MCC's Medical Lab Program grads post perfect pass rates on national exam
Medical Lab Technology Program graduates of the Class of 2022 are, front row from
left, Kimberly Taylor, Sheila Preciado, and Josie Brewer. Back row from left are Jimmeka
Neal, Melissa Miller, James Stephens, and Stephan Arora.
Meridian Community College's Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program Class of 2022 graduates successfully passed their national licensure exam, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) examination, on their first attempt for a 100 percent pass rate.
This MCC career and technical education program has earned this honor for the last four years. In addition, the program has also posted a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates over the previous 11 years.
"Students work extremely hard during the two-year program to prepare for the ASCP examination as well as the workforce. Students participate in both didactic and clinical practicum aspects of the program during the two years they are in the program," said Sheila Johnson, program coordinator and instructor. Krystal Holifield also serves as an instructor in the program.
Upon completing the program, MLT students earn an associate of applied science (AAS) degree.
Johnson explained that students in this 2022 graduating class took the ASCP examination within one week of graduation, and they all secured jobs within two weeks after graduating from the program. "Several graduates obtained employment in advance of graduation due to the increasing number of job openings within the medical laboratory profession," she said.
Graduates of the MLT program can work in any area of a clinical laboratory, or they may use their degrees to further their education as medical laboratory scientists (MLS). Graduates may work in pathology laboratories, hospital laboratories, clinic laboratories, emergency department laboratories, blood service laboratories, reference laboratories, or veterinarian laboratories. They may also serve as field service representatives (individuals who work on lab instrumentation), quality control specialists, or point of care specialists.
Opportunities to become a laboratory supervisor or laboratory manager are also potential career advances for individuals with an MLT degree.