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Medical Laboratory Technology, Degree (CLT3)  Degree

Campus Locations: Valdosta

New Program

This program will begin accepting students for Fall 2024.

Standards-Based Enrollment Program

To enroll in courses with the Medical Laboratory (MLBT) prefix, you must first successfully complete the required prerequisite courses and meet the listed GPA requirement.

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program where students learn to perform medical laboratory procedures under the supervision of a qualified pathologist and/or medical laboratory scientist. Classroom training is integrated with clinical experiences under the medical direction of cooperating hospitals. Graduation from this program allows students to take a national certification examination necessary for clinical employment.

Curriculum: Upon completion of the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, graduates will be proficient in performing analytical tests, recognizing and correcting procedural factors, maintaining equipment, and applying safety principles. They will exhibit professional conduct and communication skills, respect the roles of other healthcare personnel, and apply scientific principles to new techniques. Graduates will relate lab findings to diseases and commit to continuing education for ongoing professional competence.

Careers: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Start Terms:

  • The program begins each Fall semester on the Valdosta campus.
  • The program accepts up to 15 students each Fall term.

Length of Program: 4 Terms, once enrolled in MLBT courses

Admission Requirements:

Program-Specific Admission Requirements:

  • Fall 2024 Entry: While the Medical Laboratory program offers open enrollment, students must first successfully complete ENGL 1101, MATH 11XX and BIOL 2113/L with a grade of 'C' or better before they can register for courses with the Medical Laboratory prefix (MLBT).
    • Students are encouraged to complete core and BIOL courses prior to the occupational portion of the program.
  • Beginning Fall 2025 Entry: While the Medical Laboratory program offers open enrollment, students must first successfully complete ENGL 1101, MATH 11XX, BIOL 2113/L, BIOL 2114/L, and CHEM/L with a grade of 'C' or better *AND* a 2.75 or better GPA in the prerequisite courses before they can register for courses with the Medical Laboratory prefix (MLBT).
    • Students are encouraged to complete core courses prior to the occupational portion of the program.
  • Attendance at one Medical Laboratory Information Session is recommended and attendance at one Program Orientation is required.
  • To enroll in MLBT cohort classes, students must maintain good academic standing at Wiregrass; those on academic warning, probation, or suspension are ineligible. Additionally, all registration holds must be cleared for registration eligibility.

Program Information

  • The Medical Laboratory program operates on a cohort basis, requiring students to take MLBT classes as prescribed by the program.
  • Health Science students must meet additional requirements. See the Health Science Program Advising Packet for more information.
  • Clinical experience is required to complete the program, and students must meet all clinical requirements defined by the clinical facility. No student will be denied admissions to a program due to these requirements; however, the clinical partner requirement may prevent a student from completing the program. Clinical requirements may include, but not limited to, some or all of the following: American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, Tuberculin skin test, up-to-date immunizations, mandatory vaccinations, and/or titers. A criminal background check and drug screen are required prior to performing the clinical rotation. Students unable to meet clinical requirements may not be able to graduate from the program. Alternate clinical locations may not be offered or available if a student is unable to meet clinical requirements.
Curriculum Outline (73 hours)
General Education Courses 19
Area I - Language Arts/Communication 3
ENGL 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - Complete 3 Hours 3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Complete 3 Hours 3
MATH 1111

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
MATH 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours 3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours 3
Chemistry Requirement - Complete 4 Hour Sequence 4
CHEM 1211

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1101 or MATH 1111 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): CHEM 1211L Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include measurement, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry and gas laws.

3
CHEM 1211L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1101 or MATH 1111 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): CHEM 1211 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in CHEM 1211. The laboratory exercises for this course include measurement, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and gas laws.

1
CHEM 1151

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1101 or MATH 1111 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): CHEM 1151L Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include measurements and units, structure of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, liquid mixtures, acids and bases, salts and buffers, and nuclear chemistry.

3
CHEM 1151L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1101 or MATH 1111 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): CHEM 1151 Selected laboratory experiments paralleling the topics in CHEM 1151. The lab exercises for this course include units of measurements, structure of matter, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, liquid mixtures, acids and bases, salts and buffers, and nuclear chemistry.

1
Occupational Courses 54
BIOL 2113

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
BIOL 2114

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
MLBT 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, MATH (1101, 1103, or 1111) Co-requisite(s): None Introduces students to the terms, concepts, procedures, and equipment used in a professional medical laboratory. Topics include: professional ethics and regulatory agencies; laboratory safety, equipment, and techniques; phlebotomy/specimen processing; related lab math, quality control concepts; process improvement; documentation and computer usage; and point of care testing. Practical experience in phlebotomy will be provided in the institution's laboratory and/or the clinical setting.

2
MLBT 1030

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1010 Provides theory and techniques required to conduct tests on urine and various body fluids. Theory and tests are related to disease states and diagnosis. Topics include: fundamental theory of urinalysis; basic urinalysis tests; correlation of urinalysis to disease states; related lab math; body fluid tests; special urinalysis and related testing; and safety and quality control.

2
MLBT 1040

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, MLBT 1010 Introduces the fundamental formation, function, and degradation of blood cells. Topics include: reticuloendothelial system and blood cell formation, complete blood count and differential, other related blood test, related lab math, orrelation of test results to disease states, coagulation and fibrinolysis, instrumentation for hematology and coagulation, critical values and blood cell dycrasias, safety and quality control, and process improvement

5
MLBT 1050

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1010 Introduces the fundamental theory and techniques applicable to serology and immunology practice in the laboratory. Topics include: immune system, antigen and antibody reactions, immunological diseases, concept in molecular diagnostics, common serological and molecular techniques, safety and quality control, and quality improvement.

3
MLBT 1060

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1050 Provides an in-depth study of immunohematology principles and practices as applicable to medical laboratory technology. Topics include: genetic theory and clinical applications, immunology, donor unit collection, related lab math, pre-transfusion testing, management of disease states and transfusion reactions, safety and quality control, and process improvement.

4
MLBT 1070

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, CHEM 1151 OR 1121, CHEM 1151L OR 1121L, MLBT 1010 Develops concepts and techniques of clinical chemistry applicable to medical laboratory technology. Topics include: carbohydrates, electrolytes and acid-base balance, nitrogenous compounds, related lab math, enzymes and endocrinology, liver functions, lipids, toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring, safety and quality control, correlation of disease states, process improvement (team approach), and critical thinking skills.

4
MLBT 1080

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1010 Introduces fundamental microbiology and parasitology theory and techniques applicable to disease state identification. Topics include: microbiology fundamentals; basic techniques; clinical microbiology; related lab math; anti-microbial sensitivity; safety and quality control; parasitology; mycology, mycobacteriology, and virology; correlation of disease states; and process improvement.

5
MLBT 2090

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 9 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1010, MLBT 1030 Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a medical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: urinalysis tests, blood and specimen processing, correlation of test results to disease states, safety and quality control, and quality assurance. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision

3
MLBT 2100

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1060 Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of immunohematology principles and techniques in a medical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: specimen processing; slide and tube immunological techniques; criteria for special techniques; component and therapy practices; management of disease states; transfusion complications; safety; documentation/quality control; and process improvement. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

4
MLBT 2110

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1040, MLBT 1050 Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of hematology/coagulation principles and techniques in a medical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: complete blood count and differentials; other related blood tests; coagulation and fibrinolysis tests; correlation of test results to disease states and critical values; instrumentation; safety; documentation/quality control; and process improvement. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

4
MLBT 2120

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1050, MLBT 1080 Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a medical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: specimen inoculations; stains; culture work-ups; bacterial identification; anti-microbial sensitivity; media preparation; safety; documentation/quality control; and process improvement. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

4
MLBT 2130

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1050, MLBT 1070 Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of chemistry principles and techniques in a medical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: therapeutic drugs and toxicology; automated and manual chemistry; immuno chemistry; special chemistry; safety; correlation of test results to disease states and critical values; instrumentation; documentation/quality control; and process improvement. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

4
MLBT 2200

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 4 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): MLBT 1010, MLBT 1030, MLBT 1040, MLBT 1050, MLBT 1060, MLBT 1070, MLBT 1080 Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for the medical laboratory technician level. Topics include review of: professional ethics, regulatory agencies, safety, and fundamental techniques; phlebotomy and specimen collection and processing; quality control concepts; computer applications; urinalysis and body fluids; hematology and coagulation; immunology and serology; immunohematology; clinical chemistry in solutions; microbiology; parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology, and virology; and test taking skills.

2
Faculty
Leslie Cooper
Advisor

Medical Laboratory Technology & Phlebotomy Program Director
Valdosta Campus

(229) 333-2100 Ext. 3109 | leslie.cooper@wiregrass.edu
Mark Health Sciences Building, Room 8128
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