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

“Congratulations to the newest MLT graduates,” said Lisa Harmon, Columbia State program director and assistant professor of medical laboratory technology. “Graduation is a testament to your hard work and perseverance. Best of luck in your careers as medical lab technicians.”

The Medical Laboratory 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 that provide students with the tools for licensure examination success, gainful in-field employment and career satisfaction.

“The college is happy to send out healthcare's newest detectives!” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “The shortage is critical, the job opportunities are abundant and each of these new MLTs will immediately impact patient outcomes.”

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, visit our website at ColumbiaState.edu/MLT.

View more photos from the event on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/columbiastatecc.

Not pictured: Humphreys County graduate Christin Brewer.

Not pictured: Williamson County graduate Sarah Bussell.