The following steps are to be taken to complete your application for admission to Blessing Hospital, School of Medical Laboratory Technicians.

1. Enroll in the area college of the student's choice and complete the recommended pre-requisite classes.
2. Complete an application form for admission and forward to the Program Director of the MLT program, along with $10.00 processing fee. This fee is non-refundable.
3. Applicants should apply before April 1 for summer semester admission .
4. Prepare and forward with the application, a written personal interest statement, explaining why you would like to become a Medical Laboratory Technician. Discuss: What qualities you possess that would benefit the Laboratory? What are your long term career goals? Or discuss one of your proudest accomplishments? This statement will be evaluated and scored for content and grammar.
5. Have high school transcripts and college transcripts to date forwarded to School of MLT (address to follow). GPAs and science and mathematics scores from both transcripts will be tallied as part of the applicants over all score.
6. Arrange to have three (3) written educational and/or professional references forwarded to MLT Program Director. References will be included in the applicant’s review score.
7. Eligible applicants will be scheduled for a personal interview with the admissions committee. The types of questions that the applicant may be asked will be supplied.
8. All students seeking admission are notified of acceptance upon completion of interviews. Rejected students are notified as it becomes apparent that the student does not meet the criteria for admission.
9. Students accepted into the program must submit a non-refundable $100 acceptance fee along with their acceptance form. This fee will be applied toward tuition.
10. Health examinations are to be completed prior to beginning the training program. Vaccination updates will also be required.
11. A background check of all successful applicants will be conducted by Blessing Hospital as required by Illinois law. All students must pass a urine drug screen upon admission and will be subject to random drug screens during their training.

Admission Policies:
The following minimum requirements are used as guidelines for admission to Blessing Hospital, School of Medical Laboratory Technicians.

1. Completion of pre-requisite courses at an approved college or university, including:
   • 3-4 semester hours of Chemistry
   • 9 semester hours of Biology
   The majority of the college hours must have been obtained within the past five years. We are seeking students with 3.0 or better GPA in science courses and an overall GPA of 2.5.
2. Demonstrated interest in medical laboratory career.
3. It is our policy to admit students based upon their qualifications only, without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or the presence in any group protected by law.
4. Students will be asked to review the entry level competencies of a MLT and the essential functions (or physical demands) and state that they believe they can meet these functions. This is in keeping with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.

Communication:

• The student must be able to read, write and speak English to communicate effectively with instructors and members of the healthcare team.
• The student must be able to comprehend, analyze and synthesize scientific information written at the college level.
• The student must be able to follow directions and work with speed and accuracy.

Hearing:

• The student must be able to recognize instrument noises, alarms and use the telephone.
• The student must be able to follow oral instruction.

Mobility:

• The student must be able to move freely and safely in small spaces, and move around laboratory instruments and patient’s beds.
• The student must be able to reach laboratory benchtops and shelves and move objects both vertically and horizontally. (Some lifting in excess of 30 lbs.)
• The student must be able to tolerate extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending and/or twisting at the waist and neck and moving quickly.
• The student must have sufficient fine and gross motor skills to safely collect and handle patient specimens, handle laboratory chemicals, and perform repetitive functions including operating laboratory instruments and using computer keyboards.

Acuity:

• The student must be able to clearly see to perform laboratory procedures, including microscopic work(Distinct at 20 inches or less).
• The student must be able to distinguish color and clarity.
• The student must be able to discern veins through tactile senses.

Behavior:

• The student must remain calm and exercise judgment during periods of stress.
• The student must be able to work collaboratively with peers and instructors.
• The student must be able to accept constructive criticism and work to improve performance.
• The student must recognize potentially hazardous conditions and follow laboratory safety practices.
• The student must remain adaptable to change.

Criteria for Admission: 

1. Students should demonstrate a strong desire to obtain a career in the laboratory as demonstrated by early contact with program officials, letters of recommendation, and the interview.
2. The student’s application and high school and college transcripts will be evaluated and scores awarded for the following:
   

   High school and college GPA
   ACT scores
   High school & college science and math grades
   Academic honors
   Previous work experience in healthcare
   Strength of references

3. The applicant’s personal interest statement will also be evaluated and scored for content, grammar and spelling.
4. Applicants with the highest scores will be invited to interview with the admissions committee. Final decisions will be made following the interviews. Class positions will be awarded to the applicants with the highest scores. School of Medical Laboratory Technicians does not accept more students than the number of available clinical spots.

Applications, transcripts, and references are to be sent to the following address:

                                    Director, School of MLT
                                    Blessing Hospital Laboratory
                                    Broadway at 11th
                                    Quincy, IL  62301

For an application or further information contact: heather.ator@blessinghospital.com