Medical Laboratory Technology Program Starts This Fall

Lori Reynolds is director of the college's new medical laboratory technology program.

Associate Degree Can Lead to Rewarding Career

An increased demand for medical laboratory technicians has led to a new program focused on the career at Walters State.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program will launch this fall. As medical laboratory technicians, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of health care settings performing medical tests. 

“Medical laboratory technicians perform diagnostic testing on blood, body fluids, body tissues and other items,” said Lori Reynolds, director of the new program. “Sometimes, they may assist in collecting samples. Techs work in a laboratory setting and use the standard equipment used in biology and chemistry. You’ll learn how to do all of that in this program.”

The program will accept 20 students each year, and the first class will begin this fall and graduate in December 2027.

This program will be hybrid. Students will take on-site laboratory classes one or two days a week at the Claiborne County Campus and take the remaining classes online. The program is five semesters, including two semesters of prerequisite courses like English composition and microbiology. Three semesters will focus on medical laboratory technology. Most prerequisites are available online or in the classroom. Students who have already completed some college courses may complete the program sooner.

Like other Walters State health care programs, the program includes hours of clinical training in actual medical laboratories, working alongside laboratory supervisors and other health care professionals. Clinical rotations are planned in two semesters, with over 20 clinical laboratories serving as training sites. The program will try to match students with clinical hours near their homes. 

Reynolds has worked as a medical laboratory scientist for over 30 years. She has also taught high school chemistry and served as a lab inspector for the state.   Her experience has primarily been in local hospitals, but technicians work in a variety of health care settings. 

“Most lab techs are generalists,” Reynolds said. “You can work in so many departments. You may test tissue, test bodily fluids, and then test blood. Technicians may also collect specimens, especially if working in a small setting or working an overnight shift.”

Reynolds said this is a great career for someone who wants to help others without having direct patient contact. Successful technicians often like to solve puzzles and are curious by nature.

“If you like watching the television shows focused on forensic science, this career could be a good fit. Technicians do similar behind-the-scenes work,” she said         Starting pay for technicians in this area averages around $50,000. Pay rises with more experience and, in some cases, education. Walters State is working with two four-year institutions to establish articulation agreements. These will enable the program’s graduates to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. Having this degree usually increases pay. Reynolds said the associate’s degree opens other options.
           
“Some students may choose to get a bachelor’s degree in business with plans to open or manage a laboratory. For others, this can be a starting point for a career connected to criminal justice,” she said. “For most, though, this degree leads to a rewarding career that pays a good salary.”

For more information, visit https://go.ws.edu/46pw9JA or contact Reynolds at (423) 585-6929 or Lori.ReynoldsFREEWS.