Medical Laboratory Science, AS

The Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program prepares students in theoretical and practical skills required for the entry-level practice of medical laboratory science as a medical laboratory technician (MLT). Under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist, chemical/biological scientist, pathologist and/or other physicians, the MLT performs routine laboratory procedures and tasks in the areas of hematology, parasitology, bacteriology, immunology/serology, immunohematology, chemistry, and urinalysis. Upon graduation, students who successfully complete the program of study in medical laboratory science, and pass a national certification examination, may apply for positions in hospitals, clinics, medical practices, industry, pharmaceutical sales, research technical sales, reference labs, public health labs, and laboratory information systems.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills necessary to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the entry-level medical laboratory technician.

2. Graduates will demonstrate technical skills and delivery of reliable results with assurance and confidence in performing laboratory tasks.

3. Graduates will demonstrate appropriate professional communication skills, attitudes, and ethics required of medical laboratory technicians.

4. Graduates will integrate the role and services of medical laboratory technicians with the roles and services of other health care professionals in the delivery of patient care to the consumer/public.

5. Graduates will recognize that continuing education is necessary for maintenance, certification, and recertification as health care professionals.

6. Graduates will be academically prepared to apply and seek national certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), or equivalent examination, through a recognized agency.

Accreditation

The Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119 (www.naacls.org); telephone number (773) 714-8880; FAX number 773-714-8886. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to seek national certification through completion of the ASCP-BOC or equivalent national certification examination.

Institutional Affiliates

Avoyelles Hospital

Beauregard Memorial Hospital

Bunkie General Hospital

Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital

LaSalle General Hospital

Natchitoches General Hospital

Mercy Regional Medical Center

Opelousas General Hospital

Veteran’s Administration Medical Center – Alexandria

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

Winn Parish Medical Center

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete all of the requirements pertaining to associate degrees as specified in Degree Requirements .

2. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required by the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to LSUA, entry into the Medical Laboratory Science program requires that the applicants meet the following criteria:

1. Students must have attained an overall college grade point average of at least 2.3 or permission of Program Director.

2. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher.

3. Students must be enrolled in MLSC 1010  and/or have completed MLSC 1010  with a “C” or higher.

4. Students must be able to meet the program’s technical standards/essential requirements.

5. Students must submit to the Dept. of Allied Health a completed MLSC Application Form and all other required documents by March 1.

6. Student must attend an admission orientation when the above minimal requirements are met.

Progression Requirements

These following progression criteria apply to the student’s progress prior to and after enrollment in the MLT program:

1. Prior to entering the MLT program, a student may take any of the academic support courses.

2. An MLT student must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required by the curriculum.

3. An MLT student must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 in order to progress in the MLT program.

4. A student may be dismissed from the MLT program if clinical performance is unsatisfactory.

5. A student who fails to complete a MLSC course with a “C” or higher for the second time will be subject to dismissal.

6. If a student is not enrolled in a MLSC course for a semester, application for readmission to the MLT program is required.

7. Hospitalization insurance, lab apparel, and transportation to and from various health facilities are the responsibility of the student.