Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology is a great occupation for highly-organized people who can perform the research that helps unravel the mysteries of the human body. An MLT’s role is to provide timely, accurate laboratory results in medical labs at hospitals, doctor’s offices, reference labs, biotechnology labs and non-medical industrial labs.
Gadsden State’s five-semester program involves comprehensive coursework, on-campus laboratory training and clinical education. Lecture and lab courses are offered only on the Wallace Drive Campus. Clinical rotations are available in Talladega, Dekalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshal, Calhoun, Etowah and Calhoun counties in Alabama as well as Floyd County in Georgia.
Over the past three years, 100 percent of the graduates from the Medical Laboratory Technology program earned positions in local medical facilities.
Background checks will be required upon admission into the program.
A new class will be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technology program each Summer and Fall Semesters. Student selection is based on completion of all requirements: Transcripts, admission score and availability of space at the clinical facilities. Prospective students may review the MLT Ranking Scale below.
- Unconditional admission to the college.
- Submit online program application by 8 a.m. on the posted deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
- All applications and supporting documents due by July 1, 2023 for the Fall Semester MLT program.
- Submit supporting documents to the GSCC Admissions Office by the MLT program application deadline:
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Official transcripts from other colleges
- A minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale if no college courses have been completed.
- A minimum of 2.5 GPA for MLT program general education courses. This will be calculated from the highest grade of any MLT general academic courses completed.
- If not already completed with a grade of C or higher, student must be eligible for placement into the following courses in the first semester of the MLT program:
- English 101
- Math 100
- Must be in good standing with the College
- Must meet the Essential Functions (see below) required for Medical Laboratory Technology students.
- Students with completed applications will be required to attend an information meeting. An email with meeting details will be sent after program application is submitted.
- Submit a completed health questionnaire and immunizations records upon request by the program after program acceptance.
- Demonstrate proof of insurance after program acceptance. Students who do not show proof of insurance will not be allowed to attend clinical.
RANKING SCALE (122 points possible)
- Points are awarded for the following classes:
- ENG 101
- MTH 100
- BIO 103 or BIO 220
- CHM 104 or higher Chemistry
- The following points are awarded for the student grade*:
- A = 30
- B = 20
- C = 11
- Below C = 0
- One point will be awarded for each of the following courses completed with a “C” or better:
- PSY 200 or higher Psychology
- Humanities or Fine Art elective
*If multiple attempts are made, the highest grade (and cumulative ACT score) will be used for point assignment. If none of these college-level courses have been taken, high school grades will be used. If any of these courses have a college grade, only that course will be used for point assignment.
Essential Functions are the fundamental job duties and skills associated with a particular position. All students are required to read the Essential Functions identified for Medical Laboratory Technology and determine if they are capable of performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Students must be able to:
- Lift 40 pounds
- Hear high and low frequency sounds within normal range with or without corrective devices
- See with 20-40 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses
- Feel veins and pulses
- Smell body and environmental odors
- Coordinate eye and hand movements
- Coordinate motor movements
- See different color spectrums
- Read, comprehend and write legibly in the English language
- Send and receive verbal messages in the English language and be able to respond appropriately
- Perform correctly simple mathematical computations
- Walk and transport equipment without assistance
- Reach and position overhead equipment used in the laboratory
- Be oriented to reality and not be mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
* The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges and universities to inform students of all performance expectations related to their job and school performance. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
Graduation, Employment and Certification Information
2019-2022
MLT Graduating Class: |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
ASCP-BOC Pass Rate (taken within the first year after graduation) |
83% | 80% | 67% | 67% |
|
Graduation Rate (% of students who began the second year of the program and graduated) |
100% | 100% | 83% | 94% |
|
Graduate Placement Rate (within the first year) |
100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Mission of the Medical Laboratory Technology Program
To provide the health care community with graduate entry level medical laboratory technicians skilled in diagnostic medical laboratory procedures.
Medical Laboratory Technology Program Goals
To provide students with knowledge and skills to competently and safely perform medical laboratory procedures as entry-level medical laboratory technicians upon graduation.
To produce graduates who will provide an optimal level of patient care and maintain professional conduct.
To achieve a program completion rate of 85 percent, excluding non-academic reasons for not completing the program.
To prepare and qualify students to sit for the Certifying examination in Medical Laboratory Technology and establish an average credentialing examination pass rate of 75 percent over the past three years.
To achieve a job placement rate of not less than 85 percent within six months of graduation over a five year period.
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is a five (5) semester program that enables successful graduates to take the national certification examination offered by the American Society of Medical Pathology Board of Certification ASCP(BOC). The Program culminates in an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.
No, courses are only offered in Gadsden on the Wallace Drive Campus. The general education courses required for the program may be taken at most campuses and/or online.
You must apply by the deadline date and be accepted to the Program. The deadline date falls on the first business day of July of each year. Once accepted a student would start in the fall of that same year.
A new class will be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technology program each Fall Semester. Student selection is based on completion of all requirements: ACT scores, transcripts, admission score and availability of space at the clinical facilities.
- Unconditional admission to the college.
- Submit online program application prior to midnight on July 1. Supporting documents that are due in the Registrar’s Office by the time include:
- All official high school and college transcripts or official GED scores
- Official ACT scores (with a minimum composite score of 18) must be on file in the Admissions and Records Office.
- Minimum college / high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Must be eligible for placement into the following courses in the Fall Semester of the year of admission:
- English 101
- Math 100
- Biology 103
- Must be in good standing with the College
- Must meet the Essential Functions required for Medical Laboratory Technology students.
- Lift 40 pounds
- Hear high and low frequency sounds within normal range with or without corrective devices
- See with 20-40 visual acuity with or without corrective lenses
- Feel veins and pulses
- Smell body and environmental odors
- Coordinate eye and hand movements
- Coordinate motor movements
- See different color spectrums
- Read, comprehend and write legibly in the English language
- Send and receive verbal messages in the English language and be able to respond appropriately
- Perform correctly simple mathematical computations
- Walk and transport equipment without assistance
- Reach and position overhead equipment used in the laboratory
- Be oriented to reality and not be mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
- Those with completed application will be required to attend an information session. Two sessions are offered with only one being required.
- Sessions are in Room 209 of Bevill Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus. Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory for consideration of acceptance in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program.
-
Dates and times will be posted in the Admissions tab after the application process opens
in November.
-
- Sessions are in Room 209 of Bevill Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus. Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory for consideration of acceptance in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program.
The Program accepts eighteen (18) to twenty-two (22) students to start the Program each fall. The number is limited due to clinical space availability.
No. Admission is competitive; all applicants are rank-ordered according to their test scores and grades. Those applicants with the highest scores will be on the top of the list.
No. Medical Laboratory Technology courses are not offered on-line at the present time.
No. Medical Laboratory Technology classes are taught during the day. Some labs may be late afternoon. Clinical rotations will be typical work hours (7a-3p or 8a-4p) .
No, the Medical Laboratory Technology Program is offered on a full-time basis only. If all general education courses are completed prior to admission to the Program this full-time status could fall below the standard 12 hours considered as full-time enrollment.
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program does not have any “true” prerequisites. All applicants must be eligible for MTH 100 (Note: MTH 116 is not a higher level math and will not meet this requirement), ENG 101 and BIO 103 in fall semester of entrance into the Program.
No. You must be eligible for MTH 100 (Note: MTH 116 is not a higher level math and will not meet this requirement), ENG 101 and BIO 103 in the fall semester of entrance into the Program. It is recommended that you have as many general education courses completed as possible, but this is not required. This will lighten the coursework and improve your chances of being selected for the Program.
No. Your course load may be lighter, but the Program cannot be completed earlier.
Yes. All qualified applicants must attend an Applicant Information Session. The Applicant Information Session is a mandatory session at which all aspects of the Program are discussed with the applicants. Program faculty and currently enrolled students provide insight into the Program for those in attendance. An email with dates, times and location of an Information Session will be sent after you have applied.
The Applicant Information Session is a mandatory session at which all aspects of the Program are discussed with the applicants. Program faculty and currently enrolled students provide insight into the Program for those in attendance. An email with dates, times and location of an Information Session will be sent after you have applied. Attendance at this session is mandatory. If an applicant does not attend one of the sessions his/her application will not be reviewed.
Yes. Hand delivered transcripts must be sealed, stamped "OFFICIAL," and delivered to the One Stop Center, Registrars and Admissions Office, on the East Broad Campus in Gadsden. If the transcripts are opened, or appear tampered with, they will not be accepted.
No. High school transcripts are only required if an applicant has not completed a college level math, English AND biology course.
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program does not have a “Waiting List.” Students must apply for the Program each year. The top students are admitted and a number of students are placed on an alternate list in case we have an opening available before the Program begins.
You will be notified by e-mail. You will receive a letter of standing approximately 4 weeks after deadline date. You will receive one of three letters: acceptance, alternate, not accepted. The letter is sent to the e-mail address on the application. Be sure to keep your records updated.
Admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology Program is not based on the applicant’s cumulative GPA. The admission is based on a combination of a test score and grades in certain courses.
No. The Essential Functions form is signed by the student as recognition of the physical and mental requirements of the Program once they are accepted into the Program, not as part of the application process. All applicants should review this form prior to applying.
Your health records will need to be turned in AFTER admission to the program. Instructions will accompany your acceptance letter.
No. You can register for any general education courses but not the MLT courses.
The clinical affiliates have certain requirements to guarantee the health and safety of their patients. Students are required to meet those stipulations so that they can attend the clinical settings for their education. These requirements will be necessary for anyone in a healthcare field while in school and later during employment.
A variety of clinical affiliates are used within the surrounding six (6) counties. The program makes every effort to avoid excessive driving distances, but cannot guarantee a specific clinical assignment.
| Clinical Sites | |
|---|---|
| Citizens Baptist Medical Center | Talladega, Talladega County, Alabama |
| Dekalb Regional Medical Center |
Fort Payne, Dekalb County, Alabama |
| Gadsden Regional Medical Center |
Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama |
| Highlands Medical Center | Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama |
| Marshall Medical Center South |
Boaz, Marshall County, Alabama |
| Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center |
Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama |
| Redmond Regional Medical Center |
Rome, Floyd County, Georgia |
| Riverview Regional Medical Center |
Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama |
| Stringfellow Memorial Hospital |
Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama |
Gadsden State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Gadsden State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The GSCC MLT program is accredited by NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; phone 773-714-8880; fax 773-714-8886; website: www.naacls.org
If you have any questions, please contact Gigi Stump, Health Sciences clerk, at gstump@gadsdenstate.edu.
Start Here:
Step 1 – Review the Application Information below before continuing with the application process. You must have a Gadsden State student A-number and access to your student portal to fill out the online MLT program application. If you have issues, please contact the Help Desk.
ONLY COMPLETE MLT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. ON THE POSTED DEADLINE WILL BE CONSIDERED. A complete
package includes:
- MLT Program Application with electronic submission by the posted deadline. No paper applications will be accepted. All application information must be verifiable for application to be considered complete. Any missing documentation may result in your application not being considered.
- Your official high school or GED transcript. Official high school or GED transcript must be delivered to the GSCC Admissions office on or before the program application deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the transcript has been received.
- Your official transcripts from any other colleges or universities attended. Official Transcripts from other Colleges or Universities must be delivered to the GSCC Admissions office on or before the program application deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the transcripts have been received.
ALL MLT PROGRAM APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE FINAL! NO UPDATES ARE ALLOWED. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a complete application is submitted by the deadline. No late submissions will be accepted. Please save the confirmation email you receive upon successful submission of the MLT program application. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION, WHICH WILL NOT BE EVALUATED.
If for any reason you have to save your application and return to it later, you will need to use the NextGen Dynamic Forms homepage link to return to the saved application. You will log into your NextGen account and select Pending/Draft Forms to access your incomplete application.
MINIMUM ADMISSION STANDARDS INCLUDE:
- Unconditional admission to Gadsden State Community College.
- Submit supporting documents to the GSCC Admissions Office by the MLT program application deadline:
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Official transcripts from other colleges
- Good standing with Gadsden State Community College.
- Submission of completed online MLT program application by 11:59pm of posted deadline.
- A minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale if no college courses have been completed.
- A minimum of 2.5 GPA for MLT program general education courses. This will be calculated from the highest grade of any MLT general academic courses completed.
- If not already completed with a grade of C or higher, student must be eligible for placement into the following courses in the first semester of the MLT program:
- English 101
- Math 100
- Ability to meet essential functions required for Medical Laboratory Technology students.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Qualified applicants will be rank-ordered and only a predetermined number will be selected.
For additional information or questions, please contact Gigi Stump, Health Sciences clerk, at gstump@gadsdenstate.edu.
Step 2 – After logging into your student account, you will be taken to the program application.
Step 3 – Read Page 1 of the application thoroughly. Complete Pages 2 and 3. Sign the application and submit. No changes or additions can be made to your application after you submit. No paper applications will be accepted.
Step 4 – Verify that you received a submission confirmation email to your GSCC student email account. Save the email in the event it should be needed.
IMPORTANT: If you need to save your application and complete it at a later date, click “Save Progress” at the bottom of the application screen. When you are ready to complete the application, log in to your myGadsdenState account and click the NextGen link in your Launch Pad. View your Pending/Draft forms to resume the saved application.
Gadsden State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award Associate in Science, Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees.
The GSCC MLT program is accredited by NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; phone 773-714-8880; fax 773-714-8886; website: www.naacls.org)
Additional contact:
Joseph Thomas, MS, MT (AMT), MLT (ASCP)
256-439-6802
jthomas@gadsdenstate.edu