MLT Program Overview and Goals

Program Overview

This MLT program was designed and created in order to address the needs of students, the community and the laboratory-related industry by providing a resource for competent, skilled, and knowledgeable Medical Laboratory Technicians. These technicians will be working along side and under the direction of the licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Our program's genesis was a concern, addressed by local Laboratory Managers, to continue to be competitive in the health care industry, provide cost effective testing yet maintain high standards of testing. The program was developed as a unique partnership between community colleges and Hospital clinical affiliates.

The first year of studies typically prepare students in areas of general biology, chemistry, microbiology, and phlebotomy while also completing the general education requirements for the Associate of Arts in Medical Laboratory Technology (AA) degree for those students that do not already possess a degree.

The second year courses are lectures, student laboratories and clinical rotations coordinated by the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator. Classes provide specific theoretical and laboratory experiences in Clinical Chemistry, Immunology/Serology, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematology, Specimen Processing/Receiving and Body Fluids.

Also during the second year, students participate in a 22-week clinical rotation in local laboratories. During these clinical rotations, students learn to apply theoretical knowledge, learn testing procedures and gain practical exposure to laboratory operations. These 22 weeks are divided into three 216-hour rotations and one 180-hour rotation.

Upon successful completion of all De Anza College general education requirements and all courses specific to the Medical Laboratory Technician program, the student will be granted an Associate of Arts degree in Medical Laboratory Technology after petitioning for a degree with admissions and records. See the De Anza College catalog for specific directions. Students already possessing an Associate's Degree or higher will receive a Certificate of Achievement-Advanced. Students completing the MLT Program curriculum at De Anza College are eligible to sit for a national certification examination for MLTs.

Program Goals

  1. Provide students with the necessary academic instruction and professional training in the field of laboratory medicine, to meet employment needs of the local health care industry and surrounding communities.
  2. Produce a skilled clinical laboratory worker who has a competent working knowledge of the principles and principles and technical skills to analyze, interpret and perform those tests proficiently.
  3. Strengthen student's critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  4. Prepare students to become accurate and reliable members of the health care team.
  5. To help students perceive their role in the delivery of health care to the patient and foster the values necessary to practice laboratory medicine with regard to professional awareness and ethical responsibility required in this career.
  6. Develop positive student attitudes in the areas of professionalism and commitment to delivering excellent health care.
  7. To carry out the education of each student in a manner which encourages further education, participation in community service, maintenance of special interests, and development of leadership qualities in the field.
  8. Produce students who have the knowledge and respect needed to safely handle hazardous materials.
  9. Produce students understanding and importance of following the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
  10. Achieve and maintain accreditation of the MLT program through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
  11. Produce graduates eligible to take and pass a nationally recognized certification examination upon completion of the program.
  12. Produce graduates who have met all the requirements for a certificate or the Associate of Arts degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from De Anza College.
  13. Maintain high academic and professional standards both in the program and in its students.
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