Skilled to Work: Medical Laboratory Technology at NEMCC

In this week’s Skilled to Work, we introduce you to those responsible for testing samples and diagnosing diseases like the coronavirus.

For months, we've told you about health care workers on the frontlines, who are taking care of people during this pandemic.

But in this week's skilled to work, we introduce you to those responsible for testing samples and diagnosing diseases like the coronavirus.

Wtva's sydney darden went to northeast mississippi community college to get a closer look at their medical lab technician program.

Wtva dot com."

As the only program of it's kind in north mississippi (needs attribution), the medical lab technician program takes training to the next level.

Take sot ambrekka ivy, student - "the program has really prepared us for what it is really going to be."

Ambrekka ivy and the other strudents in the class get the opportunity to practice their skills on specialized manequins and even each other.

Take sot- "you can't be squeamish being in here."

Students have the option of only completling their phlebotomy degree, that certifies them to do procedures like drawing blood.

Or they can continue their education and learn how to analyze and diagnose other diseases.

Take sot shannon goolsby, program director- "without us they cannot diagnose people.

They can work in a clinic.

They can work in a reference lab.

Just a lot of different places."

Program director shannon goolsby says becoming an m-l-t is perfect for people looking to indirectly make a difference.

Take sot - "we aren't right up there taking care of the patients like nursing does.

We are more behind the scenes."

And for students like ivy, its the opportunity to fill a hidden demand.

Take sot ambrekka ivy- there aren't a lot of mlt's and a lot of people don't realize how important mlts are."

Goolsby says pay for mlt's starts at around 21