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MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
ASSOCIATE IN HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program prepares the student to function efficiently and safely in the clinical laboratory setting. This program consists of general education courses, specific MLT courses, and clinical rotations in a hospital laboratory in the health care setting. Upon completion of the program, the graduate receives an Associate in Health Science Degree and is eligible to take one or both of two national certifying exams.

To qualify for this program one must be a graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent. Courses in biology and chemistry are strongly recommended, but not required. Also necessary for admission are qualifying scores on the placement test, a medical examination, and medical and liability insurance. The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

The Medical Laboratory Technology graduate may find a rewarding career in such work environments as the hospital laboratory, doctors' offices, outpatient clinics, minor emergency centers, veterinary offices, and industrial labs.

The time required to complete the MLT program is five semesters or 21 months.  Three of these semesters are spent on the York Technical College campus taking courses in preparation for the two semester clinical rotations at the hospital.   During each clinical rotation, Tuesday through Friday at  hospital site and designated Mondays is spent at York Tech campus.

The program is affiliated with Piedmont Healthcare System in Rock Hill, Chester County Hospital in Chester, Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, and Union Regional Medical Center in Monroe, N.C.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Medical Laboratory Technology is a profession which combines the challenges and rewards of both medicine and science. A Medical Laboratory Technician is concerned with the accurate performance of laboratory tests to determine the absence, presence, extent and cause of disease. As a vital member of the health care team, he or she works closely with the medical doctor to provide the best of care for the ill or injured patient.

Medical Laboratory Technicians become proficient in the four major areas of the hospital laboratory - Microbiology, Hematology, Blood Banking, and Clinical Chemistry - utilizing an array of complex precision instruments and a variety of automated and electronic equipment. The students learn to interact with the pathologist, a medical doctor who is in charge of each lab, as well as with other physicians and additional health care personnel.

Although the program is demanding, the students find time for participation in special activities. Often they raise funds and travel to the Spring Convention of the South Carolina Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, which is held annually at various locations throughout the state. They also participate in the South Carolina MLT Student Bowl Competition each spring.

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ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Admissions testing scores:

                                                                    OR

All General Education Courses (including electives) completed with a 2.5 GPA or better

1. Complete Medical Physical Examination (including updated immunizations)
2. Pay nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit of $100
3. Signed Health Insurance Verification Form
4. Liability Insurance Policy (available through College at a cost of $15.00).

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MLT DEPARTMENT GOALS

Locally the goal of the MLT program is to graduate middle level professionals (MLT-AD) prepared with entry level skills to work as members of the medical laboratory team. Proficiency in laboratory skills is achieved through both study in the college classroom and clinical rotations at four affiliated hospital laboratories.

Nationally the goal of the MLT program is to prepare the graduates to sit for one or both of the national certifying examinations. Educational enrichment, professional training, and personal development are the concerns of the MLT department faculty. Additional goals include:

1. Participation in professional development opportunities to enhance the competence of the MLT faculty.
2. Upgrading and expansion, through capital equipment funds, of the instrumentation and other equipment and supplies used in the program.
3. Development of library and CAI holdings which support the MLT Program.
4. Participation of the faculty in various college activities.
5. Development and maintenance of alliances with the laboratories in local hospitals to enhance educational effectiveness for MLT students.

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ENTRY LEVEL MLT COMPETENCIES

Upon graduation from York Technical College and initial employment, the medical laboratory technician will be able to demonstrate entry level competencies in the following areas of professional practice:

1. Collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances. (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 125, MLT 108, MLT 110, MLT 120, MLT 251-254)
2. Performing analytical tests on body fluids, cells, and other substances. (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 125, MLT 108, MLT 110, MLT 120, MLT 251-254)
3. Recognizing factors that affect procedures and results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated. (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 125, MLT 108, MLT 110, MLT 120, MLT 251-254)
4. Performing and monitoring quality control within predetermined limits. (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 125, MLT 108, MLT 110, MLT 120, MLT 251-254)
5. Performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments, or referring to appropriate source for repairs. (MLT 251-254)
6. Applying principles of safety; (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 110, MLT 108, MLT 120, MLT 125, MLT 251-254)
7. Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public. (MLT 101, MLT 251-254)
8. Recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them in respect to their jobs and patient care. (MLT 101, MLT 251-254)
9. Applying basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures. (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 125, MLT 108, MLT 110, MLT 120, MLT 251-254)
10. Relating laboratory findings to common disease processes. (MLT 101, MLT 105, MLT 125, MLT 108, MLT 110, MLT 120, MLT 251-254)
11. Establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence. (MLT 101, MLT 251-254)

Note: Objectives for each individual MLT course are included in the course syllabi given to the student at the beginning of each semester.

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NON DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT

It is the policy of York Technical College not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, veteran status, national origin or handicap in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. The Title IX and Section 504 Compliance Officer is Dennis Gribenas, Vice President for Business Affairs, York Technical College, 452 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina, 29730. Telephone: (803)327-8000.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete 76.0 semester credits with a minimum grade of "C" in all MLT courses, and an overall GPA of 2.0 must be maintained each semester.

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CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

General Education Courses

Major Courses

Electives and/or other Required Courses

Elective not less than 2 hrs. credit

List of Approved Electives

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MLT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

FIRST YEAR

MLT 101    INTRO TO MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
2.0 CR

This course provides an introduction to laboratory medicine, including techniques for routine laboratory procedures, medical terminology, safety, and an overview of each area within the laboratory.

MLT 105    MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
4.0 CR

This course provides a survey of organisms encountered in the clinical microbiology laboratory, and includes sterilization and disinfection techniques.

MLT 108    URINALYSIS AND BODY FLUIDS
3.0 CR

This course introduces the routine analysis and clinical significance of urine and other body fluids.

MLT 112    INTRODUCTION TO PARASITOLOGY
2.0 CR

This course provides an introductory study of human parasites, including classification, life cycles, and differential morphology of the medically important parasites.

MLT 110    HEMATOLOGY
4.0 CR

This course provides a study of the basic principles of hematology, including hemoglobins, hematocrits, white and red counts, and identification of blood cells.

MLT 120    IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY
4.0 CR

This course introduces the theory and practice of blood banking, including the ABO, Rh and other blood group systems, compatibility testing, and HDN.

MLT 125    INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
4.0 CR

This course provides an introduction to basic concepts in clinical chemistry.

SECOND YEAR

MLT 242    SURVEY IN MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
5.0 CR

This course correlates clinical experience with theoretical concepts.

MLT 243    ADVANCED SURVEY IN MEDICAL LAB TECHNOLOGY
5.0 CR

This course correlates clinical experience with advanced theoretical concepts.

MLT 251    CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I
5.0 CR

This course provides an integrated, clinically-based rotation which correlates cognitive and technical skills in selected areas of the clinical laboratory.

MLT 252    CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II
5.0 CR

This course provides an integrated, clinically-based rotation which correlates cognitive and technical skills in selected areas of the clinical laboratory.

MLT 253    CLINICAL EXPERIENCE III
5.0 CR

This course provides an integrated, clinically-based rotation which correlates cognitive and technical skills in selected areas of the clinical laboratory.

MLT 254    CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IV
5.0 CR

This course provides an integrated, clinically-based rotation which correlates cognitive and technical skills in selected areas of the clinical laboratory.

Note:    Time spent during the clinical experience includes rotations through the departments of Hematology, Blood Banking, Chemistry, and Microbiology. During these rotations the student applies the theory obtained at York Tech while gaining "hands on" experience in laboratory testing. A two week miscellaneous period is provided at the end of the second year to allow for increased experience in a particular area or remediation. If remediation is required in more than one department, the student will be dismissed from the program.

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MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Suggested Sequence of Courses for Students Entering in Fall Semester

Semester Curriculum Display

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MLT BOOKLIST

Listed below are the books used for MLT courses. Students are responsible for obtaining a copy of each book.

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YORK TECHNICAL COLLEGE

MLT PROGRAM EXPENSES

Additional expenses:  Transportation to and from clinical facilities. Immunizations if not up-to-date.

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MLT GUIDELINES

Professional Behavior

As a student in the MLT program you must be committed to professionalism. The term professionalism includes many facets: responsibility for your actions, honesty, dependability, punctuality, preparedness, motivation, and proper grooming, to name a few. The MLT student must adhere strictly to the policies and procedures set forth by York Technical College, the MLT program, and the Hospital Clinical Affiliate.

Attendance

The York Tech Student Handbook states that "students must attend 80% of the hours assigned for the class per semester to receive credit for the course," but MLT courses require a 90% attendance. Anyone acquiring greater than 10% absences in MLT courses may be dropped from the course and the MLT program. All absences in the clinical rotation are required to be made up.

Tardiness

Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. Students are expected to be on time. Three (3) tardies will constitute one (1) absence from class.

Dress code (1st Year MLT Students)

Site Specific

Employment

In order to successfully complete the MLT program, it is strongly recommended that employed students work no more than 20 hours per week.

Absence on TEST/EXAM Day

Any student who must miss an announced test or examination must make arrangements prior to the class time with the appropriate instructor. Only one prearranged make-up test will be allowed per course.

When a student is sick and unable to come to class the day of a scheduled test or examination, the student-or someone acting for him/her-must call the instructor prior to class time.

Students who do not comply with this ruling will receive a grade of 0 for that test or examination.

Evaluation Strategies/Grading

MLT courses are taught in a competency based format. Students are given a syllabus at the beginning of each course. These syllabi include objectives, material to be covered, competency checklists, time tables for materials covered and testing; all of which allows the student to be well informed as to the expectations of each course. A grade of C or better is required in all MLT courses.

GRADING

Grading scale:

Deficiency Notices

A notice in writing is given to a student to inform him/her of unfavorable academic standing or excessive absences prior to the end of the semester. Students receiving these notices should make an appointment with the instructor to resolve the situation.

Academic Probation and Suspension:

PROBATION: Any student who has a cumulative GPA lower than 2.0 will be placed on academic probation for one semester.

SUSPENSION: Any student who fails to bring the cumulative GPA up to 2.0 during the semester of academic probation will be placed on academic suspension.

Students must maintain a 70 or better average in all MLT courses. No grade below a C in MLT courses will be acceptable.

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CRITERIA FOR DISMISSAL FROM THE MLT PROGRAM:

Violations serious enough to justify a review by program officials for dismissal include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Failure to pass a required MLT course or courses.
2. Violations of Student Handbook conduct code.
3. Failure to follow attendance policy.
4. Falsifying test results or hospital records.
5. Disclosure of patient information to unauthorized persons.
6. Any willful act or conduct detrimental to patient care or to hospital operation.
7. Failure to pass a Clinical Department Rotation after remedial period.
8. Requiring remediation in more than one Clinical Department Rotation.
9. Academic suspension as explained above.
10. Failure of student to successfully adapt to the clinical setting as determined by clinical/college faculty and the MLT Advisory Committee.

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

It is the policy of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education and York Technical College that the state Student Code and Grievance Procedure shall govern the conduct and guarantee due process for students. Copies of the Student Code and Grievance Procedure are given to each MLT student at orientation and are also available from the following locations:

Student Services (Located in the Administration Building)

Student Activities Office (Located in the Student Center)

Anne Springs Close Library

Business, Computer, Arts and Science Division Office, A-104

Health and Human Services Offices, A-100

Industrial and Engineering Technology Division Office, C-107

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CLINICAL ROTATIONS (2ND YEAR)

Clinical Sites:

Chester County Hospital - Chester, S.C.

Springs Memorial Hospital - Lancaster, S.C.

Piedmont Healthcare System - Rock Hill, S.C.

Union Regional Medical Center - Monroe, N.C.

*Hematology Rotation includes Urinalysis and Coagulation

**Chemistry Rotation includes Special Chemistry

***Microbiology rotation includes Parasitology, Mycology and Mycobacteria

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ABSENCES

Students are not allowed any clinical absences. Any absence will be made up on weekends or holidays and in the department in which the absence occurred. Holidays are built into the school calendar. Clinical Coordinators are asked to keep a sign-in book to record students' attendance.

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TARDINESS

Three (3) days of tardies will be counted as (1) absence.

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EMPLOYMENT

Students may be employed on weekends and/or at the discretion of the chief technologist. This employment must be for hours exceeding the student training schedule and voluntary. Students may work under supervision in the areas where proficiency has previously been demonstrated or as a phlebotomist.

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TRANSPORTATION

Students are responsible for their own transportation to York Tech and to the clinical site. During the last 2 semesters of the program, students will be traveling to the clinical affiliate. Every effort will be made to keep the site within a 45 mile driving radius.

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MONDAY CLASSES

Students in Clinical Rotation will return to York Tech on Mondays from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for classes. Maximum number of absences 10%.

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DRESS CODE: (Clinical Site)

Female students: White nurses' uniforms and duty shoes must be worn. Uniform dresses should be no shorter than knee length. Uniform pant suits are acceptable. Wear only natural colored hose. Shoes should be all white leather nursing shoes.

Male students: White lab jackets are to be worn with white pants and shirts along with white leather nursing shoes.

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GROOMING

Name tags are to be worn when in the hospital. It is permissible to wear wedding rings, class rings, and watches only. Small earrings may be worn by female students.

Hair should be kept neat and clean. Long hair must be kept pulled back from face.

Beards should be kept neatly trimmed.

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CONDUCT

Be discrete with patient information. Do not discuss patients outside the laboratory. Results are confidential and are not to be given to the patient. No smoking, eating, or loud talking is allowed in the laboratory. Personal telephone calls are not permitted unless absolutely necessary. When answering the phone, identify the department and then give your name.

During the rotation at the clinical site each student is given study questions to answer pertaining to each department. Weekly tests and department final exams will be given during Monday classes at York Tech. Tests may also be given by instructors at the clinical site. These tests along with the evaluation from the clinical site will constitute the semester grade.

For more information on clinical rotations consult the Student Notebook for Clinical Rotations.

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COUNSELING SERVICES

The office of Student Services provides admission counseling to help the student decide whether the program for which he has applied is realistic and whether it will satisfy his educational needs and vocational goals. Trained professionals are qualified to help individuals assess and understand their abilities, interests and other characteristics. The counselors have available information concerning local, state and national job opportunities and are able to help students plan courses of study which will help them use this information in making career decisions. As the career direction is determined, counselors are able to help students plan courses of study which will help in the achievement of long-range goals. In addition to vocational and educational counseling, counselors are prepared to assist students in personal and social concerns and to make referrals to appropriate community agencies when necessary. All York Tech students are encouraged to take advantage of the professional counseling services available.

(from the College Handbook and Catalog)

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TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION INTO THE MEDICAL LABORATORY PROGRAM

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN:

1. Collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other subs