LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. Medical Technologist Training Program is seeking qualified applicants for its class beginning August 2013. What is a Medical Technologist? Testing performed by clinical laboratories plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical Laboratory Technologists also referred to as Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical Technologists, are the people responsible for testing patient specimens and reporting test results to physicians. Clinical Laboratory Technologists perform a variety of procedures within a clinical laboratory. Examples of procedures performed by Clinical Laboratory Technologists include: Perform microscopic examinations of blood smears and other body fluids. Culturing body fluid and tissue samples to detect and identify bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms and protozoans. Operating and maintaining electronic analyzers used to conduct quantitative chemical reactions that determine the concentration of ions and organic molecules in blood. Perform blood typing and compatibility testing of blood. Clinical laboratory science encompasses several disciplines such as clinical chemistry, serology, hematology, immunohematology, microbiology, genetics, cytology, and blood banking. Tell me more about LifeSouth’s Clinical Laboratory Training Program LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. has the ability to train individuals qualified by education as Medical Technologists in the specialties of Immunohematology and Blood Banking. Immunohematology is the study of red blood cell antigens and antibodies associated with the transfusion of blood. Blood Banking refers to all the other activities required to provide safe blood for transfusion such as donor selection, separation of blood into its constituent cell populations, screening donated blood for infectious diseases, and compliance with regulatory requirements and quality assurance activities. The Clinical Laboratory Training Program at LifeSouth is a rigorous six month training program. Students become full time employees of LifeSouth for the duration of the program and are compensated as a part of the on-the-job training. After completion, graduates take a board exam and apply for Florida licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. How much does the Program Cost? The Program is offered at no cost to Students, in fact, LifeSouth pays the Student to learn. However, the Student enters into an agreement with LifeSouth promising to remain employed with LifeSouth for two years after completing the Program as a Medical Technologist in consideration of the training. What are the Program Requirements? Students must possess a bachelor’s degree in a Clinical Laboratory, Chemical or Biological Science with: a. A degree earned in the United States from a college, university or other institution accredited by an accreditation organization recognized by the U.S. Office of Education or equivalent foreign degree. b. Completion of required coursework including: • Biological Science (16 semester hours) including Microbiology, Immunology, Anatomy/Physiology, and/or Genetics/Molecular Biology • Chemistry (16 semester hours) including Organic and/or Biochemistry • Mathematics c. In addition to the required coursework, completion of coursework in the following areas is highly desired: • Immunology • Laboratory science • Statistics • Computer science • Management Applicants may not possess a history of licensure actions or criminal acts that would prevent the applicant from applying for or obtaining a Florida Medical License or Trainee license. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. What does it take to be a successful Student? Interest in the field of Clinical Laboratory Science is a key component in the success of our Students. In addition, Students accepted into the program demonstrate the ability to: Work with little or no supervision after adequate instructions Show persistence, perseverance and follow-through Use time wisely Show attention to detail Problem-solve and evaluate results Perform tasks accurately and precisely Provide neat and legible written work and reports Perform work consistently and thoroughly Prioritize tasks to complete work efficiently Maintain a clean and organized work area Keep good communication with peers and other health allies How can I apply? Thank you for your interest in our program! To be considered as a candidate for the August 2013 entering class, complete the LifeSouth Medical Technology Program Application on-line at www.lifesouth.org. Applicants will need to provide: Résumé Personal statement (500 words or less) describing why you want to begin a career in Medical Technology Potential Students will be contacted and must provide certified transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to verify the required coursework. What happens after I apply? The admissions committee will review all applications received and invite select candidates to attend an inperson interview at LifeSouth headquarters in Gainesville, FL. Notifications of interviews will be made by phone. How can I contact someone at LifeSouth about the program? Please direct general questions about the Clinical Laboratory Training Program, including questions about the application and program requirements, by e-mail to Jessica Drouillard at JSDrouillard@lifesouth.org. Please provide your full name and telephone number in your request.