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Ever wonder what happens to those vials of blood that are drawn from your arm at the doctor’s office? They are sent to a medical laboratory technician who analyzes the blood looking for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. The technician analyzes the chemical content of fluids; matches blood for transfusions; and tests for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment. “Seventy percent of all medical diagnosis is based on laboratory sciences,” says Robin Aiken, DeKalb Technical College instructor.
Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations, with an average beginning salary of $37,500 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook. The volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests. The purpose of the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program at DeKalb Technical College is to provide students with career and economic opportunities in the field of laboratory medicine. This
is accomplished by facilitating the development of the individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary in becoming successful in the laboratory setting and meeting the demands of technical growth.
DeKalb Technical College offers one of the most respected training programs for medical laboratory technicians in Georgia. With a 99% pass rate on the national registry exams, DeKalb Tech prepares a new generation of techs to replace the 10,000 who are retiring yearly. Admission for the 28 seats available yearly in the clinical laboratory technician program is based on competitive admission criteria. “I advise the students of the difficulty of the program,” says program director Virginia Roberts. “We have made videos and tutorials for online viewing so that students can review materials over and over.” Required courses include chemistry; hematology and coagulation; immunohematology; microbiology; and a clinical practicum. “Student success is our goal, and we offer live office hours, time management programs, counseling referrals, mid-term progress reports, and personal encouragement,” she adds.
DeKalb Tech’s medical technology program is highly regarded throughout the state, and graduates who have passed a national registry examination are eligible for admission to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Atlantic Armstrong University in Savannah, and an online program offered through Thomas University in Thomaston. “Only one student in the past six years has not passed the national registry,” says Roberts who serves on the Advisory Board of both Medical College of Georgia and Thomas University.
The Clinical Laboratory Technician program at DeKalb Technical College is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. Instructors Virginia Roberts and Robin Aiken both have masters degrees, advanced technical certifications, and have both been honored as DeKalb Tech “top” teacher by receiving the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.
For more information on the program, contact Ms. Roberts at 404-297-9522, ext. 1160 or Ms. Aiken at 404-297-9522, ext. 1147 or e-mail at robertsg@dekalbtech.edu or aikenr@dekalbtech.edu. Program information may be found at www.dekalbtech.edu.
Medical lab students (L-R): Darlesia Dieye and Cheryl Forkey
