Centra, Central Virginia's Medical Leader

Medical Laboratory Technician

The Program

Our medical laboratory technology program will provide you with clinical and academic skills to prepare you for a career as a medical laboratory technician (MLT). The program is a cooperative effort between Centra and Central Virginia Community College (CVCC). Upon completion of the program, the graduate will have earned an associate in applied science degree from CVCC and a certificate of completion from Centra. Graduates are eligible to take a nationally recognized certification exam and are qualified to perform the type of highly complex laboratory procedures done at Centra Lynchburg General and Centra Virginia Baptist hospitals. In addition to hospital laboratories, graduates may work in private laboratories, health department laboratories, physicians' office laboratories and industrial medical laboratories.

The Centra School of Medical Laboratory Technology is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, 773.714.8880.

College Affiliation

The Centra Medical Laboratory Technology Program has an affiliation agreement with Central Virginia Community College. The program director serves as a faculty advisor at the college to assist the student in selecting the course of study which meets college requirements and program prerequisites. These requirements must be completed prior to entrance into the medical laboratory technology certificate program. Academic credit toward a degree (Associate in Applied Science) is received for each course of the certificate program and, along with the degree requirements, is defined in college publications.

Program Academic Prerequisites

Successful completion of 37 semester credits to include:

• Biology (4)
• Chemistry (8)
• Microbiology (4)
• Social Science Elective (6)
• Math (3)
• English (3)
• Computer Elective (3)
• Medical Terminology (2)
• Orientation (1)
• Humanities Elective (3)
• Orientation (1)

A grade of C or better is required for all biology, microbiology, chemistry and math classes to be admitted to the 12-month certificate program. The student must be eligible for the degree at the completion of the program.

Curriculum

The 12-month program includes lectures, student laboratories and clinical experience. Thirty-three semester credit hours of course work are required to include:

• Clinical Hematology (7)
• Clinical Chemistry (8)
• Clinical Microbiology (8)
• Urinalysis & Body Fluids (3)
• Immunology (2)
• Blood Banking (4)
• Clinical Correlations (1)
• Clinical Requirements are Equally Important

In addition to classroom study, each student receives first-hand experience within the clinical setting of our hospitals. Students spend time in each laboratory department, gaining practical knowledge of testing methods, specimen collection and handling, safety and quality assurance.

Each hospital provides general laboratory services and specialized services specific to the needs of local physicians. Students gain experience of laboratory needs required in various types of patient care areas. These areas include:

• Emergency Medicine
• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Obstetrics
• Mental Health
• Orthopedics
• Neonatology
• Pediatrics

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive. Students are selected on the basis of a written application, official college transcripts, letters of recommendation, transcript evaluation, personal interview and written expression of interest in medical laboratory technology. Those who meet qualifications are eligible for admission regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or marital status. The program subscribes to Centra's policy regarding nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the program is based on the cost-per-credit and Central Virginia Community College (CVCC). The tuition for the 12-month program is approximately $2,500.

Students wishing to apply for financial aid may obtain an application package from the Financial Aid Office at Central Virginia Community College. Refer to the CVCC Catalog and Student Handbook for further information.

For more information and an application package please write or call:
Robin Levandoski,
Program Director
School of Medical Laboratory Technology
3300 Rivermont Avenue
Lynchburg, VA 24503
434.200.4551

For a CVCC catalog and prerequisite information contact:
Central Virginia Community College
3506 Wards Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434.832.7800