Medical Laboratory Technician, A.A.S.

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program prepares students for careers in medical laboratory science or related fields. The curriculum in the program emphasizes basic sciences, medical laboratory sciences, critical thinking skills and communication skills, including structured learning in the laboratories of our clinical affiliates.

The mission of the University of Saint Francis Medical Laboratory Technician Program is to prepare students for employment in the clinical laboratory profession by educating them in fundamental concepts, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking skills.

Accreditation

The MLT Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, http://www.naacls.org), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5119; (773) 714- 8880.

Program Goals

1. Provide an educational program within the framework of the University setting in accordance with the Standards established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
2. Prepare adequate numbers of entry level medical laboratory technicians to meet the workforce needs of Northwest Indiana and neighboring areas.
3. Support the health care community with quality individuals who are competent to conduct laboratory procedures in large medical facilities and small rural laboratories and who demonstrate positive professional attitudes, ethics, and practices.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MLT program a student will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the different areas of the total testing process which consists of Preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services.
2. Competently perform testing in all areas of the laboratory including Chemistry, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunology, Immunohematology, Microbiology, Urinalysis and body fluid analysis.
3. Explain daily laboratory operations including quality control and laboratory management.
4. Assess safety and governmental regulations for laboratory compliance.
5. Demonstrate principles and practices of professional conduct and utilize communication to serve the needs of the patients, public, and health care team.

Certification Eligibility

Upon successful completion of the program the graduate is eligible to sit for national certification exam, the Board of Registry from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Degree Requirements

The AAS-MLT degree requires 62 credit hours:

• 12 credit hours of general education courses
• 16 credit hours of science courses
• 24 credit hours of clinical focused didactic courses
• 10 credit hours of clinical practicum rotations in the laboratories