Date Posted: October 3, 2025
Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) is proud to announce that the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) State Board has officially approved the College to offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) at the Flint River Campus in Thomaston.
The Medical Laboratory Technology program will prepare students to perform critical diagnostic testing under the supervision of pathologists and laboratory scientists. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences with cooperating hospitals, graduates will be well-prepared to take the national certification examination necessary for clinical employment.
Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills to analyze body fluids and cells to aid in diagnosis, perform critical laboratory tests that detect disease and monitor treatment progress, and ensure safe blood transfusions. Students will also gain valuable experience operating sophisticated laboratory equipment and automated systems, while learning to apply rigorous safety protocols and quality standards in every aspect of laboratory work. This comprehensive preparation ensures that graduates are fully capable of supporting patient care in a variety of clinical settings.
In addition to providing new career opportunities for students, the Medical Laboratory Technology program will bring significant value to the Upson County community and surrounding region. By training local students to fill critical healthcare roles, SCTC will help address workforce shortages, reduce reliance on out-of-area recruitment, and ensure that patients in the community have access to timely and accurate diagnostic services.
Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit for a nationally recognized certification exam administered through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). The program will require 73 credit hours and can be completed in six terms. Instruction will be supported by a full-time program director, dedicated faculty, and clinical affiliates across the region.
Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, expressed his excitement about this new opportunity:
“The approval of the Medical Laboratory Technology program is another example of SCTC’s commitment to meeting the workforce needs of our region. This program will not only provide students with a pathway to rewarding careers in healthcare but will also help ensure that local hospitals and clinics have access to highly skilled laboratory professionals. We are grateful for the strong partnerships that make programs like this possible and look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community. Our collaboration with Upson Regional Medical Center, the Chamber, and the Development Authorities of Thomaston and Upson has been vital in bringing this program to fruition, and together we are building a stronger future for the region.”
Daniel Owens, CEO of Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC), also praised the program’s launch:
“I am thrilled that SCTC has received approval to launch the new Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Upson Regional Medical Center identified a need for this program in our region, brought it to SCTC leadership, and SCTC delivered. We are very fortunate to have an outstanding technical college like SCTC in our community, led by a strong president, Dr. Clark, who not only listens to workforce needs but also acts on them. URMC looks forward to continuing our partnership with SCTC to address future workforce development needs.”
Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the program is slated to launch in Fall 2026.