This certificate may be eligible for funding through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)
MEDICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT
Program Director: Reannon Wilkerson, MS, MLS (ASCP)
reannon.wilkerson@calhoun.edu 256-890-4981
Additional information is on the MLA program website:
www.calhoun.edu/health-sciences/medical-laboratory-assistant/
CAREER
A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) is educated and skilled in specimen collection, transport and processing of patient blood, urine and other body fluids for analysis. MLAs are knowledgeable of the pre-analytical factors which compromise the accuracy of patient test results. MLAs perform rapid, waived laboratory testing and basic analyzer maintenance procedures. They are capable of preparation, performance and interpretation, and troubleshooting techniques necessary for quality control analysis.
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of the MLA program, individuals are eligible to sit for American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) or the American Medical Technologist (AMT) national certification examination. Though not required in Alabama, employers prefer MLAs with a certification credential which demonstrates knowledge attainment and a commitment to quality patient care.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The MLA program is open enrollment. Class size is limited and students are registered for courses on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on registration please visit the MLA website. Applicants must minimally meet all admission requirements of CCC.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Students enrolled in the medical laboratory assistant program are required to successfully complete both academic and clinical requirements. The purpose of the MLT Eligibility Criteria, found on the MLA webpage, is to delineate the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills deemed minimally necessary for admission, progression, and graduation, and for the provision of safe and effective client care. Safety is paramount in all health programs. The College endorses the Americans’ with Disabilities Act. If a student cannot meet the Eligibility Criteria it is their responsibility to request appropriate reasonable accommodations through the Student Disability Services Office.
HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS REQUIREMENTS
- Retain reliable transportation to and from the campus and assigned clinical education facilities.
- Comply with a dress code that includes an assigned uniform
- Undergo a health examination, TB screening, and validate immunity to infectious diseases
- Submit proof of current certification in basic life support at the healthcare provider level
- Purchase low-cost malpractice insurance through the CCC health sciences division
- Submit to a background check by a designated vendor
- Undergo drug and alcohol testing by a designated vendor
In the interest of the patients they will serve, every health science student is obligated to complete the above requirements. Policies for the background check and drug testing are provided upon enrollment. Results may prohibit a student from participating in clinical education and necessitate withdrawal or course failure.
COST
In addition to tuition, health students will have expenses related to the listed requirements, books, and associated supplies. Approximated costs are discussed at information sessions and program orientation.
POLICIES
Additional MLA program information including policies on application, readmission, and transfer students are available on the MLA webpage or by contacting the program director. The curriculum plan and policies of the MLA program are subject to change. Written notice will be given to students enrolled in the program prior to implementation.
The MLA program is 20 weeks in length and is offered once a year in the spring semester. During the initial 15 weeks, students develop knowledge and skills through on-campus learning and simulated laboratory experiences. The final 5 weeks the student participates in assigned experiential learning in a clinical laboratory.
A grade of 75% or higher is required in all MLA courses.