Greenvillians, when you go to the doctor for lab work, do you ever wonder who’s handling your samples? There’s a chance it’s a medical lab technician who learned everything they need to know at Greenville Technical College.

City Editor Danielle here. I got a chance to tour Greenville Technical College’s teaching lab and see the hands-on experience students get in the classroom — which, upon graduation, helps your doctors treat you.

*We tested blood to find out what type it was, like they’d do at a blood bank.* | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we tried:

Students study six main areas:

Hematology: The study of blood cells
Coagulation: The study of the blood’s ability to clot
Urinalysis: The study of urine
Microbiology: The study of pathogenic microorganisms and related diseases (think: strep throat)
Immunohematology: The study of blood types + transfusion testing
Clinical chemistry: The study of dissolved substances in the blood and related diseases (think: glucose + diabetes)

I learned how to test a blood sample for its blood type, how to test a urine sample and what the results mean + we looked under a microscope to see how technicians help identify blood-related diseases, like sickle cell anemia + leukemia.

What not to miss:

It’s one thing to have a lab with hands-on equipment + access to area hospitals for real-world experience. It’s a bonus when instructors bring their own experience from the field.

From just a short time in the lab with Academic Program Director Tommie Whitt + faculty member Tiffany Whittle, you can’t miss their enthusiasm + pride — and they’re even more proud to brag about their students’ success.

Both instructors worked in labs as technicians before teaching. | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

The 100% job placement rate. Greenville Technical College graduates go on to work in area hospitals, like Prisma Health, with some landing positions in labs before they even graduate.

Not only that — students in this program have a 100% pass-rate on the national boards exam, with instructors telling me they help give students the tools to succeed.

Students use techniques utilized in hospitals right here in Greenville. | Photo by the GVLtoday team

How you can experience this:

Participating in an online Career Talk. If you’re interested in learning more about the program or applying, check out the website to learn about things like the application process, requirements, policies, procedures, and expectations of students.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Greenville Technical College Medical Lab Technician Program
Price: $0 tuition options (offered for Spring 2023)
Website: www.gvltec.edu/academics_learning/health-sciences/medical_laboratory_technology/index.html
Address: Northwest Campus: 8109 White Horse Rd., Greenville, SC
Hours: Class times vary
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