SwVCC
2007 SwVCC News
Medical Lab Technology Program Available Fall Semester
 |
Southwest Virginia Community College officials have announced that SwVCC, in
conjunction with Wytheville Community College, will offer the Medical Laboratory
Technician (MLT) Program beginning this upcoming fall semester. According to the
U.S Department of Labor, medical laboratory technicians examine and analyze body
fluids, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms;
analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test
for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment.
Technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look
for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use automated equipment and
computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously,
as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory
equipment. Then they analyze the results and relay them to physicians. For
additional information call Mike Cochran in the Radiography Department at SwVCC,
at 276.964.7311. |
Southwest Virginia Community College officials have announced that SwVCC, in conjunction with Wytheville Community College, will offer the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program beginning this upcoming fall semester.
College administrators and faculty in allied health programs in the two sister colleges are excited about this new opportunity available to residents of the region. “Southwest has always been a leader in providing medical training for the region. The new MLT program will be another step toward providing a more comprehensive program of medical careers to the community,” said Frank Horton, dean of the math, science, and health technologies division at Southwest.
“Careers in the medical field are booming,” said Dr. Robert Tomlinson, vice president of instruction at SwVCC. “The college is constantly evaluating academic offerings to stay in synch with the needs of business and industry.”
The program was made possible through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. “This grant will create a unique partnership between Southwest and Wytheville Community Colleges to leverage resource-sharing. WCC will share curriculum via macromedia technology and SwVCC will provide access to distance learning classrooms, web technology, and a dedicated MLT laboratory made possible through ARC funds. Ultimately, our goal is to provide increased opportunities and access for students,” said Phyllis Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement.
According to the U.S Department of Labor, medical laboratory technicians examine and analyze body fluids, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. Technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. Then they analyze the results and relay them to physicians.
Applicants to the program must have completed high school or college courses in Algebra I, Biology w/lab, and Chemistry w/lab, all with a ‘C’ or better grade. In order to be considered for the program students must: complete an application to the College, take the ASSET or COMPASS assessment, submit high school and college transcripts, and complete an interview with a college counselor and program director. All application material must be submitted by August 1st to: SwVCC Admissions Office, PO Box SVCC, Richlands, VA 24641.
Individuals who have completed phlebotomy training, those who need additional education, and those new to the health field are encouraged to apply, provided the above course work has been completed. Prospective students lacking any of the requirements to be considered for acceptance into the program may take those courses at Southwest for possible 2008 application.
An outline of the MLT Program and required courses may be viewed at www.wcc.vccs.edu or by contacting SwVCC. For more information, contact Mike Cochran in the Radiography Department at SwVCC, at 276.964.7311.