3.5 Medical Laboratory Technician Program

3.5.1 System Guidelines

Enrollment in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program may be limited because of available laboratory facilities in the community as well as limited faculty and financial resources.

• Technical Standards
  • The Medical Laboratory Technician specializes in the application of scientific knowledge and theory in the skillful performance of medical laboratory functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess:
    1. sufficient visual acuity and color perception, such as is needed to perform microscopic examinations, to distinguish color reactions, and to detect antigen- antibody reactions;
    2. sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to efficiently implement the skills required in performing laboratory functions, including collection of specimens and manipulation of laboratory equipment, such as, but not limited to, glassware and electronic instruments;
    3. sufficient communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) to interact effectively with individuals; and
    4. sufficient intellectual, emotional, and physical functions to plan and implement laboratory duties in a responsible manner.
• Admission Standards
  • Selection of students for the program will be made by the president of the college or the president’s designee, after considering the recommendations of the Admissions Committee. Membership on this Committee shall include the following:
    • Medical Laboratory Technician Program Coordinator
    • Medical Laboratory Technician Faculty Member
    • Admissions Officer and/or Counselor
    • General Education - Faculty Members (2)
  • Each applicant must submit the following credentials in order to be considered by the committee:
    1. Application for admission to the college
    2. High school transcript verifying graduation or G.E.D. official score report.
    3. ACT, SAT or College Placement Exam score report.
    4. Official transcripts of all postsecondary education.
    5. Completed Consideration for Admission form.
  • Each applicant must also attend a pre-admission conference prior to consideration by the committee.
    
    Students enrolled in a certificate program embedded in the MLT curriculum may have admission requirements separate from MLT program students. However, if the certificate student chooses to apply for admission into the Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technician, the admission standards must be met.
    
    If more than 3 years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first MLT course, an applicant must repeat all MLT courses unless the student has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills) if available at the college to which the student is applying for admission.
    
    If more than 10 years have passed since successful completion of CHE 130 or a higher chemistry course, BIO 135 or 137 & 139, MAT 110 (Applied Mathematics) or a higher level math course, the applicant student will be required to retake the required course (s).
    
    If more than 5 years have passes since successful completion of BIO 225, the applicant student will be required to retake the required course.
    
    Those accepted for admission must submit:
    1. Results of the color blindness test indicating no deficiencies
    2. Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination; or evidence of being in the process of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination series; or a signed declination form if student chooses not to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination.
    3. Specified laboratory test results required by local clinical affiliates
    4. TB testing or risk assessment annually if applicable
    5. Criminal background check and drug screen annually if applicable.
  • Preference may be given to:
    1. Applicants with an ACT composite score of 19 or above.
    2. Applicants with a background in algebra, chemistry and/or biology.
    3. Those applicants who submit evidence of successful completion of developmental course work and/or those who have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better in 12 or more credit hours of college work, including at least one science course.
    4. Students who completed the admission procedure prior to the application deadline; and
    5. a student who has completed a KCTCS phlebotomy program.
  • Readmission
    1. Readmission to the Medical Laboratory Technician program will be dependent upon available resources.
    2. In order for a student to be considered for readmission to the MLT program the applicant must:
       1. submit a written request to the Program Coordinator at least one week prior to registration for the semester the student is requesting readmission; and
       2. meet current guidelines for admission.
    3. A student may be readmitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician program no more than two times.
  • Transfer
    • Students requesting to transfer from one Medical Laboratory Technician program to another will be considered on an individual basis;
      1. Admission will be dependent upon available resources at the college; and
      2. Students must meet all program admission requirements set by the college to which transfer is sought.

3.5.2 College Guidelines

• 3.5.2.1 West Kentucky Community & Technical College
  • The System Guidelines will be followed with the following additional requirements:
    • Students must complete each of the following courses with a grade of “C” or higher prior to admission into the MLT AAS degree program: MAT 110 or higher quantitative reasoning course; BIO 135 or (BIO 137 and BIO 139); CHE 130 or higher level chemistry course; PHB 170 and PHB 152.
• 3.5.2.2 Jefferson Community and Technical College
  • The System Guidelines will be followed and preference may be given to applicants who are veterans, active duty personnel, their spouses, and also displaced workers who qualify under the Trade Adjustment Act.