The equipment was purchased through funding from SSU Development Foundation and donated by King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio.
Students in Shawnee State University's Medical Laboratory Technology program have access to new equipment thanks to funding from the SSU Development Foundation and from an equipment donation from King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio. The new technology is giving students access to hands-on clinical training much earlier in their program than in the past, with students having access right away instead of in their fifth semester.
According to an article on Shawnee State University’s website, MLT Program Director Andrea Zaph was quoted as saying, "With the analyzers now in the student lab, students have the opportunity for hands-on learning throughout the program that is equitable with the technology they will encounter during their clinical rotations and in their professional careers. Providing these analyzers for our MLT students personifies 'Where Learning Works.'"
The Medical Laboratory Technology program is a five-semester program that prepares students to work in environments like hospitals and medical centers, clinical and diagnostic reference laboratories, physician offices, and urgent care clinics. Students will learn hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), urinalysis and serology, and phlebotomy.
The SSU Development Foundation funding purchased a Diatron Pictus 500 and King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio donated an ACL Top 300. Both pieces of equipment have been installed in the Medical Laboratory Technology Lab and are already helping students prepare for their futures.
Student Adrian Winters said, "I had made learning automation out to be an insurmountable behemoth in my mind, but our new analyzers are helping me to bridge the gap between our academic foundation and clinical practice.”
Fellow student Alexis Harstine added, "It helps us become more comfortable with the instruments, gives us a better idea of what to expect in a clinical lab, and better prepares us for our careers as MLTs.”
Nikki Wheeler, who serves as the Laboratory Manager for KDOH and Core Lab, said, "By donating this laboratory instrument, we hope to provide students with valuable hands-on experience using the same types of technology and equipment they may encounter in their future careers. It is a privilege to help prepare tomorrow's laboratory professionals and support their continued growth, learning, and success."
For more information about Shawnee State University, visit the school’s website.