Stanly Community College is partnered with organizations and businesses throughout the region to facilitate our students' clinical experiences.
Clinicals are a required subject for students who wish to obtain their Medical Laboratory Technology degree.
| Stanly Regional Medical Center |  |
| Presbyterian Healthcare System |  |
| Carillon Lab Systems |  |
Cynthia Callahan M. S., Health Education, University of North Carolina—Charlotte |
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Everyone knows that clinical laboratory testing is crucial to detecting and diagnosing diseases, and MLTs perform most of those tests. So how do you know if this is the right career choice for you?
Do you enjoy science? Do you like to solve puzzles? Do you like to know why and how things happen?
MLTs examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. They analyze the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. Common tests performed by medical technologists are complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP), electrolyte panel, liver function test (LFT), urinalysis, prothrombin time (PT/INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT or AP'fl').
If you like to solve mysteries, this might be the career for you!
Do you have the skill set necessary?
MLTs use automated equipment, as well as sophisticated, expensive instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously. MLTs need to have a basic knowledge in computers, as well as in biology, chemistry, and medicine.
MLTs use other lab equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters, and are often asked to troubleshoot and help with special projects. MLTs need to possess manual dexterity and good vision. Color blindness can be a prohibitive factor in some cases.
If your skill set includes "attention to details," this could be the field for you!
There are many more factors regarding a career choice in this field. For more information about the Medical Laboratory Technology program, please contact us at (704) 888-8848. We will be happy to schedule you for an ASSET, COMPASS, or TEAS test today!
Be a part of the MLT club! The MLT Club provides many opportunities for students to get to know each other and offer support for the community. Students participate in community service projects through various fundraisers such as craft and candy sales, silent auctions, trade shows, seminars, and college functions.
The MLT club recently ventured to Myrtle Beach for the spring meeting of the Carolinas Clinical Connection. This conference brings in top-notch speakers and over 30 vendors exhibiting the newest state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology in the Medical Lab industry. SCC students participated in the Hematology and Ethical Decision-Making workshops.
In addition, t he MLT club took a field trip to the annual North Carolina Association of Blood Bankers workshop at Alamance Community College. They attended an interesting workshop on Blood Product management that discussed some of the issues of "transfusion versus non-transfusion" and the risks involved.
Being involved in the MLT Club gives our students more opportunity to grow intellectually and to utilize leadership skills. If you would like to know how you can get involved, contact Cindy Callahan at (704) 888-8848.
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The SCC Medical Laboratory Technology Club has been participating in local activities. The club members, along with their advisor, walked in the Oakboro 4th of July Parade dressed as the Lab Rats. Pictured are: Kathy Zimmerman, Lea Dulin, Amanda Hall, Cindy Callahan-advisor, Liz Morgan, Amy Taylor, and Avorie Dulin, daughter of Lea Dulin. |
The MLT club has also participated in:
MLTs combine their love of science and medicine with the rewards of a challenging career.
Below are resources to give you a general overview on the massive industry that you are about to embark on.
Professional Organizations
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
American Association of Clinical Chemists
formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks
Labs are Vital
Job Overview
U.S. Department of Labor
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
www.CareerOverview.com
www.Monster.com
en.Wikipedia.org
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
Miscellaneous
Advance Magazine
OSHA
Centers for Disease Control
Department of Health and Human Services
World Health Organization
National Institute of Health
National Library of Medicine
10. Each day in the laboratory is a day of discovery.
9. You get to meet your patients, one cell at a time.
8. Your education never ends.
7. You get to be the cornerstone of all diagnoses.
6. If you are prone to roam, you have a portable career.
5. Great satisfaction comes from contributing to positive patient outcomes.
4. You can meld your love of science and of patient care.
3. You get to wear cool lab coats and look like a "Jedi Knight of Pathology."
2. You are a detective who gets to grow germs for a living.
1. You get to play with things your mother told you never to touch.
The MLT program of SCC is currently seeking accreditation as follows:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670
Chicago, IL 60631
Telephone: (773) 714-8880