Medical Laboratory Technology

Welcome to the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Statement of Purpose

Aligned with the mission of Texas Southmost College, the faculty of the Medical Laboratory Technology Program is committed to serving the educational needs of the people of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. This mission will be fulfilled by providing quality instruction, preparing the graduate to be successful on the national certification examination, and preparing the graduate with employable skills as an entry-level medical laboratory technician.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the program, all students will demonstrate competency in the Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective Domains in the field of Medical Laboratory Technology.

  • GOAL 1 – The MLT program will graduate 70 percent of the students within 21 months.
  • GOAL 2 – Upon completing the program, at least 70 percent of the graduates will be employed within one year.
  • GOAL 3- Upon completing the program, at least 75 percent of the graduates will be successful on the national certification examination.
  • GOAL 4 – Upon completing the program, at least 90 percent of the employers will be satisfied with graduates’ comprehensive entry-level skills (Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective Domains).

Program Overview

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Texas Southmost College has a long-standing history, dating back to 1977. Its primary mission is to cater to the educational needs of the Lower Rio Grande Valley community. This mission is achieved through delivering high-quality instruction, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the national certification examination, and providing them with the essential employable skills to begin their careers as entry-level medical laboratory technicians.

The collaboration between Texas Southmost College and its clinical affiliates is instrumental in providing comprehensive training in the fundamental skills necessary for success in the medical laboratory profession. Laboratory professionals play a pivotal role in detecting, diagnosing, and treating diseases, and they find employment in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and doctor’s offices. The MLT program has earned the trust and admiration of the healthcare community, with an impressive 95% employment rate among its graduates.

The MLT program holds national accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Students are eligible to earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science upon successfully meeting all program requirements. Furthermore, program graduates have the opportunity to sit for the Medical Laboratory Technician certification examination, which is offered by both the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the American Medical Technologist (AMT).

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program at TSC is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Students are eligible to take national certification exams upon completion of the program.

For more information about ACLS,  contact them at:

NAACLS
5600 N. River Rd.
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886
 

National Certification Exam Information Sites

Medical Laboratory Technology Program (MLT) application process

Dear Student:
I appreciate your interest in the Texas Southmost College (TSC) Medical Laboratory Technology Program (MLT). The enclosed information will explain the requirements for the application process.

  • Admission to TSC Contact the enrollment office for college admission requirements (956) 295-3600.
  • Submission of a complete application for admission to the MLT Program located at office H3A.
  • Submission of two letters of recommendation.
  • Documentation of any certification currently held.
  • Unofficial TSC transcript showing all accepted transferred courses.

Essential Functions required

  • Vision accuracy- The student must be able to read charts and graphs, read instrument scales, discriminate colors, read microscopic materials, and record results.
  • Clear communication- the student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively to assess non-verbal communication and adequately transmit information to the patient and healthcare team members.
  • Fine Motor Function- The student must have all the skills necessary to safely and accurately perform all the diagnostic procedures and manipulate tools, instruments, and equipment. The student must be able to perform phlebotomy safely and accurately.
  • Psychological Stability- The student must have the emotional health required to utilize their intellectual abilities fully. Must be able to recognize emergencies and take appropriate action.

Applications will be accepted from September 1 to the 2nd Friday in July at noon. They will be reviewed and ranked using pre-requisite grades, preferred courses, healthcare experience, and previous degrees.

Selection Criteria: 28 Points Possible

Applicant pool ranking will be based on points received for pre-requisite course grades, chemistry and microbiology courses, healthcare experience as a volunteer or work, and academic accomplishments (See the list below):

  1. Points for Pre-requisites BIOL 2301, Math 1342 or higher, and ENGL 1301: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2
  2. Points for preferred course CHEM 1305 or CHEM 1311: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2
  3. Points for preferred course Biol 2321 Microbiology A = 4, B = 3, C = 2
  4. Documentation of healthcare work experience (minimum six months): 4 points
  5. Completion of Bachelor’s degree: 4 points
  6. Completion of an Associate: 2 points

Applicants will be notified by e-mail whether they have been or have not been selected for the program.

Requirements after acceptance into the TSC MLT program are:

  1. Uniform
  2. Mandatory attendance to the MLT Program orientation on the scheduled day and time. (You will receive this information in your acceptance letter).
  3. Students are admitted to the TSC MLT program on provisional status pending completion of the criminal background check, physical exam, CPR certification, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations.
  4. Computer

Admission is non-discriminatory regarding race, creed, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. You can also access information at www.tsc.edu/mlt

Sincerely,
Consuelo Villalon, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.T (AMT)
MLT Program Director

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508, 85th Leg., R.S. (2017), amended Chapter 53 of the Texas Occupations Code to add Subchapter E relating to notice to applicants and enrollees in certain educational programs regarding the consequences of a criminal conviction on eligibility for an occupational license.

According to Chapter 53, Subchapter E of the Texas Occupations Code, please be advised that Texas Southmost College offers programs that lead to an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001. Licensing authorities may have guidelines concerning prior criminal convictions that would make an individual ineligible for the issuance of a given license. If you are enrolled in a program that may prepare an individual for an occupational license and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001, following state law, please be advised of the following:

  1. An individual who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of an occupational license upon completion of the educational program;
  2. Each licensing authority that may issue an occupational license to an individual who completes an educational program must establish guidelines that state the reasons a particular crime is considered to relate to a particular license and any other criterion that affects the decisions of the licensing authority.
  3. Local or county licensing authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal history. Applicants should contact their respective local or county licensing authority for more details.
  4. A person may request a criminal history evaluation letter regarding the personal eligibility for a license issued by a licensing authority under Texas Occupations Code 53.102.

Note that the provisions of Chapter 53 of the Texas Occupations Code relating to the consequences of criminal conviction do not apply to licenses granted by the Supreme Court of Texas, law enforcement officers (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1701), emergency medical services personnel (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 773), or persons licensed by the Texas Medical Board, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Dental Examiners, or the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners that have been convicted of a felony under Chapter 481 or 483 or Section 485.003 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. If you are seeking one of these licenses, please be aware that other provisions of the law may be applicable relating to the consequences of a criminal conviction.

All applicants to and enrollees of Texas Southmost College are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license. Questions related to eligibility requirements should be directed to the applicable licensing authority.

Essential Functions required

  • Vision accuracy- The student must be able to read charts and graphs, read instrument scales, discriminate colors, read microscopic materials, and record results.
  • Clear communication- the student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively to assess non-verbal communication and adequately transmit information to the patient and healthcare team members.
  • Fine Motor Function- The student must have all the skills necessary to safely and accurately perform all the diagnostic procedures and manipulate tools, instruments, and equipment. The student must be able to perform phlebotomy safely and accurately.
  • Psychological Stability- The student must have the emotional health required to utilize their intellectual abilities fully. Must be able to recognize emergencies and take appropriate action.

Applications will be accepted from September 1 to the 2nd Friday in July at noon. They will be reviewed and ranked using pre-requisite grades, preferred courses, healthcare experience, and previous degrees.

Selection Criteria: 28 Points Possible

Applicant pool ranking will be based on points received for pre-requisite course grades, chemistry and microbiology courses, healthcare experience as a volunteer or work, and academic accomplishments (See the list below):

  1. Points for Pre-requisites BIOL 2301, Math 1342 or higher, and ENGL 1301: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2
  2. Points for preferred course CHEM 1305 or CHEM 1311: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2
  3. Points for preferred course Biol 2321 Microbiology A = 4, B = 3, C = 2
  4. Documentation of healthcare work experience (minimum six months): 4 points
  5. Completion of Bachelor’s degree: 4 points
  6. Completion of an Associate: 2 points

Applicants will be notified by e-mail whether they have been or have not been selected for the program.

Requirements after acceptance into the TSC MLT program are:

  1. Uniform
  2. Mandatory attendance to the MLT Program orientation on the scheduled day and time. (You will receive this information in your acceptance letter).
  3. Students are admitted to the TSC MLT program on provisional status pending completion of the criminal background check, physical exam, CPR certification, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations.
  4. Computer

Admission is non-discriminatory regarding race, creed, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. You can also access information at www.tsc.edu/mlt

Sincerely,
Consuelo Villalon, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.T (AMT)
MLT Program Director

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508, 85th Leg., R.S. (2017), amended Chapter 53 of the Texas Occupations Code to add Subchapter E relating to notice to applicants and enrollees in certain educational programs regarding the consequences of a criminal conviction on eligibility for an occupational license.

According to Chapter 53, Subchapter E of the Texas Occupations Code, please be advised that Texas Southmost College offers programs that lead to an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001. Licensing authorities may have guidelines concerning prior criminal convictions that would make an individual ineligible for the issuance of a given license. If you are enrolled in a program that may prepare an individual for an occupational license and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001, following state law, please be advised of the following:

  1. An individual who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of an occupational license upon completion of the educational program;
  2. Each licensing authority that may issue an occupational license to an individual who completes an educational program must establish guidelines that state the reasons a particular crime is considered to relate to a particular license and any other criterion that affects the decisions of the licensing authority.
  3. Local or county licensing authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal history. Applicants should contact their respective local or county licensing authority for more details.
  4. A person may request a criminal history evaluation letter regarding the personal eligibility for a license issued by a licensing authority under Texas Occupations Code 53.102.

Note that the provisions of Chapter 53 of the Texas Occupations Code relating to the consequences of criminal conviction do not apply to licenses granted by the Supreme Court of Texas, law enforcement officers (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1701), emergency medical services personnel (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 773), or persons licensed by the Texas Medical Board, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Dental Examiners, or the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners that have been convicted of a felony under Chapter 481 or 483 or Section 485.003 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. If you are seeking one of these licenses, please be aware that other provisions of the law may be applicable relating to the consequences of a criminal conviction.

All applicants to and enrollees of Texas Southmost College are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license. Questions related to eligibility requirements should be directed to the applicable licensing authority.