South
Certificate

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.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Examination as Medical Laboratory Assistants (ASCP).

This program is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, 773.714.8880, www.naacls.org.

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.

This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018-5119; 773-714-8880, www.naacls.org.

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.

Clinical experience is dependent on the number of students, availability of clinical sites, student successful completion of pre-requisite didactic courses and maintenance of a 2.0 GPA.