For more Information:

Ann Beaman, MT(ASCP)SH
Program Director School of Medical Technology

Lexington Medical Center, Laboratory 2720 Sunset Boulevard West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone: (803) 936-8126 ajbeaman@lexhealth.org

In a clinical setting, medical technologists perform and/or supervise the performance of analytical testing of blood, body fluids, and other types of biological specimens. They may test for the presence of bacteria, fungi, or parasites or prepare units of blood for transfusion. Typical areas in the clinical hospital setting are Hematology, Chemistry, Immunology, Blood Bank, and Microbiology. Medical technologists are trained to use skills of critical thinking, problem solving, and analyzing situations that arise in the clinical laboratory. Using their technical skills and knowledge of disease states, medical technologists are an integral part of patient diagnosis and treatment.

Careers in medical technology are available in hospital laboratories, forensic laboratories, reference laboratories, molecular diagnostics, veterinary offices, doctor's offices, management, industry, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, medical sales, and educational and research institutions.

Work Opportunities
Weekend and part-time work opportunities may be available after competency in the area is obtained. No more than 12 hours a week is advised. Student must be in good academic standing.

Career Opportunities
The Program Director will assist graduates in finding employment. According to www.ASCLS.org/jobs, The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor is projecting that the employment of Clinical Laboratory Scientists will increase by 10-20%. According to Jobs Rated Almanac, Clinical Laboratory Science has a 25% job growth and good job security. Among health related professions, it currently ranks #3. At this time there is a shortage in many parts of the country guaranteeing employment once certified.

The address and phone number for NAACLS is:
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, Illinois 60018
(773) 714-8880

Overview of the program
The Medical Technology training program is 12 months in length beginning and ending in August. Up to four students are enrolled at a time. Enrollment is kept small for a high instructor-to-student ratio. Combining structured lectures and clinical practicums provides the necessary learning experiences. The faculty is composed of pathologists (board certified in Laboratory Medicine) and medical technologists, many of who have specialty certifications. Curriculum includes Phlebotomy, Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine, Microbiology (including Mycology /Parasitology/ Virology), Chemistry, Hematology, Hemostasis, Urinalysis and Body Fluids Analysis, Immunology, Education and Management. Students are graded in affective, cognitive, and psychomotor achievement for each course. Students must pass each area of each course to complete the program. Upon completion of the program, a student should have entry-level competencies of a medical technologist and will be eligible to take national certification exams. Each student is awarded a certificate upon successful completion of the program. Graduation from the program is not contingent upon passing a certification exam.

Schedule of Classes and Clinicals
Clinical experience is carefully interwoven with classroom instruction to ensure sequenced reinforcement of theoretical concepts. Classroom and clinical experiences are generally scheduled Monday through Friday,
7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
 

• Sixteen semester hours of biological sciences, including Microbiology with Lab, Immunology, and Genetics.
• Sixteen semester hours of chemistry, including one 4-hour course in organic chemistry or biochemistry.
• One course in college level mathematics.
• Courses strongly recommended: Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology, Cell & Molecular Biology.

The content of the chemistry and biological science courses must be acceptable towards a major in those fields of study. Survey and remedial courses do not qualify as prerequisites.

For admission to the program, students will need a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 GPA in science-related courses. A lower GPA or missing course may be considered at the discretion of the Program Director.

The student must also have the ability to perform essential functions that include manual dexterity, fine motor skills, mobility, vision (ability to distinguish colors, clear from cloudy, and objects through a microscope), read and write in the English language, communicate with others, and operate a computer. Any applicant whose native language is other than English must take the TOEFL exam. Acceptable score is 213 (computer). Students with foreign degrees must present documentation that they are legally eligible for employment in the US and have their course work evaluated by an approved agency.

Applicants who met the minimum academic requirements seven or more years prior to application must update their academic preparation. Contact the Program Director for further information.

Application Procedure
To apply, submit the following:

1. Completed application form
2. Official college transcripts
3. TOEFL score, if English is not their native language
4. Three letters of recommendation (two of the three letters should be written by an academic/laboratory instructor.

Application deadline is January 31 of the same year of enrollment. After January 31 deadline, applications may still be accepted provided that the class is not filled.

Selected applicants will be notified for a personal interview. All applicants are considered equally without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, or disability.

Accepted students are scheduled for a free drug screen prior to enrollment. Students must produce a negative drug screen as required for all LMC employees. Students must meet all the criteria set by Human Resources (including background checks) for a Lexington Medical Center employee in order to qualify for enrollment in the program.

Expenses

• Students will be expected to sign an employment agreement in lieu of tuition fees. A CLS position would have to be available and offered upon graduation. In addition, student stipends are available with an additional employment contract. Graduates who break the employment agreement would be required to repay the stipend (if taken) plus the tuition. Contact the Program Director for more details.
• Students are responsible for their own textbooks, transportation, housing, and personal expenses. Meals may be obtained in the hospital cafeteria at a reasonable cost.
• Students are expected to adhere to the laboratory dress code. Hospital scrubs are required for females and may be worn by males. Suggested allowance is $80.00. Safety lab coats will be provided.
• Students are covered under the hospital's liability coverage. Work related accidents would be treated in the emergency room facility. Health insurance is the student's responsibility.

Clinical Courses

• MT 400 Laboratory Operations
• MT 460 Phlebotomy
• MT 425 Clinical Microbiology
• MT 430 Mycology/ Parasitology/ Virology
• MT 420 Clinical Chemistry
• MT 455 Clinical Immunology
• MT 405 Clinical Hematology
• MT 410 Clinical Hemostasis
• MT 440 Urinalysis and Body Fluids Analysis
• MT 450 Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine
• MT 415 Education and Management
• A "C" or better average must be maintained in these courses.