Medical Laboratory Technician Standards

The following essential functions or technical standards are intended to identify essential skills/knowledge/attitudes needed in the Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum at Kankakee Community College.

Communication Skills

1.1.1 Communicate effectively in written and spoken English.

1.1.2 Comprehend and respond to both formal and colloquial English

1.1.2.1 Person to person

1.1.2.2 By telephone

1.1.2.3 In writing

1.1.3 Appropriately assess nonverbal and verbal communication

Large and small motor skills

1.2.1 Move freely from one location to another in physical settings such as the clinical laboratory, patient care areas, corridors, and elevators

1.2.2 Possess sufficient eye-motor coordination to allow delicate manipulations of specimens, instruments, and tools

1.2.3 Grasp and release small objects (e.g., test tubes, pipette tips, microscope slides and coverslips); twist and turn dials/knobs (e.g., on microscopes, balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometers)

1.2.4 Manipulate other laboratory materials (e.g., reagents, manual and automated pipettes)

Other physical requirements

1.3.1 Visual acuity

1.3.1.1 Identify and distinguish objects macroscopically and microscopically

1.3.1.2 Read charts, graphs, and instrument scales/readout devices

1.3.1.3 Discern colors

1.3.2 Lift and move objects of at least 20 pounds

1.3.3 Possess a sense of touch and temperature discrimination

Professional and application skills

1.4.1 Follow written and verbal directions

1.4.2 Possess and apply mathematical skills

1.4.3 Work under time constraints

1.4.4 Prioritize requests and work concurrently on at least two different tasks

1.4.5 Maintain alertness and concentration during a normal work period

1.4.6 Apply knowledge, skills, and values learned from course work and life experiences to new situations

1.4.7 Work safely with potential chemical, radiologic, and biologic hazards using universal precautions

Valuing skills

1.5.1 Show respect for self and others

1.5.2 Project an image of professionalism including appearance, dress, and confidence

Stability

1.6.1 Possess the psychological health required for full utilization of abilities

1.6.2 Recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions