From Beaufort County Community College

Four students graduated from Beaufort County Community College’s medical laboratory technology program on May 11. Brittany Bell of Chocowinity, Lauren Edwards of Margarettsville, Dena Stump of Macclesfield and JaLisa Waters of Chocowinity were honored at the ceremony.

The MLT program is a two-year Associate of Arts and Science program in which students learn the theory and skills needed to work in a clinical laboratory setting.

Students study topics such as blood typing and transfusions; how to identify and count red and white blood cells; how to measure chemicals within the blood; how to identify bacteria, viruses and fungi that are causing infections; and how to perform testing on urine to determine a patient’s health status. Students also learn valuable life skills such as critical thinking, multi-tasking and time management.

“This year’s MLT graduates have faced many obstacles over the last two years while on the path to graduating,” said Erica Caracoglia, director of the MLT program and dean of allied health. “It is with great pride that I recognize each of them for their accomplishments and the achievement of completing their AAS in medical laboratory technology. I know that each will continue to work hard and be successful as they start the next journey of their lives.”

Graduates of the MLT program may work in a hospital or physician’s office laboratory, public health agencies, veterinarians’ offices, and industrial, research and pharmaceutical laboratories. To complete the program, students must take four semesters of coursework on campus and complete one semester of clinical rotations at local hospital affiliates.

For more information about the MLT program, contact Erica Caracoglia at 252-940-6425.