Medical Laboratory Technology - A.A.S.

For more information on this program, contact the Health Sciences division at 615-230-3330.

This program is designed to provide general education, natural science and medical laboratory science education courses necessary for entry-level professional preparation in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). Medical Laboratory Technicians perform laboratory tests used to diagnose, treat and monitor patients. Program graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations and make application for Tennessee Licensure as Medical Laboratory Technicians. 

Admission to the program is limited and on a competitive basis. The application deadline is March 15 of each year. Class selection and notification is completed in April from applicants who complete all prerequisites by the end of the Spring Semester with a cumulative GPA of 2.2 or higher. In order to be eligible for admission into the MLT program, students must successfully complete all the required 16 hours of general education courses, MLAB 1301, BIOL 2020, BIOL 2230 (or CHEM 1030 or higher), and one of the elective options listed below. Once students are admitted to the program, graduation from the program requires three consecutive semesters of intensive full-time study beginning in May of each year. The MLT program classes do not necessarily follow the regular College calendar. All MLT courses except clinical practicums are taught at the Gallatin campus in Gallatin, TN.  For more information refer to the Health Sciences Associate of Applied Science Degrees  section in the catalog.

Program accreditation has been granted through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, 5600 N River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 www.naacls.org (847) 939-3597).

All students graduating with a degree from VSCC are required to take the Educational Testing Service Proficiency Profile (ETSP) to meet graduation requirements. More information can be found at https://www.volstate.edu/testing.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

1. Students will demonstrate competency by maintaining a 70% exam average in all MLT courses. 

2. Students are able to recognize instrument failures and take appropriate actions.

3. Students are able to collect, label, identify, and log in specimens accurately.

4. Students keep accurate and legible records and are able to communicate reports clearly to fellow medical personnel.

5. Students are skillful in the operation of laboratory instruments.

6. Students are qualified to perform with minimal supervision, the tests routinely performed in clinical laboratories.

7. Students will maintain the confidentiality of patient results.

8. Students will take responsibility for their own work and are able to organize their work to make the most efficient use of time.

9. Students will co-operate with their co-workers and all members of the health care team.

10. Students will strive to keep their competence and knowledge current in relation to the changing work environment.

11. Students will be eligible to take and pass a nationally recognized certification examination upon completion of the program.

12. Students will be eligible for licensure in the state of Tennessee.