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Welcome to the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program at Illinois Central College.
This handbook, the Catalog and Student Handbook are the policies and procedures you must follow and are accountable for adhering to. Sometimes, the MLT program requirements may exceed the College's requirements.
The College reserves the right to change any provision or requirement stated in this program Handbook at any time.
Introduction
The mission of the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program is to prepare its graduates to attain entry-level skills for practice in a clinical laboratory. We achieve this by providing resources, curriculum, and clinical experiences to our students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.
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The handbook contains the following sections. Use the quick links for easy navigation.
Program Overview
Information on the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program is available in the ICC Catalog and Student Handbook.
Medical Laboratory Technician Program
Upon completing the program requirements, the student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, Medical Laboratory Technician.
Learn more about the Medical Laboratory Technician program in the ICC Catalog:
Accreditation
The Medical Laboratory Technician Program (MLT) is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
info@naacls.org
5600 N. River Road, Suite 7020, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773)714-8880
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations for Medical Laboratory Technicians include:
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
The mission of ASCLS is to make a positive impact in health care through leadership that will assure excellence in the practice of laboratory medicine.
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Illinois (ASCLS-IL), a member society os ASCLS, composed of the Midwestern states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
General Information
Learn about Illinois Central College.
Student Hub
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Catalog Quicklinks
Students should familiarize themselves with the ICC Catalog and Student Handbook, which provides information on Admissions and Enrollment, Academic Policies and Procedures, and more. Use the quicklink menu to easily navigate the Catalog.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Financial Aid and Tuition
Admissions and Enrollment
Student Handbook
The Student Handbook is published annually as part of the ICC Catalog and Student Handbook.
Student Code of Conduct
Student Policies
Student Complaints/Grievances
Student Services
Campus Police Regulations
My Alert
Current students are automatically enrolled in MyAlert to receive emergency notifications through text messages, calls, and emails. Please keep this information up-to-date in your ICC account. You can opt out of receiving text or voice calls by replying unsubscribe. Learn more about emergency notifications and closings.
Curriculum Overview
Learn about orientation, laboratory experience, and clinical rotations; you'll also find MLT course descriptions, sequencing, and completion information.
Orientation
Students are scheduled for a program orientation before the first day of classes to learn about program policies and procedures and meet fellow MLT students and faculty.
Courses
View the entire course list and recommend sequencing information in the Illinois Central College Catalog. Find the most up-to-date course descriptions and learning objectives in the Catalog, use the quick links below for easy access.
MLT Program Courses:
Student Laboratories
Students will have hands-on lab procedures in the student laboratories before beginning the Applied Clinical Experience course. Since students will be working with biological materials, the following matters need to be observed:
- Students must complete the lab safety training via MediaLab
- Students must wear a lab coat while performing laboratory procedures
- Long hair must be worn up and off the face
- Students must wear closed-toe shoes
- Follow all program policies
Clinical Rotations
Upon completing the theories during the first eight weeks of the fall and spring semesters of the second year, the students are assigned to an individual rotation sequence for different disciplines during the Applied Clinical Experience I and II (MLT 222 and MLT 232). A typical clinical day is from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or equivalent.
For each Applied Clinical Experience course, students will be assigned to more than one clinical site and travel outside Peoria. In the event of having fewer clinical sites for the number of students, alternative arrangements would be made. For example, students may have clinical rotations outside of average semester months.
In event of restrictions and disruption of normal work flows, clinical rotation competency goals may be substituted or consolidated through virtual offerings or atypical rotations. The intent is to continue to meet Program Learning Outcomes and student preparation for employment.
MLT Clinical Affiliate List*
*Clinical Affiliations may be renewed or discontinued. This list is representative and does not include all clinical affiliates.
Program Completion
Once all program requirements are met, students graduate from the MLT program, earn an Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technician, and are eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification (BOC) Exam to be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Graduation is not contingent upon passing the BOC exam.
Withdrawal Procedures
Students are responsible for reading and understanding the College's Enrollment and Withdrawal Procedures.
Academic Progression Requirements
A grade of "C" or better is required in each MLT course to progress to the next course in the sequence. A "C" or better grade is required for all science courses. In addition, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
Students must complete all documentation and maintain compliance with all health requirements. Students must meet all affiliated clinical agency requirements for drug screening and criminal background checks.
Causes for Dismissal
Whenever academic integrity is violated, student disciplinary procedures, including dismissal, may be instituted. Read more about academic integrity in the ICC Catalog and Student Handbook.
If program academic progression requirements are not attained, students will be required to withdraw from the program and withdraw from currently enrolled courses.
Comprehensive Exam
Faculty will administer a comprehensive exam to all MLT students eligible for graduation. Students must earn a 75% or better score on the MLT Comprehensive Exam to fulfill the program's graduation requirements. In the event of an unsatisfactory score on the MLT Comprehensive Exam (<75%), the student will enter a Student Success Plan with faculty and be allowed to complete an alternate exam or other appropriate remediation.
Certification and Continuing Education
Students who have met all graduation requirements are eligible to complete the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Granting the AAS degree in Medical Laboratory Technician is not contingent upon earning a passing score on the Certification Exam.
Program Policies and Procedures
Student Success
Students at risk of being unsuccessful will meet with the faculty and/or the Program Director to identify issues contributing to the at-risk situation. Student Success Plans are unique to each student and their circumstances and are at the faculty and/or Program Director's discretion. A Student Success Plan may be created using the Student Success Form
The student is responsible for implementing the success plan. Unsatisfactory Student Success Plans will be reviewed and discussed with the Program Director and the student and may incur the consequences discussed in the success plan.
Dress Code Policy
The student is expected to follow the policies of the dress code, which is supported by the agencies in which clinical experience is obtained.
- Navy blue standard health care scrubs must always be worn in student laboratories and clinical laboratories. An ICC patch (available for purchase at the ICC Bookstore) must be applied on the left sleeve.
- The scrubs must be clean, wrinkle-free, and in good repair at all times.
- A plain, white short-sleeve or long-sleeve T-shirt may be worn under scrub top.
- NO BASEBALL CAP is allowed at any time, student labs or clinicals.
- Shoes must be clean and white for clinical. White leather walking shoes or uniform shoes are acceptable.
- Neutral nylons or white socks are permitted for the female student and white or dark socks for the male student.
- Canvas shoes, thongs, sandals, clogs, or open-toe shoes are not permitted on campus or in clinical labs.
- A current ICC student clinical photo ID badge must always accompany the uniform while the students are at clinical sites. The ID should be worn on the outermost lab garment for good visibility.
- The badges can be obtained in Student Services in Arbor Hall, Peoria Campus.
- This ID badge must be returned to the Program Director at the end of the semester.
- Jewelry is limited to a wedding band/set and one other conservative design ring, a watch, and a choker-type necklace, whenever the student is in student uniform. (Note that chemicals may damage rings.)
- Small conservative earrings may only be worn by students––no dangling or large hoops. Only two rings/ears are acceptable, and no other body-piercing ornaments are allowed.
- Anyone with ear gauges must wear plugs or cover the gauges with bandages. Any tattoos must be concealed/covered by your uniform.
- Hair must be clean, neat, appropriately styled, and worn away from the face and off the collar. Long hair must be tied back at all times in campus and clinical labs for the safety of the student and the patient.
- Male students must keep beards and mustaches trimmed, neat, and clean.
- Hair color must be a natural shade, such as brown, black, or blond; extreme hairstyles and alternate hair colors, such as pink, blue, and orange, are unacceptable.
- A disposable lab coat must always be worn in the MLT student lab. This coat must be removed before leaving the student lab and stored appropriately.
- The student must abide by the clinical and student laboratory safety rules and observe universal precautions.
- Gloves must be worn when working with blood and body fluids and performing phlebotomy techniques.
- Other barrier protection prescribed by the institution must also be worn or utilized (face shields, splash shields, reusable lab coats, etc.). Lab coats used in the clinical labs are provided to students by the clinical facilities.
NOTE: The lab coat worn to perform testing should not be worn outside the clinical laboratory.
Employment
Students employed during their time in the Program will need to plan for success. Because the MLT curriculum is hybrid, students should plan on having a minimum of 3-4 hours of study for each enrolled hour. Total work hours should be adjusted accordingly depending on the total course enrollment. Students should plan to study at least three hours per week for each semester hour of credit carried.
The College assumes no responsibility for work performance related to skills learned as part of the program courses. The student is held personally liable and responsible for their actions in the work setting.
Professional Development
Students are expected to participate in professional development activities throughout the year while in the MLT program.
- Become a student member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), the premier professional organization for laboratory professionals.
- Attend the Annual ASCLS-IL Meeting.
- Participate in the Student Bowl competition.
- Planning activities on campus during the National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in April.
- Participate in MLT Program activities designed to promote the profession of clinical laboratory science.
Safety in the Clinical and Student Laboratory
All MLT students must follow the prescribed laboratory safety guidelines utilized by the clinical facilities. Laboratory safety is an integral part of every MLT course and students must understand and follow all techniques covered.
- All students must complete the mandatory orientation and laboratory safety modules (if available). The program Director will provide information.
- Students must also complete the HIPAA training via online training modules.
Code of Classroom Conduct
The MLT Code of Classroom Conduct helps prepare students to learn and uphold the ethical standards of the clinical laboratory profession. Adherence to the guidelines will maintain a classroom, laboratory, clinical, or conference environment conducive to teaching and learning.
Prolonged Absence
Students must notify the MLT Program in the case of prolonged absence because of illness, accident, or hospitalization. The student is required to submit documentation of physician’s permission to return to class and/or clinical. The student is responsible for contacting instructors to make up missed course work.
Academic Integrity
You are responsible for reading and understanding the Academic Integrity Policy.
Attentiveness
Students are expected to engage in classroom discussions and activities. Faculty will engage in learning assessment activities, and the student is expected to participate to the best of his or her ability.
- Guests and children are not allowed to attend classroom, laboratory, clinical, or conference events, and they may not be left unsupervised in common areas on campus.
- Recording of Class: students may not record the instructor or class content unless the instructor permits recording as part of the classroom learning activities.
Civility
Students are expected to maintain a civil, professional, positive attitude towards fellow students and faculty at all times. Academic concerns may be discussed with faculty members after class, during scheduled office hours, or at a scheduled appointment.
Tardiness
Excessive tardiness will require a conference with faculty to discuss the situation and consequences.
Code of Clinical Conduct
Clinical practice is a valuable opportunity to assimilate learning into practice. Attendance is required as specified in the clinical evaluation criteria for each MLT course.
- Clinical facility contact information will be provided when clinical rotations are assigned. The student should keep the information current when clinical sites change.
- For patient safety, students may not work the shift immediately preceding the assigned clinical experience. Students who are identified as having worked the shift prior to clinical experience will be deemed unsafe and dismissed from clinical. Dismissal will be penalized as a clinical absence.
- Repeated incidents may result in dismissal from the MLT Program.
- Students are responsible for transportation to clinical facilities and must abide by the parking policies of the clinical facilities.
- Students should minimize personal belongings when assigned to clinical. The clinical facilities do not provide safe storage for valuables.
- Students must be punctual when arriving at the assigned clinical site. The student will be properly attired and prepared by having completed pre-clinical assignments.
Clinical Documentation
The student is responsible for documenting all tasks performed completely and accurately. Any evidence of falsification will result in dismissal from the program.
Clinical Evaluation
Clinical performance evaluation criteria are established for each clinical rotation. Before beginning each clinical experience course, students will receive a clinical packet that includes the clinical evaluation, checklists, and study questions. Criteria for clinical grading are also included in each clinical packet.
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all documents signed by the clinical instructors. Any missing signed document will result in a grade of zero. All signed documents must be scanned and submitted via Canvas no later than Monday following the first day of final exam week. If the student's clinical rotation extends beyond the regular schedule, the submission will be due three days after the last clinical day. Prompt submission of signed clinical documents throughout the clinical rotation is strongly encouraged.
Clinical Practice
Students will contact the clinical site prior to beginning a new rotation, typically in the preceding week. Students should confirm the arrival time and any other appropriate concerns such as parking, location, etc.
- Students will follow the clinical agencies' policies, procedures, and student affiliation guidelines.
- Students are responsible for adhering to agency policies and procedures. If asked to carry out a procedure for which the student has not had instruction or practice, the student must notify the clinical instructor.
- Students are responsible for informing the instructor of any error or accident during the clinical experience.
- Students should seek help from the clinical instructor, particularly when undertaking a new technique.
- Students must abide by clinical site rules on personal electronic devices.
- All clinical facilities can refuse or dismiss a student from participating in the clinical experience.
- Students are not allowed in the hospital or other clinical affiliates in a student capacity except during assigned clinical hours.
If students are ill or an emergency occurs to prevent the student from attending clinical assignment, notify the following parties before the assigned time:
- Call the clinical laboratory, inform the clinical instructor or a co-worker, and email the MLT Program Director.
- When inclement weather threatens to interfere with learning activities, students MUST contact the clinical instructor announcing their absence or delay.
Clinical Scheduling Policies
The MLT Program Director assigns clinical rotations for all students. Assignments are based on the following criteria in order of importance:
- Number and variety of student clinical spaces available.
- Students’ geographic location relative to the clinical rotation.
- Students’ level of education, GPA, and clinical experience.
- Students’ previously assigned clinical rotation experiences (generally, no repeated rotations assigned in the same laboratory, though specialty departments may be the exception).
- Students’ laboratory employment.
- Special requests of students and/or Laboratory Administrators.
Clinical rotation spaces are somewhat limited, but due to the number of clinical affiliate laboratories utilized in the MLT Program, students have always been assigned appropriate and complete rotations. Limitations may necessitate significant commutes and planning (>50 minutes door to door) to attend assigned clinical rotations.
Students may be assigned to clinical rotations on the second shift (3 p.m. – 11 p.m.) to enhance the learning experience and ease of scheduling. The technical objectives of the regular day shift assignments are the same. However, if a clinical space cannot be arranged in the semester due to limited facilities, the student will be assigned a rotation during the semester break or the subsequent semester.
Notes:
- Each semester, students will be assigned to more than one hospital laboratory for different disciplines and are expected to have clinical assignments outside of Peoria.
- All efforts will be made to provide a good overall clinical experience when students finish the MLT program. Therefore, clinical rotations are not assigned for students’ convenience.
- Trading rotations is prohibited.
- Clinical rotation schedules will not be rearranged for student convenience.
Clinical Supervision/Service Work Policy
Students have the status of learner and will not replace clinical staff or give service apart from its educational value.
MLT students must always be supervised by a clinical instructor in all clinical laboratory areas. After demonstrating proficiency, students may perform tests on actual clinical specimens. Service work may only be performed by the MLT student if the work is “co-signed” by the supervising clinical instructor and if performing the work helps to complete the stated clinical objectives for the assigned rotation. The supervising clinical instructor must accept all responsibility for the accuracy of the procedure or task.
Students may not use compensated work toward their clinical experience.
Dismissal From Clinical Rotations
Grounds for dismissal from clinical rotations, which may result in dismissal from the program due to unprofessional conduct or behavior, include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- prefabricating laboratory results
- breach of patient confidentiality
- appearance on the job under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- repeated clinical or technical errors that could be life-threatening to a patient
- repeated neglect of safety and universal precautions whereby the student is considered to be a danger to self and others
- excessive absences and/or tardiness
- repeatedly displaying uncooperative behavior, causing conflicts with clinical staff, which creates a hostile learning atmosphere
Identified psychomotor, cognitive, or affective skills gaps shall be addressed before clinical rotations. Due to the limited availability of the clinical sites and the necessity of maintaining positive relationships with the clinical affiliates, students who have demonstrated behavior of concern will meet with the Program Director to discuss concerns, consequences, and pathways to success.
Student Forms
Find student forms for the Medical Laboratory Technician program. Students can download the following forms:
Faculty and Staff Information
Vincent Strow
Full-Time Faculty and Program Director
(309) 690-7536
vincent.strow@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, C105G
Wendee Guth
Dean of Health Careers
(309) 690-7535
wendee.guth@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, C105S
Office Staff
Administrative Assistants
(309) 690-7530
healthcareersinfo@icc.edu
Peoria Campus, Cedar Hall, 105