Apr 19, 2024  
2021-2022 NOVA Catalog 
    
2021-2022 NOVA Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Laboratory Technology: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), C.S.C.


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CIP Code: 51.0802

NOVA Code: 221-151-10

Offered through MEC

Purpose: The program is designed to prepare personnel who collect, process, and perform selected tests on samples for medical laboratory analysis. Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) work in hospitals, medical clinics, and reference laboratories. The curriculum includes learning experiences: on-campus, online, and, in partnership, with affiliated clinical laboratories. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) national examination to become certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA).

Admission Requirements: Applicants must do the following:

  • Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health Programs.
  • Attend or view a MLA information session.
  • Have a NOVA application on file.
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED.
  • Have completed or qualify for ENG 111 .
  • Have minimum 2.0 curricular GPA.

Credit for Prior Learning: Students in this program who have been certified as a phlebotomy technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) are eligible for credit for prior learning in MDL 105  and MDL 106 . See an academic advisor for further information.

Continuation Requirements: Each course in this program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better before taking the next course in the sequence.

1st Semester


Total 3 credits


Total 12 credits


3rd Semester


Total 12 credits


Total credits for the CSC in Medical Laboratory Assistant: 27 credits


1 May substitute ENG 112  or higher.

2 May substitute HIM 111 .

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