The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is offered through a specialized Joint Venture partnership between Mountain Gateway Community College and Virginia Western Community College (VWCC). Students complete general education prerequisites at MGCC, attend interactive "live" distance lectures delivered from VWCC, and complete hands-on clinical laboratory rotations locally at LewisGale Hospital Alleghany. Upon completion, the AAS degree is awarded by VWCC.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Awarding Institution | Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) |
| Award Earned | Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Medical Laboratory Technology |
| Prerequisite Location | Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) |
| Lecture Delivery | Interactive Distance Learning (HyFlex / Zoom / Canvas from VWCC) |
| Clinical & Lab Location | LewisGale Hospital Alleghany & MGCC Joint Venture Site |
| MGCC Advisor | Ann Courtney — acourtney@mgcc.edu |
| VWCC Program Director | Dr. Jeff Gillette — (540) 857-6293 | jgillett@virginiawestern.edu |
🤝 How the Joint Venture Partnership Works
- Local Convenience: Complete all general education support courses at MGCC without commuting to Roanoke.
- Interactive Learning: Join "live" VWCC lectures via HyFlex/Zoom technology, allowing direct real-time interaction with instructors and Roanoke campus peers.
- Local Clinical Rotations: Fulfill mandatory hands-on preclinical and clinical laboratory requirements locally at LewisGale Hospital Alleghany.
What You Will Learn & Local Coursework
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform critical diagnostic testing on blood, tissue, and bodily fluids to assist physicians in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
General Support Courses Taken at MGCC:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIO 141/142)
- Ethics / Humanities Elective
- Developmental Psychology
- College Composition & General Electives
Core MLT Technical Instruction (Delivered from VWCC):
- Clinical Chemistry & Urinalysis
- Hematology & Coagulation
- Immunohematology (Blood Banking)
- Clinical Microbiology & Parasitology
- Phlebotomy & Laboratory Safety Standards
Application & Admissions Process
Because the degree is awarded by Virginia Western Community College, prospective students submit health professions application materials directly to VWCC. Early application is strongly encouraged for advising and prerequisite planning.
How to Apply:
- Complete Prerequisites: Enroll at MGCC to complete required general education support courses.
- Submit VWCC Health Application: Send all official academic transcripts and health professions application materials directly to VWCC:
Pamela Woody
Health Professions Advising and Applications Office
Virginia Western Community College
3091 Colonial Ave., Roanoke, VA 24015
Email: healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu
Program Contacts & Academic Advising
For questions regarding local coursework, distance learning labs, or application status:
Mountain Gateway Community College Contact
Ann Courtney — MGCC Academic Advisor
Email: acourtney@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
Virginia Western Community College MLT Program Head
Dr. Jeff Gillette — Program Director, MLT
Phone: (540) 857-6293 | Email: jgillett@virginiawestern.edu
VWCC Health Professions Advising Team
Email: healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu | Website: Virginia Western Health Professions