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Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical laboratory technicians are detectives in the battle
against illness and disease. Through diagnostic laboratory testing, they play
a pivotal role in the diagnosis of diseases such as anemia, leukemia, heart disease,
diabetes and infections. They also monitor the treatment of diseases, assure compatibility
of blood products and help patients get the best possible medical care.
We collect patient specimens for scientific analysis. Blood
and body fluids are the most common specimens; throat swabs, and wound swabs are
also common specimens for infectious disease analysis.
The time of specimen
collection is the only direct patient contact experienced by the medical laboratory
technologist. Specimens are delivered to the clinical laboratory for processing
and analysis. In the laboratory, the technologist performs the selected diagnostic
tests requested by the patient's physician.
Today's clinical laboratory exists
as a combination of highly automated instrumentation, computer technology and
traditional manual scientific procedures. The technologist is trained to work
in all areas of the clinical laboratory. Opportunities for specialization provide
in depth training and education in each of the major division of the laboratory:
The
hematology department performs blood counts to help diagnose
anemia, leukemia and hemoglobin disorders. Screening for sickle cell and coagulation
testing is done. Urinalysis is performed in this department as well.- The
clinical chemistry department is one of the most computerized and automated areas
of the laboratory. Patient serum specimens are quantitatively analyzed reflecting
health, disease or dysfunction, and the metabolic condition of the patient. Glucose
analysis, liver profiles, cholesterol testing, cardiac enzymes and therapeutic
drug monitoring are among the numerous diagnostic tests performed in the clinical
chemistry department.
- Microbiologists
grow, isolate and identify microorganisms that may be pathogenic to the human
body. Infectious microorganisms may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Specimens may come from the body swabs, urine or blood cultures. Selected growth
media allows the infectious microorganism to grow and be identified. Antibiotic
sensitivity testing provides the patient's physician with diagnostic data for
proper treatment.
The
body's immune response is what keeps us healthy and protects us from invading
pathogens. Levels of protective antibodies can be measured by the immunology department.
Technologists can provide the patient's physician with valuable data relating
to exposure to disease causing agents, immune response, graft versus host disease
for transplant patients as well as the detection of biological markers for HIV
Disease and malignancy.
Blood
Bank technologists working in the immunohematology department prepare units of
blood for safe transfusions. Blood bankers may work in a hospital laboratory,
a community blood center, or the Red Cross providing the gift of life to a patient
during surgery or a traumatic injury.
Blood Bank technologists are vital members
of the health care team preparing patients to receive organ transplants. State
of the art technology insures the recipient a safe, compatible transplant.
Full or part-time study
Classes
starting in January, May and August
Program accredited by:
The National
Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670
Chicago, Illinois 60631-3425
773.714.8880
Eligibility
for licensure with the State of Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel
Eligibility
for certification with the Board of Registry, American Society of Clinical Pathologists,
the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc., or the American
Association of Bioanalysts.
Courses are blended; lecture material is online;
lab is taught in blocks
Practicum can be arranged in your local area
Credit
by exam is available in areas of work experience for those working in the lab
Program
will be tailored to meet needs of military trained and non-AS degree technician
licensed personnel.
This
is a selective access program:
1. Interview with the program director.
2. Complete the program application.
3. Enroll in MLT 1022C - Introduction
to Health Technology
4. Submit recommendation from MLT 1022C instructor.
5. Complete the Health Occupations Test (HOT).
A physical examination
will be required upon acceptance.
Prior to contact with patients or specimens,
students must furnish proof of childhood immunizations, Hepatitis B immunization,
and current TB test.
Click
here for online application
Rhoda Jost, Faculty Program Director
North Campus
4501 Capper Road
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: 904.766.6580
Fax: 904.766.6654
rjost@fccj.edu
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