The hybrid program will award students with an associate degree. The program launches in the Fall 2026 semester.
Walters State Community College is launching a new healthcare training program for the Fall 2026 semester. The Medical Laboratory Technology program will award students with an associate degree, which will prepare students to work in entry-level healthcare careers. They will also be prepared to move on to further education such as a bachelor degree.
According to an article on Walters State Community College’s website, program director Lori Reynolds explained what students will be prepared for throughout the program. She is quoted as saying, “Medical laboratory technicians perform diagnostic testing on blood, body fluids, body tissues and other items. Sometimes, they may assist in collecting samples. Techs work in a laboratory setting and use the standard equipment used in biology and chemistry. You’ll learn how to do all of that in this program. Some students may choose to get a bachelor’s degree in business with plans to open or manage a laboratory. For others, this can be a starting point for a career connected to criminal justice. For most, though, this degree leads to a rewarding career that pays a good salary.”
Reynolds added, “If you like watching the television shows focused on forensic science, this career could be a good fit. Technicians do similar behind-the-scenes work.”
The five-semester program will accept 20 students per year. It is a hybrid program, meaning students will attend in-person laboratory classes on the Claiborne County Campus once or twice per week, and the remaining courses will be completed online. Students will also complete clinical experiences at partner sites. Two semesters of the program will be prerequisite courses, meaning students who have already completed some college credits may be able to finish the program sooner.
Students will be prepared to administer clinical tests on samples collected from patients. Reynolds notes that this is a good option for individuals who wish to work in healthcare but don’t necessarily want to participate in patient care.
Walters State Community College is working toward establishing articulation agreements with four-year institutions to help students take their associate degree further into a bachelor degree in medical laboratory science.
For more information about Walters State Community College, visit the school’s website.