At a Glance

Advisors:

Robin Aiken  aikenr@dekalbtech.edu
Ginny Roberts robertsg@dekalbtech.edu

More about program and faculty

Clinical Laboratory Technology

Program Information

The Clinical Laboratory Technology Degree Program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for technician positions in high complexity laboratories and related businesses and industries. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Clinical Laboratory Technology Associate in Applied Science degree, have the qualifications of a clinical laboratory technician, and are eligible for certification. [Receiving a Clinical Laboratory Technology degree is NOT contingent upon passing an external certification or licensure examination.] Admissions requirements: Age 17 or older with a high school diploma or GED. Entrance into the Clinical Laboratory Technology program is based on competitive admission criteria. Contact the program advisor for details.

Program Requirements

To receive a diploma or degree from DeKalb Technical College (DTC), students must complete 25% of their course work at DTC.

Contact Hours
Credit Hours
General Core Courses (45 hours)
5
7

Prerequisite/Corequisite:  ENG 1101

Introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systematic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include: body organization, cell structure and function, tissue classification, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system, and the senses. Hands-on laboratory experiences support classroom learning. This is the first half of a two-quarter sequence in anatomy and physiology. BIO 194 is the second half of this sequence.

Prerequisite:  BIO 2113

A continuation of BIO 2113. Topics include: the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, the immune system, the endocrine system, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the urinary system, and the reproductive system. Hands-on laboratory experiences support classroom learning.

CHM
1111
5
7

Prerequisite:  Program Admission
Prerequisite/Corequisite: MAT 1100 or MAT 1111

Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, physical states of matter, nomenclature, and stoichiometry.

CHM
1112
5
7

Prerequisite:  CHM 1111

Provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of organic and biological chemistry. Topics include: carbon bonding, organic nomenclature, the chemistry of biological molecules, and a study of biochemical systems (carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis). Laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience with organic chemicals and biochemical equipment and techniques.

Prerequisites: Degree program admission level English and reading competency or completion of ENG 0098 and RDG 0098 with grades of "S", “C*”, or better and the appropriate score on the Writing and Reading ASSET or COMPASS Exit Exams; and recommended successful completion of SCT 100 or equivalent.  Note: Because this is a hybrid course, students are expected to have competency in e-mail, document creation, and document filing prior to taking the course.

Focuses on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, including introductory use of a variety of research skills; explores the analysis of expository essays and creative nonfiction about issues in the humanities and in society.  The course includes a review of grammar and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing, with emphasis on the rhetorical function of these mechanics. Topics include: writing analysis and practice, revision, and research.

Prerequisite:  ENG 1101 with a minimum grade of “C”

Explores the philosophic and artistic heritage of humanity expressed through a historical perspective on visual arts, music, philosophy, and literature. The humanities are presented as a source of subjective insights for the understanding of people and society. Topics include: historical and cultural developments, and contributions of the humanities.

Prerequisite:  Program Admission (degree)

Emphasizes the basics of psychology. Topics include: science of psychology; social environments; life stages; physiology and behavior; personality; emotions and motives; conflicts, stress, and anxiety; abnormal behavior; and perception, learning, and intelligence.

Plus one of the following courses: (5 hours)
MAT
1111
5
5

Prerequisites:  Degree program admission level math competency or MAT 0099 with a grade of “S” or minimum grade of “C” and an appropriate score on the COMPASS Algebra exit examination. The appropriate “exit” examination score can be either of the following: (1) The student completes MAT 0099 with an “S” or minimum grade of “C” AND scores “37” or higher on the COMPASS Algebra exit examination; OR The student obtains transfer credit for MAT 0099 AND scores “37” or higher on the Compass Algebra exit examination; OR scores a “37” or higher on the COMPASS Algebra placement

This course emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts.  The major topics include: fundamental concepts of algebra; techniques of solving linear and non-linear equations and inequalities; the study of functions and their graphs; systems of linear and non-linear equations; sequences, series, and probability; and analytic geometry with emphasis on circle, parable, ellipse and hyperbola. Computer and Internet technology are an integral part of this course.

Prerequisite: Degree program admission level math competency or MAT 1013 with a minimum grade of “C” or “S”

Overview course covering algebra, statistics, and mathematics of finance. Topics include: fundamental operations of Algebra, sets and logic, probability and statistics, Geometry, and Mathematics of finance. Computer and Internet technology are an integral part of this course.

Plus one of the following courses: (5 hours)

Prerequisites: ENG 1101 and SCT 100 (or EET 100) with a minimum grade of "C" or exemption exam

Emphasizes practical knowledge of technical communications techniques, procedures, and reporting formats used in industry and business. Topics include: reference use and research, device and process description, formal technical report writing, business correspondence, and oral technical report presentation.

SPC
1101
5
5

Prerequisite:  ENG 1101 with a minimum grade of "C"

Introduces the fundamentals of oral communication. Topics include: selection and organization of materials, preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations, and analysis of ideas presented by others.

Occupational Courses (75 hours)

Prerequisite: Program Admission 

Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid, vital signs, infection control, and blood-/air-borne pathogens.

Prerequisite:  Program Admission level English, reading and math scores

Introduces students to the terms, concepts, procedures, and equipment used in a professional clinical laboratory. Topics include: professional ethics and regulatory agencies, basic laboratory safety, equipment, and techniques, phlebotomy/ specimen processing, infection control, CPR and first aid, quality control concepts, and application of the computer in clinical laboratories. Practical experience in phlebotomy will be provided in the institution laboratory and/or the clinical setting.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: BIO 2113 and BIO 2114, CLT 101 with minimum grade of “C” in each course

Provides theory and techniques required to conduct tests on urine and various body fluids. Theory and tests are related to disease states and diagnosis. Topics include: theory of urinalysis, physical, chemical, and microscopic urinalysis, urinalysis and disease state correlation, special urinalysis tests, body fluid tests, and safety and quality controls.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: BIO 2113 and BIO 2114, MAT 1100 or MAT 1111, CLT 101 with minimum grade of “C” in each course

Introduces the fundamental formation, function, and degradation of blood cells.  Topics include: complete blood count and differential, routine and special blood tests, correlation of test results to disease states, coagulation, instrumentation for hematology and coagulation, critical levels and blood cells dyscrasias, and safety and quality control.

3
5

Prerequisites/Corequisites: CLT 101, BIO 2113 and BIO 2114, MAT 1100 or MAT 1111 with minimum grade of “C” in each course

Introduces the fundamental theory and techniques applicable to serology and immunology practice in the clinical laboratory. Topics include: immune system, antigen and antibody reactions, common clinical applications, serological / microbiological applications, common serological techniques, and safety and quality control.

7
10

Prerequisite:  CLT 105 with minimum grade of “C”

Provides an in-depth study of immunohematology and practices as applicable to clinical laboratory technology. Topics include: genetic theory and clinical implications, immunology, donor unit collection, pre-transfusion testing, management of disease states, and safety and quality control.

7
10

Prerequisites: CLT 101, MAT 1100 or MAT 1111, CHM 1111 and CHM 1112 with minimum grade of “C” in each course

Develops concepts and techniques of clinical chemistry applicable to clinical laboratory technology.  Topics include:  carbohydrates, electrolytes and acid-base balance, nitrogenous compounds, enzymes and endocrinology, bilirubin and metabolism, lipids, toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring, and safety and quality control.

8
12

Prerequisites/Corequisites: CLT 101, BIO 2113 and BIO 2114, CHM 1111 and CHM 1112 with minimum grade of “C” in each course

Introduces fundamental microbiology and parasitology theory and techniques applicable to disease state identification. Topics include: isolation techniques, chemical microbiology, antimicrobiotic sensitivity, safety and quality control, disease process, parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology, and virology.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: CLT 101, CLT 103, CLT 105 with minimum grade of “C” in each course

Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a clinical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: basic and specialized urinalysis tests, serological tests and techniques, blood and specimen processing, correlation of test results to disease states, and safety and quality control.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: CLT 106 with minimum grade of “C”

Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of immunohematology principles and techniques in a clinical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: specimen processing, slide and tube serological techniques, component therapy practices, transfusion complications, management of disease states, records and reagent quality control, equipment and safety, and regulatory accrediting agency standards. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: CLT 104 with minimum grade of “C”

Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of hematology/coagulation principles and techniques in a clinical laboratory job setting. This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: complete blood counts and differentials, routine and special blood tests, coagulation tests, correlation of test results to disease states and critical levels, instrumentation, recording accuracy, safety, and quality control. The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: CLT 108 with minimum grade of “C”

Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a clinical laboratory job setting.  This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow through. Topics include: specimen inoculations, stains, culture work-ups, bacterial identification, anti-microbial sensitivity, media preparation, safety and quality control, and special areas such as mycology, microbacteriology, virology, FA techniques, and parasitology.  The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: CLT 107 with minimum grade of “C”

Provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of chemistry principles and techniques in a clinical laboratory job setting.  This clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a work situation at a professional level of technical application and requires concentration, practice, and follow-through. Topics include: therapeutic drugs and toxicology, automated and manual chemistry, immunochemistry, special chemistry, and recording accuracy safety, and quality control.  The clinical practicum is implemented through the use of written training plans, written performance evaluation, and coordinated supervision.

1
30

Prerequisites: CLT 101-108 with minimum grade of “C” in each course
Prerequisites/Corequisites: CLT 109-113

Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for the clinical laboratory technician level. Topics include: Review of : professional ethics, regulatory agencies, safety, and fundamental techniques; Phlebotomy and specimen processing; infection control; quality control; computers in the lab; urinalysis/body fluids - theory, tests, correlation; hematology - RE system, blood count, differential, correlation of test results to disease, instrumentation, coagulation, fibrinolysis, critical levels and blood cell dyscrasias; Immunology/Serology - immune system, antigen-antibody reactions, diseases of immune system,  serological techniques, genetic theory, correlation of results to disease.

Prerequisites: CLT 101-108 with minimum grade of “C” in each course
Prerequisites/Corequisites: CLT 109-113

Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for the clinical laboratory technician level. Topics include: review of: immunohematology - donor unit collection and storage; pretransfusion testing; transfusion reactions, and management of diseases; clinical chemistry - carbohydrates,  electrolytes, acid-base balance, nitrogenous compounds, enzymes, endocrinology, liver functions, lipids, toxicology and drug monitoring; microbiology - fundamentals and basic techniques, identification of bacteria, anti-microbial sensitivity, disease correlation to organisms, parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology, and virology.

Prerequisite: RDG 0096 or equivalent test score

Introduces the fundamental concepts and operations necessary to use microcomputers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include: computer terminology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to networking, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, introduction to databases, and introduction to presentation graphics.

Credit Hours: 120
Contact Hours: 265