Clinical Laboratory Technology

The program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5119 (1-773-714-8880).

Traditional employment opportunities in medical facilities and private laboratories are readily available, but non-medical jobs requiring clinical laboratory skills are increasing. Program graduates are eligible to take a national certification examination.

Students who wish to pursue educational opportunities beyond the associate degree level will also find opportunities for transfer into baccalaureate programs.

Application to the Program
1. Complete the College of Coastal Georgia Application. Applicants must meet the college admissions criteria for career associate degree programs as specified in the college catalog.
2. Applicants to the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program should have a strong background of high school courses in chemistry and biology and an interest in health and science. Personal qualifications essential for success as a clinical laboratory technician include a sense of responsibility, an ability to be precise with detail, and a willingness to work hard in order to reach goals.
3. Separate admission to the program is not required.
4. An applicant to the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program may begin the required general education courses during any semester of the academic year.
5. An informal personal interview with the Program Director is recommended for students wishing to enroll in the program.
6. Learning support courses (if required) must be completed prior to being considered an applicant for the Clinical Laboratory Technician Program.
7. Applicants must be able to meet/perform the essential functions as listed in the college's ADA plan.

Expenses
In addition to tuition and required textbooks, students in the CLT Program have the following related expenses: Hepatitis B vaccination series, annual TB skin test, disposable lab coat and eye protection for student practice laboratory, required clothing for clinical practicum, student liability insurance for clinical rotations, graduation fee, and certification examination fee. Criminal background checks and/or drug testing are required by individual clinical agencies and the cost will be the responsibility of the student. Background checks could result in denial to the clinical site and inability to pass a course.

Financial Aid
Various forms of financial aid are available to students. For information about financial aid call (912) 279-5722.

Advanced Placement
Students with prior laboratory experience and/or previously completed courses in clinical laboratory sciences may be allowed to challenge some of the required curriculum by examination and demonstration of required laboratory skills and/or documentation of entry level competency by a previous employer. The faculty will evaluate each based on an individual basis depending on the previous experiences of the student. Final decisions for the awarding of credit will be made by the Program Director and Registrar and may include consultation with instructors from the clinical affiliates, previous employers, and/or the educational institution.

Health
Since exposure to disease is inherent to the performance of laboratory testing, it is required that students strictly adhere to established safety procedures and practices. Before handling any laboratory specimens, students are advised to begin the Hepatitis B series. Also recommended is an annual flu shot.

Affiliates
The CLT Program is affiliated with Southeast Georgia Health System, all campuses, Memorial Health University Medical Center (Savannah), Liberty Memorial Hospital (Hinesville), Wayne Memorial Hospital (Jesup), Doctors Laboratory (Brunswick), and Glynn Medical Associates (Brunswick).