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Medical Laboratory Technician

ADDITIONAL NAVIGATION​

Overview

 

WELCOME TO THE TURTLE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEDICAL LABORATORY PROGRAM

 

The Medical Lab Technician Program provides a curriculum for a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. Students will be trained as competent Clinical Laboratory Technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate entry level proficiency in all areas of laboratory science. The faculty and staff wish you success in the pursuit of you educational goals. We are glad to have you and will treat you with courtesy and respect. The student is our only product and consequently, our most important product. Therefore, we are here to assist you in gaining and education both within the classroom and in clinical activities scheduled for application of knowledge gained from the classroom.


 

The Turtle Mountain Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Medical Laboratory Technician Program at TMCC holds an Active Status by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.The program follows the requirements put forth by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720 Rosemont, IL. 60018-5119, Telephone: (773) 714- 8886, info@naacls.org. The Minimum qualification to complete an AAS degree for a Clinical Laboratory Technician is a 2.0 GPA or better in all Curriculum requirements of the program. Upon successful completion of all program requirements students will earn an AAS degree. They are then eligible to take a national board of certification exam. Passing a certification exam is not contingent on receiving their degree. (This program also offers the number of credits to fulfill transferability into a four-year laboratory science program.)

 

The purpose of this handbook is to detail policies and procedures specific to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program. It is constructed to be used as a supplement to the Turtle Mountain Community College catalog and student handbook. The policies and procedures set forth in this handbook are designed to support the success of the student.

 

A copy of the Turtle Mountain Community College catalog and student handbook is available at the Campus’s Student Services offices or may be down loaded here:

 

TMCC Catalogs

 

For more information concerning the Turtle Mountain Community College Medical Laboratory Technician Program you may contact the following Individuals:

 


Dr. Tyler Parisien
MLT Director/Instructor

Telephone: (701) 477- 7862 Ext. 2905
Email: tparisien@tm.edu

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The Turtle Mountain Community College ( TMCC) Medical Laboratory Technician Program is committed to providing an educational program consistent with the standards outlined by the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Science(s) NAACLS. Which is located at 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. The purpose of the TMCC Medical Laboratory Technician program is to train students as competent Medical Laboratory Technicians.

 

PROGRAM GOALS

 

  • Provide a professional learning environment for students.
  • Provide a curriculum that will give students the skills necessary to demonstrate entry level proficiency in all areas of Laboratory Science.
  • Provide the number of credits to fulfill transferability to a four year Laboratory program.
  • Provide the student with the opportunity for personal as well as professional growth.
  • Provide examples following the Seven Teachings enabling students to learn respect for others, themselves and the medical community.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROFESSION

 

The health of all Americans depends upon the educated minds and trained hands of the Medical Laboratory Professional. The practice of modern medicine at the exacting standards currently required would be impossible without the scientific testing performed daily in the medical laboratory. Maintenance of these standards and progress toward improvement in the quality of laboratory services depends on the dedicated efforts of professional practitioners of medical laboratory science.

 

 

Medical Laboratory Technicians are proficient in:

 

  • Collection, handling, preparation, and storage of biological specimens for laboratory analysis;
  • Performance of technical analyses on body fluids, cells, products, and organisms;
  • Recognition of factors that affect procedures and results and take appropriate action within predetermined limits;
  • Ability to operate basic laboratory instrumentation;
  • Performance of quality control measures on instrumentation and technical analyses;
  • Recognition of and adherence to clinical laboratory safety policies;
  • Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and technical analyses;
  • Ability to perform preventative and corrective maintenance on basic laboratory equipment and instrumentation;
  • Ability to recognize when to refer instrumentation problems to the appropriate sources;
  • Demonstration of professional conduct with patients and health care workers both within and outside the laboratory;
  • Demonstration of effective interpersonal communication skills;
  • Demonstration of knowledge of the relationship of laboratory findings with common diseases processes;
  • Demonstration of knowledge of reporting patient results using a laboratory computer information system;
  • Recognition of the need for continuing education in professional practice and action on that recognition.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The students enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program will apply the seven teachings of the Anishinaabe as their “code of ethics.”

 

THE SEVEN TEACHING

 

WISDOM:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student through an educational program will gain the “ Wisdom” needed to be a medical professional and become an important part of the Medical Laboratory Team.


LOVE:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student will be taught a “ Love” for their profession and through that love will perform work that is ethical, of high quality and above all with compassion.


RESPECT:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student will be taught the importance of respecting ones leaders and co-workers of whatever medical team they are a part of they will learn to “ Respect” and protect the dignity and requests of the sick


BRAVERY:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student will be taught the tools needed to have the Bravery to take that initial step to encounter their first patient with confidence.


HONESTY:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student will be taught the importance of Honesty in following performance procedures correctly and how, by not doing so could effect a patient’s results and ultimately their diagnosis and treatment.


HUMILITY:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student will be taught the Humility of acknowledging making a mistake and not to try and cover it but correct and learn from it.


TRUTH:


The Medical Laboratory Technician student will learn the Truth about their patients conditions and will be taught to hold those truths in strict confidence as if they were their own.

Admission

 

TMCC ADMISSION POLICIES

 

The standard admission policies are printed in the college catalog.(Pages 19-20) The current admission policies for the Turtle Mountain Community College Medical Laboratory Technician Program have been revised since the current catalog was published. The new policies are printed in the local newspapers, posted in The Allied Health building and in the student union. They are also being posted to the new web site.

 

Turtle Mountain Community College Admissions Policies Admission and General Information

 

Student Responsibility for Satisfying Requirements:

 

Each student has complete responsibility for complying with the instructions and regulations set forth in the catalog, for selecting courses that will satisfy his/her educational objectives, and for satisfying course prerequisites. Student Services Staff and Advisors are always available and willing to assist students. The college does not assume responsibility for student misinterpretation of policies and procedures presented in the catalog. Any question concerning the content of TMCC’s Catalog should be referred to the Dean of Academic Programs and/or Dean of Student Services.

 

Admissions:

 

All correspondence regarding admission to the college should be addressed to the Admission Officer. Each student is urged to make application for fall/spring semester admission as early as possible.

 

If a student is denied admission to the college, he/she may appeal to the Admission and Financial Aid Committee for a case review. Any questions concerning appeal procedures should be addressed to the Admissions Officer.

 

Selective Admission Policy:

 

Turtle Mountain Community College has an open-admission policy for most of its programs. However, the college does reserve the right to institute a selective admission policy in programs of study where limitations are necessary; such as in the Allied Health Programs where student numbers may be limited by Certifying Agencies.

 

Potential students should be aware that the MLT Program follows a cohort model with each new cohort starting the Fall semester of each year.  Students will not be granted admissions into the MLT program during any other semesters unless prerequisites are met.


General Admission Requirements-New Students/Students Seeking Readmission:

 

An applicant who wishes to be considered for admission must have the following documents on file:

 

  • A complete application for admission.
  • An official transcript from an accredited or approved high school with the date of graduation, or the official transcript of the General Education Development (GED) examination
  • Transfer students must provide an official transcript of all previous college work
  • A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood from a federally recognized tribe, if applicable
  • A completed FAFSA file (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) All students must complete the FAFSA

 

The student will be required to complete the above admissions requirements before registering. If any of the requirements are not satisfied, a letter will be sent to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure all documents are received before registering for classes. Students who have completed all admission requirements will receive a letter of acceptance. The letter will contain information on orientation, registration and first day of classes.

 

Financial Aid

 

The Turtle Mountain Community College Financial Aid Office, utilizing one or more of the student aid programs described in this section, will make every effort to provide adequate financial assistance to the student that demonstrates legitimate financial need. Priority consideration deadlines are as early as March 15 for some programs. Applications received after May 1, will be considered on a funds-available basis. The Financial Aid Director will make an effort to satisfy the student’s unmet need to the maximum, if possible, from available sources. The student is free to accept or decline any aid that is offered.

 

Financial aid is awarded for one academic year. A student must complete a new FAFSA application each year. A student who wishes to apply for financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office for information and application forms.

 

Policy and Procedure for Registration/and Academic Record Information

 

Registration dates for each term are shown in the academic calendar at the front of this catalog, posted on the college website, listed in the student handbook and posted at various locations around campus.

 

Registration is conducted each semester. See the academic calendar at the front of this catalog for dates. Faculty is available to advise students during the fall/spring registrations. Starting one to two weeks before registration, prospective students are informed by mail and media about the date, time, and place of registration.

 

Orientation is an organized informational seminar and an important part of the registration process. Orientation is a requirement for all students. At the session, staff and peer mentors present an overview of information for all freshmen and transfer students who intend to enroll for the semester. See the academic calendar at the front of this catalog for the date.

 

Pre-registration is conducted for one week in the fall semester for currently enrolled students seeking enrollment for the next term. See academic calendar for dates.

 

All new students are required to take placement tests in the following areas: English, math and science. Students who lack basic skills based upon these results of these tests will be required to register in appropriate courses. Students will have a one-time opportunity to challenge the test results. See Academic calendar for dates.

 

Registration forms are available in Student Services. All students will be required to pay a registration fee of $25.00, regardless of how many credits the student registers for in that semester. This fee will be assessed each semester.



MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIAN STUDENT SELECTION

 

Students applying for the MLT Program must follow the General Admission Policies outlined in the TMCC Catalog. Upon acceptance to the Institution, a student may apply for the Medical Lab Technician Program. Applications can be obtained from the MLT Program Director. Note: Applications that are not received or postmarked by the deadline of August 1st of each year will not be considered in the initial admissions process into the MLT program.

 

Applicant for the program must have:

 

  • A letter of acceptance to the Institution from the TMCC Admissions Officer
  • Complete TMCC Medical Lab Technician Program Application
  • Applicants must demonstrate readiness for English 110 and Math 111 as determined by the College’s placement tests or by documentation of successful completion of identified developmental course work.
  • TB tests and immunizations must be on file prior to beginning any Medical Laboratory Technician classes. Health problems which would interfere with the applicant’s ability to meet program objectives will be addressed on an individual basis.
  • Applicants must obtain a Criminal Record Check and a Child Abuse Clearance.

 

Once a potential student meets the entrance requirements, the MLT Program Director will schedule an interview. During the interview process the student will be advised that participation in MLT Program requires:

 

  • Interest in Science and Math Classes.
  • Good communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Desire to work with people
  • Maintaining a minimum 2.00 GPA in all MLT Program Curriculum Courses
  • Obtaining a background checks as well as drug screens prior to entering a Clinical Rotation
  • Compliance with HIPPA Regulations
  • Completion of CLS 103 Phlebotomy with a grade of “C” or before entering into a Clinical Rotation
  • Completion of all General Education classes before entering into a Clinical Rotation
  • Review of essential functions for MLT Program
  • TMCC will select 12 students, based upon space, into the MLT Program. Student selection is determined by favorable review of the application and interview process, along with the applicant ability to meet the specific requirements of the program. Applicants will be notified by mail by August 1 of each year regarding the status of their application. Applications of those who are not admitted will not be carried over to the following year. Applicants must reapply to the MLT Program by the next application deadline. Applicants must comply with the admission requirements for the current program year. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of any change in criteria. Current admissions information can be obtained from the MLT Program Director.
  • Please be informed that a Criminal Background check is required prior to entering any MLT internship. In the event the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors that student will not be permitted to continue with the internship portion of the program (note: successful completion of all MLT internships is a graduation requirement). Information on how to acquire / perform the background check will be provided to all students accepted to the MLT program. Students will be required to submit a signed Student Verification and HIPPA Disclosure Form.
  •  

Student Application Checklist (4.62 KB)
Admission Criteria Academic and Non-academic (115 KB)
MLT Application (89.3 KB)

Courses

 

Freshman (32 credits)

Fall Semester

 

  • BIOL 115 Human Structure & Function/ Lab 4
  • BOTE 171 Medical Terminology 3
  • ENGL 110 Composition 1 3
  • CLS 201 Immunology 4
  • CLS 103 Phlebotomy 4

 

Spring Semester

 

  • CHEM 116 Intro. to Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry/ Lab 4
  • CLS 113 Urinalysis & Body Fluids 3
  • CLS 200 Introduction to Medical Biology/ Molecular Diagnostics 3
  • MATH 103 College Algebra 1 4

Summer (7 credits)

  • CLS 235 Clinical Chemistry 4
  • CLS 220 Parasitology, Virology, Mycology 3

 

Sophomore (31 credits)

Fall Semester 

 

  • CLS 245 Clinical Microbiology 4
  • CLS 225 Hematology 4
  • CLS 240 Immunohematology 4
  • HPER 210 First Aid/ CPR 2

 

Spring Semester

 

  • CLS 255 Clinical Internship 9
  • CLS 106 Clinical Seminar 2
  • CLS 161 Integrated Lab Simulations 4
  • CLS 177 Job Readiness 1

 

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS (69)

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

Course Description

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

The following core essential functions are provided to assist each student in determining whether he or she can perform in a Medical Technician Program. Each of these essentials is reflected in course objectives and provides an objective measure for students and advisors to make informed decisions regarding whether a student is qualified to meet the requirements of the program.

 

If a student believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the essentials without accommodations or modifications, the Medical Technician Program Director will determine, on an individual basis along with the Student Services Representative whether or not the necessary accommodation or modification can be made reasonable. Students can also be referred to the Vocational Rehab Program for additional assistance.

 

  • Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
  • Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups form a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
  • Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
  • Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care for patients.
  • Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
  • Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in Phlebotomy Program. Phlebotomy students must be able to distinguish colors.
  • Must be able to stand and bend for extended time.

       

CLINICAL ROTATION SITES

 

The Medical Laboratory Technician students are required to take the Course CLS225 Clinical Rotation. This class consists of sixteen weeks of training in a hospital that is an Affiliate of Turtle Mountain Community College
During this training period the students put into practice the policies, procedures and techniques they have learned from the Medical Technician Program Curriculum and performing hands-on procedures in the training TMCC training Laboratory. At this time the students interact with laboratory personnel, medical providers, nurses, and most importantly the patient.
While at the Clinical Rotation Affiliate site the students are directed to comply with the policies and procedures of the Affiliate, including those governing the sue of disclosure of individually identifiable health information under federal law, specifically 45CFR parts 160 and 164. Solely for the purpose of defining the student’s role in relation to the use and disclosure of the Affiliates protected health information, the trainees are defined as members of the Affiliate’s workforce, as that term is defined by the Affiliate when engaged in activities pursuant to the agreement with the Affiliate. Nevertheless, the students are not and shall not be considered to be employees of the Affiliate.
Students are required to complete competency evaluation while in the Clinical Rotation. The professional performance standards are monitored throughout the sixteen week rotation noncompliance with these standards can result in removal from the program.
Clinical Rotation Affiliate sites for the Medical Laboratory Program are currently as follows:

 

  • Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility Belcourt, North Dakota.
  • Presentation Medical Center Rolla, North Dakota
  • Heart of America Medical Center Rugby, North Dakota
  • St. Andrews Health Center, Bottineau, North Dakota
  • Trinity Health, Minot, North Dakota

 

If a student cannot be placed in a Clinical site due to training slots being filled they will be given first priority in the next rotation cycle, or when a slot becomes available. Students will be selected based on academic achievement.
Students requests for clinical rotation sites are taken into consideration. Depending on the number of students a site can accept. Student requests for assignment to another Affiliate due to conditions other than academic performance will be reviewed by the Program Director.