Clinical Laboratory Technician: A.A.S.

Program Mission

The mission of the Clinical Laboratory Technician program is to develop New York State-licensed and nationally-certified clinical laboratory professionals. Educational experiences rely on sound and innovative pedagogical approaches, unique technical training, and robust clinical practice. We serve as a pathway for both direct employment in the statewide healthcare community as well as a stepping stone to higher educational opportunities. Our mission aligns with the institutional mission by creating access to inclusive, diverse educational experiences through our fully-online programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Competent in collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances
Perform analytical tests of body fluids cells and other substances
Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits
Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs
Apply principles of safety
Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public
Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their jobs and patient care

The Clinical Laboratory Technician plays a vital role in patient care by performing laboratory testing to provide diagnostic evidence of health and disease. Clinical Laboratory Technicians are trained in all major areas of the clinical laboratory, including hematology, immunology, microbiology, body fluids, blood banking, clinical chemistry and histology. Tasks performed by these professionals include examining microscopic specimens, cross-matching donated units of blood, identifying microorganisms in infections and operating computers and complex laboratory instrumentation.

Employers include: hospital laboratories, physician offices, pharmaceutical companies, research facilities, the armed forces and veterinary clinics. Technicians may advance through education to levels of Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Specialist or Laboratory Director through earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree.

This online program offers course content online, and in lieu of in person laboratories, students attend “preclinical” rotations at an affiliated agency to learn and demonstrate required competencies. Students also complete clinical training (360 hours) in hospital laboratories affiliated with the program to provide hands-on experience, as well as training for immediate employment. Preclinical and clinical rotations can only be completed at accredited institutions.

Program Notes

Clinical Laboratory Technology at SUNY Broome Community College is a fully-accredited, clinically-based curriculum leading to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Graduates of the program are automatically eligible to sit for New York State Licensure and national certification examinations.

In order to participate in clinical rotations, which are required to graduate from this program, students are required to submit proof of a current physical and up-to-date required vaccinations, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Specific instructions about required documentation and deadlines are provided by the Program Director.