Louisiana Tech University’s Medical Technology program is in the initial accreditation process with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). The program reached Serious Applicant status May 1.

Before the process, students in the program were eligible for certification through their academic work at accredited clinical lab sites. NAACLS accreditation at the program level will give students a larger choice for clinical lab participation.

“The agency will conduct a site visit in Fall 2020, and we aim to achieve initial accreditation at the April 2021 Board of Directors meeting,” said Associate Professor Vanessa Johnson, who leads the program. “As our program has been awarded Serious Applicant status, our students are now eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification exam.”

Started in 1937, Louisiana Tech’s Medical Technology program is one of the longest continually operating programs in the nation. Over 1,500 graduates have completed the four-year program. Graduates of the program are integral members of healthcare teams in hospitals and laboratories across the country, and over 30 percent of the graduates have completed additional graduate or professional degree programs.

Tech partners with Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier and Willis Knighton Health System to offer clinical experiences for students in the program. Students will continue to benefit from collaborations with NAACLS-accredited, hospital-based clinical programs in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. 

“This process started over three years ago when our leadership saw an increased need for qualified laboratory professionals in northern Louisiana,” Johnson said. “The achievement of Serious Applicant Status with NAACLS is the culmination of our efforts. We are proud of the accomplishments thus far and will continue to seek additional partnerships for the program.”

Hospital systems and laboratories who are interested in partnering with this Louisiana Tech program should contact Johnson at vjohnson@latech.edu.