SOUTH

Certificate (571)

This certificate program prepares students to function as a medical laboratory assistant (or MLA) in a clinical laboratory setting. (In some settings the MLA is also known as clinical assistant, clinical laboratory assistant or specimen processor.) This program also provides opportunities for graduates to career ladder to a medical laboratory technician associate's degree program and/or a medical technologist four-year degree program. The program objectives comply with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) guidelines.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Prepare blood and body fluid specimens for analysis according to industry standards and to prepare reagents, standards and controls.
2. Enter data into the laboratory computer - Laboratory Information System (LIS).
3. Perform phlebotomy and display safety practices for infection control according to industry standards.
4. Display behaviors and communication skills appropriate for the healthcare environment.

Admission to the MLA program is limited by the availability of clinical sites. A separate application for program admission is required. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain and progress in the program.

See the graduation checksheet for this program in printable PDF form.

Certificate Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 25

¹ If student already completed ENG-100 or tested into ENG-101
² New Courses include MLA-101, MLA-102, and MLA-404
³ Co-Op courseMLA-404 would be an option for MLA program students who are current employees or new hires of partnering health care agencies.