Oct 31, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS


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The Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares the student to perform complex laboratory procedures with a limited amount of supervision. This training includes a six-month hospital laboratory assignment.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Road, Ste. 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, info@naacls.org, www.naacls.org).

Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations. Job opportunities are found in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, public health laboratories and industrial laboratories.

Results of background checks will be shared with clinical affiliates. Background checks may also be done by the clinical affiliates themselves. Results may prevent placement for clinical/practicum courses, which will affect successful program completion.

For more information about the Medical Laboratory Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/medlabtech.

Location: Ankeny

Program starts Fall semester.

Program Entry Requirements

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend a required information/registration session or obtain the approval of the program chairperson.
  4. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of high school graduation or GED prior to enrollment. Recommended GPA of 2.5 or GED of 55.
  5. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school algebra or the equivalent (MAT 063 ).
  6. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school biology or the equivalent (BIO 156  or Academic Achievement Center Biology I and II).
  7. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school chemistry or the equivalent (CHM 122  or Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I and II).
  8. The following criteria are recommended:
    • grade of “C” or better in high school-level Algebra II
    • Math: a minimum ALEKS Math placement score of 30 or ACT score of 20
    • Writing: a minimum COMPASS English score of 70 or ACT score of 19
    • Reading: a minimum COMPASS Reading score of 81 or ACT score of 19.
  9. BIO 164 - Essentials Anatomy/Physiology  is a required course in the MLT program. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course or an equivalent anatomy and physiology course(s) prior to starting the MLT program. We will accept BIO 733 - Health Science Anatomy  and BIO 734 - Health Science Physiology  or BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I  and BIO 173 - Anatomy & Physiology II  (or equivalent courses) in place of BIO 164 - Essentials Anatomy/Physiology .

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of “C” or better is required in every MLT course.

Required Courses


Semester 1


Required Course(s)


Option 1 - Select 1


Note: You may need to take 2 courses depending on the option you choose.

Option 2 - Select 1 Course


Option 3 - Select 1 Course


Semester 2


Option 4 - Select 1 Course


Option 5 - Select 1 Course


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 73


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 400 300 120 200  
Registry Exam         200
Background Check/Immunization Tracker (see below)     68       20
Immunizations/Vaccines (est. cost-varies depending on student’s needs) 150        
Materials Fee 100   30  100 100  
Professional Organization Membership           30
State Lab Meeting (optional)           55

(State Lab Meeting changes location each year. Registration fee listed above. Additional costs may include hotel and mileage.)

The Medical Laboratory Technology program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct
criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations and health records for each student after their acceptance into
the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $68 the first year and $20 to maintain the
information the following year).

Approximate total for the program: $12,312*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

 

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


• Work in the laboratory under the direction of a medical technologist or laboratory director.
• Use a number of instruments in the laboratory for sterilizing, analyzing and testing.
• Keep the laboratory clean and well organized.
• Keep records of tests.
• Use math to make solutions or to record results of tests.
• Handle test slides and fragile equipment.
• Handle small supplies, such as test tubes and pipettes.
• Use hospital-based computer systems.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


• Excellent manual dexterity.
• Work under pressure when test results are needed quickly.
• See well for microscope study and be able to make fine adjustments.
• Work independently following prescribed procedures.
• Cooperate and communicate with other hospital staff.
• Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner.
• Have self-discipline and take initiative in identifying learning needs.
• Be able to communicate well in speaking and writing.
• Work with speed and accuracy.
• A list of “Essential Functions” for admission and retention to the program are posted on the MLT website.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


• Program does not follow regular college calendar during clinical experience.
• Must provide own transportation to clinical sites, which are not always in Des Moines.
• You sometimes work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Sick people are not always pleasant to work with.
• Possess physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of a rigorous program of study.
• Average Starting Salary $31,784 (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.

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