Medical Laboratory Technology (AAS)

Program Info

Minimum credits: 67
Length: 5 semesters (2 years) once accepted into the program.

Division: Arts, Sciences, & Business
Contact: 434.797.8462 or 434.797.8402
Award: Associate of Applied Science
Plan Code: 151 CIP Code: 51.1004

Note: This degree is awarded by J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Courses are held at DCC.

Admission Requirements:

• Admission to the MDL program is competitive and only a limited number of students will be accepted.
• A criminal background check, drug screen, and documentation of immunizations are required prior to placement for clinical rotations.
• Students must meet all Essential Skills Requirements.
• Applicants must have completed designated prerequisites included in the CSC to be eligible for admission into the MDL program and courses. Prerequisite courses are listed in the program student handbook.
• Completion of the Pre-Medical Laboratory Technology CSC does not guarantee admission to the AAS degree program. Transfer students should declare the Pre-Medical Laboratory Technology CSC as their major.
• Applicants must complete and submit an MDL application portfolio to the program director for consideration. (See the program application packet for more detail.)
• Fully qualified students will be ranked according to GPA, prior degrees achieved, and a completed application packet. (See the program application packet for full explanation.)
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for consideration.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges must be submitted to Central Admissions and Records.
• Advanced placement opportunities are based on evaluation of transcripts and clinical work experience, and must be discussed with the program head.

Application Deadlines:

Fall Start: May 15 with notification in mid-June
Spring Start: October 1 with notification in early November

Industry Credentials: Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Exam.

Program Notes:

• Students must be accepted to this program to enroll in MDL major/clinical courses (MDL 110  and higher).
• Graduates will be eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Technology examinations for national certification. The national certification exam is not a requirement for graduation; however, it is strongly recommended and may be required for employment.
• Graduates that successfully complete the national certification exam are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science with either Virginia Commonwealth University or Old Dominion University.
• Students are responsible for covering the cost of medical care that they may require while in the clinical setting.
• The MDL courses may be taken for retraining by certified technologists who have been out of the field for a period of time.

Program Outcomes: The educational experiences in the Medical Laboratory Technology program are designed to ensure that students are well prepared to enter the profession of medical laboratory technology and continue to learn throughout their professional career. At completion of the program, graduates will be able to

• Exhibit patient confidentiality within HIPAA parameters;
• Demonstrate consistent safe practice within industry-level safety standards;
• Demonstrate job entry-level precision and accuracy in performing procedures;
• Formulate accurate reports within industry-level reporting parameters;
• Analyze and record test and quality control data within industry-level accuracy standards;
• Distinguish reportable vs. non-reportable test results using established industry criteria;
• Troubleshoot non-reportable test results;
• Discuss laboratory testing in terms of theory, technique, quality control, and interpretation; and
• Perform routine testing of adult, infant, and geriatric patient samples in specified rotations.