Columbia State Community College recently honored ten medical laboratory technician graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Waymon L. Hickman Building.

“We are extremely happy with the continued support our program has from the college, our clinical partners, graduates and their families,” said Lisa Harmon, Columbia State program director and assistant professor of medical laboratory technology. “Over half the class has already accepted new positions with either their current employers or our clinical partners. These students’ entrance into the workforce will be eagerly anticipated as most clinical sites have shortages in these vital jobs.” 

The Medical Lab Technology Associate of Applied Science degree academic plan involves two or more semesters of general education coursework followed by a 12-month, three semester, series of core courses designed to provide classroom and clinical-based competencies which provide students with the tools for licensure examination success, gainful in-field employment, and career satisfaction.

“Clinical laboratory services are critical in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These new medical laboratory technician graduates are equipped with entry-level skills highly sought by hospitals, clinics, physician offices and research centers.”

The medical laboratory technician possesses the technical skills necessary to perform routine testing in the areas of hematology, serology, coagulation, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, blood banking and urinalysis in clinical laboratories of hospitals, clinics and physician offices under the supervision of a physician and/or medical technologist.

Lab tests shape the majority of medical decisions made by physicians. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects the demand for medical laboratory professionals will increase at a rate nearly double the average increase for all populations.

For more information about Columbia State’s Medical Lab Technology program, click here.