARK FOR GRADUATE PLACEMENT RATES
Three years consecutive results of graduate placement rates demonstrating that an average of at least 70%** of respondent graduates either find employment in the field or a closely related field (for those who seek employment) or continue their education within one year of graduation as calculated by the most recent three year period.

July 2019-July 2020             83%
July 2020-June 2021          100%
July 2021-June 2022          100%

3-year average: 94%

In accordance with the 2019 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, New England Institute of Technology hereby discloses only that the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as Medical Laboratory Technicians in the State of Rhode Island. The applicable licensing board in Rhode Island may impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license, we encourage you to investigate those requirements. NEIT has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in any other states or territories and we encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory prior to accepting an offer of admission at NEIT.

Courses Offered

The courses offered include an introduction to laboratory procedures and technology. You’ll become familiar with using laboratory equipment. You’ll learn the basics of urinalysis, immunology, hematology, medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, and more.

The more advanced courses include clinical practices, immunohematology, anatomy, and physiology. There are also supplementary classes in life sciences, college writing, healthcare communications, and math for life science.

Those aspiring to be medical laboratory technicians or keen on finding a job as a clinical laboratory technician will benefit from this information.

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet?
   Day Classes: Your medical lab technician classes normally meet for at least three hours a day, for up to five days a week. Classes normally begin in the early morning (7:45), late morning (usually 11:25), or mid-afternoon. The time slot for your program may vary from term to term. Evening Classes: Technical classes meet on an average of three nights a week, although there may be times when they will meet four nights a week. Classes normally begin at 5:45 p.m.In addition, to achieve your associate degree, you will take a total of approximately eight liberal arts courses which will be scheduled around your technical schedule over the course of your entire program. Each liberal arts course meets approximately four hours per week. Liberal arts courses are offered on days, evenings, and Saturdays. At the beginning of each term, you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time and location of all your classes. The College requires that all students be prepared to take classes and receive services at any of NEIT’s locations where the appropriate classes and services are offered.When a regularly scheduled class falls on a day which is an NEIT observed holiday (Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day), an alternate class will be scheduled as a makeup for that class. The make-up class may fall on a Friday. It is the student’s responsibility to take note of when and where classes are offered.
2. How large will my classes be?
   The average size for an on-campus lecture class is about 20 to 25 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time. The average size for MLT student laboratory experiences is about 8 to 12 students per lab. The average size for clinical laboratory practicum is 1 to 2 students.
3. How much time will I spend in lab and at clinical sites?
   Most medical lab technician courses consist of laboratory and clinical experiences. Greater than 50% of your technical courses will be spent in the laboratory or clinical setting. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory and clinical experiences, you will first receive a thorough explanation of the theory behind your lab/clinical work.
4. Where do my classes meet?
   Students should be prepared to attend classes at any of NEIT’s classroom facilities at the Post Road, Access Road, or East Greenwich campuses. Practical experiences will include rotations off-campus at various clinical laboratories located in hospitals.
5. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED: can I enroll in an Associate Degree Program?
   A candidate for admission to an associate degree program must have a high school diploma, have earned a recognized equivalency diploma (GED), or meet the federal home school requirements.
6. How long should it take me to complete my program?
   To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take courses as outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical six-term curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 18 months. To complete all your degree requirements in the shortest time, you should take at least one liberal arts course each term. Students who need more time to complete their curriculum may postpone some of the liberal arts courses until after the completion of the technical requirements. Students are provided up to two additional terms of study to complete the liberal arts requirements without any additional tuition assessment fee. During these additional terms of study, students are required to pay all applicable fees. Students may also elect to complete some of their liberal arts requirements during Intersession, a five-week term scheduled between Spring and Summer Terms. Students will not be assessed any additional tuition for liberal arts courses taken during the Intersession but may be assessed applicable fees. Students needing to extend the number of terms needed to complete the required technical courses in their curriculum will be assessed additional tuition and fees.
7. Is NEIT accredited?
   NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NEASC. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.NEIT is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) as a program for educating medical laboratory technicians.National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
   5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
   Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
   847-939-3597
   773-714-8886 (FAX)
   [email protected]
   https://www.naacls.org
8. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?
   The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.
9. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?
   Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for admission based on the following table and upon receipt of an official transcript:

   Courses	Age of Courses	Grade Needed for Transfer to MLT
   EN 100 Introduction to College Writing		B or above
   EN 200 Workplace Communications (or EN 110 Healthcare Communications)		B or above
   MA 109 Math for Life Sciences		B or above
   English/Communications Liberal Arts Courses	10 years old	C or above
   Math Course	3 years old	C or above
   Biology Course	3 years old	C or above
   Science Course	3 years old	C or above
   Major Courses	3 years old	C or above

   The Office of Teaching and Learning maintains the prerogative to waive these requirements based upon individual review.

   An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved major courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final major term of the curriculum’s tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses that are not a part of the major curriculum. If the student has a degree from another institution, every opportunity will be reviewed to give the student as many transfer credits as possible for liberal arts courses (math, science, English, humanities, and social sciences) regardless of the age of the degree. Courses in the major will be reviewed individually for relevancy.

10. What is the “Feinstein Enriching America” Program?
    New England Institute of Technology is the proud recipient of a grant from the Feinstein Foundation. To satisfy the terms of the grant, the College has developed a one-credit community enrichment course that includes hands-on community enrichment projects. The course can be taken for a few hours per term, spread over several terms. Students who are already engaged in community enrichment on their own may be able to count that service towards course credit.
11. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?
    In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid award, you need to maintain at least 12 credits per academic term.
12. What does my program cost?
    The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more terms than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who elect to take the technical portion of the degree requirements at a rate faster than the rate prescribed in the curriculum and the enrollment agreement will be assessed additional tuition.Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement.If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed.Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance. Second re-entries and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter. The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the six terms necessary to complete your degree requirements.
13. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?
    The Career Services Office assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, graduates may submit a resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, NEIT’s Career Services Office contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No institution can, and NEIT does not guarantee its graduate’s employment or a specific starting salary.
14. Where will job opportunities exist?
    Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of NEIT’s programs is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities.
15. Is there any state or federal licensing required in my field?
    Yes. All states require certification but only thirteen states require licensure. Please check each state’s regulations.
16. What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?
    A medical laboratory technician (MLT) is an integral member of the health care team. Medical laboratory technicians act as detectives for physicians. MLTs perform and analyze tests on blood, urine, and other body fluids and report the lab results to physicians. Laboratory results provide about 85% of the information necessary to diagnose, treat, and manage disease. Most medical laboratory technicians work in hospital laboratories, but other opportunities exist in physicians’ office laboratories and reference laboratories.
17. When I graduate, will I be a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician?
    Upon completing the program, you will receive an Associate in Science Degree in Medical Lab Technician. Only individuals who have graduated from a NAACLS accredited medical lab technician program within an accredited institution may sit for the Medical Laboratory Technician Examination. The most commonly recognized examination is given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
18. When is the national board exam offered?
    The Medical Laboratory Technician examination is given several times throughout the year. For exam dates and application deadlines, consult the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) at www.ascp.org.
19. Will this program prepare me for the national certification examination?
    Yes. In Term 6, MLT 260 Medical Lab Technician Seminar in conjunction with the Academic Skills Center, there will be a review of each area of the clinical laboratory for preparation of the certification exam.
20. Does this program have a dress code?
    Appropriate attire will be required during your laboratory and fieldwork training. Specific dress codes will be provided to you prior to the laboratory and fieldwork training. Students will be required to purchase a laboratory coat and scrub attire. It is understood that in a professional work environment, clothing must adhere to the standards of the profession.
21. Who employs medical laboratory technicians?
    While the majority of medical laboratory technicians are employed in hospital laboratories, state laboratories, private laboratories, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and physician official laboratories also employ MLTs.
22. What is the work environment for medical laboratory technicians?
    Most people who work in the healthcare field are very compassionate and get satisfaction from helping people. Although medical laboratory technicians are generally not in the public eye, they are a vital part of a patient’s care plan. MLTs work with highly specialized and automated technology to perform tests and report them to physicians. An MLT is also very organized, can multitask, and also must practice standard precautions in the laboratory at all times.
23. What are the requirements for admission into the Medical Lab Technician program?
    All students will complete the Accuplacer assessment after they enroll with admissions. After completing the Accuplacer assessment, students will consult with an advisor.
24. What are the Accuplacer scores to be admitted into the program?
    You will need a Reading score of 75, a Math score of 41, and a Writing score of 14.
25. What if I have taken science courses more than 3 years ago?
    All science courses must be completed within 3 years of entering the Medical Lab Technician program. These courses are important and serve as foundation courses for the information you will receive in the program. Students have the opportunity to earn course credit by passing a challenge exam, a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, and/or through a portfolio review process. The portfolio review allows students to earn course credit by demonstrating mastery of skills acquired through independent study, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.
26. Who will be teaching the MLT program courses?
    Rebbecca D. Silva, MS, MT (ASCP)
    Department Chair, Program Director, Associate ProfessorJamie Hatch, MLT (ASCP)
    Instructor and Clinical CoordinatorCarmen Pierce, MT (ASCP)
    Adjunct InstructorLucille Boyce, MS, MLS (ASCP)
    MLT Laboratory Assistant/MLT Tutor
27. What are the academic policies of the MLT program?
    1. Every student enrolled in the Associate in Science Degree in Medical Lab Technician is required to obtain a minimum grade of C (73%) in all courses throughout the program.
    2. In the MLT courses, a passing final course grade of C (73%) is earned only if students achieve a minimum of a C (73%) overall average in the laboratory portion of the course.
    3. A student who receives less than a C in an MLT, BIO, or MA course cannot advance to the next term.
    4. Students who need to repeat an MLT course may be admitted to the next cohort only on a space-available basis. When the student is ready to repeat the MLT course (for example, after passing an MLT pre-requisite course such as BIO) the department chair will place the student on a “waiting list.” The student will need to wait for an MLT seat to become available and if one does, a waiver to register will be issued from the department chair.
    5. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 throughout the program. If unable to meet the 2.00 GPA will lead to dismissal.
    6. Students who fail to achieve the above-stated grades must meet with the Department Chair and the Student Advisor for the MLT program to discuss modifications to their class schedule. Failing to achieve a required grade may delay a student’s graduation date. Failure to progress may also have financial implications. Each student is responsible for meeting with Student Accounts and Financial Aid personnel to discuss his or her individual situation.
    7. MLT students are allowed only one withdrawal from an MLT or BIO course during their program of study. Students will be allowed to repeat one MLT or BIO course and must earn a grade of C (73%) or better in the course to remain in the program.
    8. A student may repeat only one failed (less than C) MLT course over the course of the program. A student who earns less than a C in the repeated course or any other MLT course will be dismissed from the program.
    9. A student may repeat only one failed (less than C) BIO course over the course of the program. A student who earns less than a C in the repeated course or any other BIO course will be dismissed from the program.
    10. A student who does not earn at least a C (73%) in either two MLT courses, or two BIO courses, or one of each, will be dismissed from the program.
    11. Students who have been withdrawn for more than 2 or more terms or who have withdrawn for another reason for example medical; please refer to the withdrawal return policy in the Appendix of this document.
28. Is there any open lab time?
    Most laboratories will not be open outside of scheduled course times. Attendance is mandatory and participation in the laboratory is integral to learning the important techniques and acquiring the essential skills necessary to succeed. If preparatory assignments are completed, there is sufficient time built into your lab schedule to complete required tasks.
29. Are good math skills a necessary requirement for success as a medical laboratory technician?
    Yes, laboratory math is used by medical laboratory technicians quite often. Ability to utilize these skills is required in clinical practice settings.
30. Is working with patient specimens a requirement in the laboratory portion of the MLT classes?
    Yes, performing tests and analyzing real patient results is a central part of the MLT curriculum.
31. If I should experience a disruption in my medical lab technician (MLT) courses due to illness, etc., is there a laboratory skill refresher course that might be available to me?
    No. The experience students obtain from the clinical rotations at health care facilities cannot be duplicated in the laboratory.
32. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?
    Yes. For all terms, a grade of C or better must be attained in all MLT, biology, and chemistry courses in order to advance to the next term. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 must be maintained throughout the program.
33. What is the dismissal policy of the MLT program?
    A student will be dismissed if grades are not in accordance with the MLT Academic Policies.
    • Each term, final grades roll out on Tuesday of Week 11. The Department Chair will review students’ final grades and identify students who did not pass MA, BIO or MLT courses. The Department Chair will then place a hold on these students that will prevent the student from repeating/registering for MLT.
    • When the student is ready to repeat the MLT course (for example, after passing an MLT prerequisite course such as BIO) the Department Chair will ask that the student be placed on a “waiting list.” The student will need to wait for an MLT seat to become available and if one does, a waiver will be issued from the Department Chair.
    • Once the Department Chair determines whether there are available seats for students who need to repeat an MLT course, waivers will be given to students on the waitlist. If there is more than one student waiting for placement, the students will be placed on the waitlist management spreadsheet, and the students will be ranked by GPA. The highest GPA student will be offered a seat first. If the student does not take that seat, it will be offered to the next highest GPA. Once the Department Chair determines whether there are available seats for students who need to repeat the failed MLT course, waivers will be given to the students on the waitlist.
    • A student may be terminated or denied a certificate of graduation if they do not complete the internship according to all New England Institute of Technology policies.
    • Offenses that may result in immediate dismissal include, but are not limited to:
      • Cheating
      • Plagiarism
      • Violation of patient confidentiality
      • Excessive absenteeism
      • Constant tardiness
      • Violation of hospital policies while in clinical
34. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program?
    In addition to what is stated in the college catalog, all students enrolled in the MLT program are required to have documentation of the following: negative Mantoux test, Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis vaccine, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine, and Hepatitis B vaccine. Personal negligence and malpractice insurance are also required by affiliating facilities where internships are scheduled. Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees, and textbooks will also need to be purchased.
35. Where can I purchase a uniform and what kind of uniform do I need?
    Students may purchase items for their uniforms online at Alexander’s Uniforms https://aucorporateapparel.com/. At the site’s homepage, click “New England Institute of Technology” from either the icon or the left tab, then select your department from the list. All items are priced to include a 15% discount. If you have any questions, contact Wendy Magnette via email at [email protected] or at 401-654-6500.

    The required uniforms include:
    Pewter Cherokee 4777 Unisex Scrub Top with emb logo	$11.05 (XXS-XL), $13.60 (2X-5X)
    Pewter Cherokee 4100 Unisex Scrub Pant	$11.90 (S-XL), $14.45 (2X-5X), $13.60 (ST-XLT)
    Identification Pin D23	$13 ea.

    You may also purchase your uniform items at Alexander’s Uniforms at one of their three locations (recommended if you are unsure of the size): 1) Rhode Island: Marshall’s Plaza, 1 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick RI 02886, 860-889-7744, 401-654-6500; 2) Connecticut: 77 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360, 781-762-1449; 3) Massachusetts: 500 Providence Highway, Norwood MA 02062. A Student ID is needed to ensure you receive your 15% discount at checkout.

36. Are there any health provision requirements?
    In addition to the physical exam, required immunizations, and TB test requirements, students should be in good physical condition. Because of the potential exposure to bodily fluids, specimens, and tissue, there are certain limitations that should be observed by any student who is pregnant or might be pregnant or who has a condition that renders a student immunocompromised. Those students should meet with the Program Director to discuss the potentially harmful effects of exposure to inherent dangers on the fetus or immune system in the practice of Medical Lab Technician and the options available to a student to fulfill the educational requirements of the program.
37. Are there any behavior standards for this program?
    Medical Lab Technician students are expected to exhibit ongoing professional behavior. This behavior will be assessed continually and will not only encompass grades, but also adherence to classroom protocol, laboratory safety, attendance, participation and preparedness for class, appearance, ability to work as a team member, and general professional behavior. Practicum participation is dependent upon the above.
38. Are there evening classes?
    Currently, there are no evening classes offered in the medical lab technician program. However, students may choose to take their liberal arts classes during evening hours, on Saturdays, or online.
39. Will I actually have the opportunity to practice these skills in a real professional environment while still in school?
    Yes. The MLT program will provide you with a clinical laboratory practicum. During course work and laboratory training, you will have the opportunity to practice skills used by MLTs.
40. What is a Practicum?A Practicum is a practical hospital laboratory experience that expands student knowledge and builds proficiency of skills acquired in the classroom and laboratory. This Practicum is a cooperative effort between the student, the faculty, and a hospital laboratory. The facility is chosen by the program director.
41. Where do I go for the Medical Laboratory TechnicianPracticum? Will that site be provided for me or must I find a site on my own?
    A practicum may be completed at various hospital laboratories throughout the region. These clinical experiences may be held on weekends and weekday morning and evening time schedules. NEIT cannot guarantee placement at a particular facility. Students should be prepared to commute for practicum experiences. NEIT does not provide transportation to internship sites nor does it reimburse students for traveling expenses (parking, mileage, etc.). All practicum sites may require a criminal background check and/or drug testing.
42. What clinical laboratories is the MLT program affiliated with?
    Currently, the MLT program is associated with South County Hospital. We are actively looking for additional clinical affiliations.
43. What if there are not enough clinical spots for the clinical experience?
    MLT clinical rotations are not easily acquired and clinical sites are precious. NEIT is fortunate to have many area hospitals and private laboratories in Rhode Island, as well as Connecticut and Massachusetts. Currently, the program is affiliated with South County Hospital. If there are more students eligible to begin clinical than available at the affiliate, students admitted chronologically will be allowed to register for the clinical course. Any remaining spaces will be filled by additional students based on the date that the MLT application was accepted. Students who are not able to be placed in clinical will be placed as soon as clinical sites become available.
44. Am I allowed to get paid for my clinical experience?
    No. Medical Lab Technician students are not allowed to perform service work or to take the place of qualified staff during any clinical rotation. After demonstrating proficiency, students, with qualified supervision, may be permitted to perform laboratory procedures. If service work opportunities are available, the clinical institution can schedule a currently enrolled MLT student for work only during non-instructional hours.
45. Is any continuing education required after graduation from NEIT?
    Yes, many state associations require a certain number of hours of continuing education (CE) to renew certification. Additionally, ongoing advances in treatments and technology necessitate taking advantage of educational opportunities to keep knowledge and skills up to date.
46. Is there a Code of Ethics for clinical laboratory professionals?
    Yes, the Code has been developed by the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science and can be found on the internet at https://ascls.org/about-us/code-of-ethics.

Technical Standards

The medical lab technician field is both intellectually and physically challenging.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that qualified applicants have the ability to pursue program admission. However, all students must meet the essential skills and technical standards to perform the functions required of the Medical Laboratory Technician program and profession. Every student will be held to the same standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

Visual and Observation Skills

A student in the MLT program must possess sufficient visual skills and skills of observation to perform and interpret laboratory assays, including the ability to:

• Observe laboratory demonstrations in which lab procedures are performed on patient samples (i.e. body fluids, culture materials, tissue sections, and cellular specimens).
• Characterize the color, consistency, and clarity of biological samples or reagents.
• Use a clinical grade binocular microscope to discriminate among fine differences in structure and color (i.e. hue, shading, and intensity) in microscopic specimens.
• Read and comprehend text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and on a video monitor.
• Recognize alarms.

Motor and Mobility Skills

A student must possess adequate motor and mobility skills to:

• Perform laboratory tests adhering to existing laboratory safety standards.
• Perform moderately taxing continuous physical work. This work may require prolonged sitting and/or standing, over several hours and some may take place in cramped positions.
• Reach laboratory benchtops and shelves, patients lying in hospital beds, or patients seated in specimen collection furniture.
• Perform fine motor tasks such as pipetting, inoculating media, withdrawing a blood sample from a patient, handling small tools and/or parts to repair and correct equipment malfunctions, and transferring drops into tubes of small diameter.
• Use a computer keyboard to operate laboratory instruments and to calculate record, evaluate, and transmit laboratory information.

Communication Skills

A student must possess adequate communication skills to:

• Communicate with individuals and groups (i.e. faculty members, fellow students, staff, patients, and other health care professionals) verbally and in recorded format (writing, typing, graphics, or telecommunication).

Behavioral Skills

A student must possess adequate behavioral skills to:

• Be able to manage the use of time and be able to systematize actions in order to complete professional and technical tasks within realistic constraints.
• Possess the emotional health necessary to effectively apply knowledge and exercise appropriate judgment.
• Be able to provide professional and technical services while experiencing the stresses of task-related uncertainty (i.e., ambiguous test order, ambivalent test interpretation), emergent demands (i.e. “stat” test orders), and distracting environment (i.e., high noise levels, crowding, complex visual stimuli.) Be flexible and creative and adapt to professional and technical change.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safely in order to minimize the risk of injury to patients, self, and nearby individuals.
• Adapt to working with infectious and possibly unpleasant biological specimens.
• Support and promote the activities of fellow students and of health care professionals. Promotion of peers helps foster a team approach to learning, task completion, problem-solving, and patient care.
• Be honest, compassionate, ethical, and responsible. The student must be forthright about errors or uncertainty. The student must be able to critically evaluate her or his own performance, accept constructive criticism and look for ways to improve (i.e. participate in enriched educational activities). The student must be able to evaluate the performance of fellow students and tactfully offer constructive comments.
• Show respect for individuals of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and/or sexual orientations.
• Exhibit professional behavior by conforming to appropriate standards of dress, appearance, language, and public behavior. (For example, body piercing other than ears and visible tattoos are not considered professional appearance. This includes tongue piercing.)
• Not wear artificial nails and nail tips for reasons of infection control.

*The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science requires us to define, publish and provide to prospective students specific essential functions required for admission to the program and a procedure to determine that the applicants’ or students’ health will permit them to meet these Technical Standards / Essential Functions