MLT Continues Perfect Pass Rate on ASCP Exam; Program Receives 10-Year Reaccreditation
PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College's Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) graduates continue to maintain excellent pass rates on a national certification exam.
MLT Program Director Deborah Brock recently learned that all 13 of the 2017 graduates received a perfect pass rate on the National American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam.
Only once since 2008 has a graduating class not achieved a 100 percent pass rate, and program scores never have dipped below 93 percent.
The exam is a computerized, competency-based exam. Students are tested on seven areas: chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, urinalysis and other body fluids, immunology and laboratory operations. There are 100 multiple-choice questions to cover these seven major areas of clinical laboratory science. Medical laboratory technicians analyze blood and other bodily fluids for disease processes in hospitals and doctors' offices.
Brock attributes the department's record of success to the partnership between the College's faculty and the hospital's clinical instructors. "We work well together, with our common goal being student success," she said.
"Our graduates go on to work in local medical facilities and many of our graduates work with and train our current students. There is a real sense of community and pride among Tri-County and our health care partners."
Tri-County's seven hospital affiliates are AnMed Health, Bon Secours Saint Francis, Baptist Easley Hospital, Self Regional Health Care, Oconee Memorial Hospital (GHS), Stephens County Hospital and St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital.
Tri-County's MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Brock reports that the program's accreditation has been extended for another 10 years following a successful self-study and site visit. The program had no deficiencies or recommendations. The next self-study is due in 2026, followed by another site visit in 2027.