FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2024
Fairmont, WV – Students and faculty in Pierpont Community and Technical College’s medical laboratory technology (MLT) program have joined in the celebrations for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
The annual week of recognition highlights the essential role medical laboratory professionals and pathologists play in patient care and advocacy worldwide by skillfully adapting to evolving patient care and public health challenges. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Laboratory Systems recognized the 49th annual celebration Monday, April 14 through Saturday, April 20.
At Pierpont, the celebration kicked off with a community blood drive, followed by a series of lab games and educational webinars available throughout the week. On Wednesday, students put their creativity and knowledge of bacteria to the test with a microbe art contest. Using Petri dishes and bacteria varying in color and appearance, students “painted” images that developed over the next day. The images were judged on creativity and use of bacteria.
First-year MLT student Grace Rome (pictured below) secured a win in the “Parasite ID” competition.
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to increase nationally, Pierpont is positioned to provide qualified graduates that are prepared to enter the workforce. The two-year MLT program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to take their national certification exam and join a variety of healthcare settings as a medical laboratory technician upon graduation.
“Pierpont’s MLT program has a very high certification pass rate – 100% in 2023-2024 – and job placement rates,” said Associate Professor and MLT Program Coordinator Melissa White. “Our clinical affiliates are involved and supply us with outstanding clinical practicums and feedback on current trends and employment needs.”
White stresses the vital role medical laboratory technicians play in patient care. “Studies have shown that over 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory testing. That means quality labs matter. We like to say: without the labs, your physician is only guessing.”
Many medical laboratory technicians find fulfilling careers in hospital, commercial, veterinary, and diagnostic laboratories, blood and organ donor banks, public health organizations, and more.
Enrollment into Pierpont’s MLT program for the fall 2024 semester is now open. Individuals seeking a dynamic career in healthcare are encouraged to apply to reserve their spot. To learn more about the MLT program, visit go.pierpont.edu/MLT or call (304) 333-3684.
To apply for admission, visit go.pierpont.edu/3qqB6zO.
