Tri-County MLT Alumna Scores Highest Nationwide
Of Grads Who Took ASCP Exam During April - June 2003
CONTACT: DALLAS JONES, 646-1351
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/29/2004
(By Lisa Garrett)
PENDLETON --- A 2003 honor graduate of Tri-County Technical
College's Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program has scored
the highest nationwide of graduates who took the American Society
of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam during April - June of last
year.
The MLT (ASCP) is the most prestigious credential a medical
laboratory technician can place after his or her name.
Lynn Reed, of Liberty, a technician in the hematology lab
at Anderson Area Medical Center, says she was shocked when she
heard the news. "The exam was scary and challenging,"
said Reed. "This two-hour test can make or break you."
There are 100 multiple choice questions that cover these major
areas of science: chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, microbiology,
lab operation and urinalysis/body fluids.
"She is an exceptional employee," said Susan Stewart,
rapid response lab coordinator at the hospital. "I observed
Lynn during clinical rotations here at the hospital and hired
her immediately after graduation. Lynn is thorough and meticulous
and has a good eye for detail, which is a must for this job.
We're very proud of her."
"She was an excellent student," agrees Dallas Jones,
who leads Tri-County's MLT department. "Lynn was a member
of the team that took home the state championship award in the
MLT College Bowl last May. She also was honored for answering
the most questions correctly at the competition. The ultimate
goal is to prepare students for the National Registry of the
ASCP," said Mrs. Jones.
Reed returned to Tri-County after an absence of 15 years from
the workforce. She holds an Agriculture Education degree from
Clemson University. After graduation, she taught for a few years,
then got married and began her family. When she decided to return
to school, she says she chose Tri-County because it was "more
economical and I could earn a degree in two years and go straight
to work."
The department has always had 100 percent job placement, Mrs.
Jones said. "The difference today is that graduates can
be more selective about their jobs. They can pick a job suited
to their personal needs. And because we are accredited, the graduates
are accepted everywhere they go," she said.
Last year Tri-County's MLT department received a maximum seven-year
accreditation with no recommendations for improvement following
an extensive self study and a national accrediting agency's two-day
evaluation.
The MLT department became fully accredited by the AMA in 1974
and, at that time, became the second fully accredited program
of its kind in South Carolina.
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Oconee