Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online Medical Laboratory Technician Program

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of an online medical laboratory technician program in the academic preparation and development of laboratory professionals.

DESIGN: A semi-quantitative comparative research design was used. Several factors were considered in this evaluation. Academic outcomes between online and campus medical laboratory technician (MLT) students was determined by comparing overall and categorical scores on certification exams as well as first time pass rate. Certification exam scores and first time pass rates were also compared to national norms when possible to do so. Demographic data, including age and experience were compared. Additionally, learning styles were assessed to determine if there was a correlation to overall GPA and MLT GPA and if learning styles could be used to predict successful completion of an online Associates of Applied Science.

SETTING: The research was conducted at an academic university located in the mountain west United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants consisted of online and campus students enrolled in a Medical Laboratory Technician program that graduated with their Associate of Applied Science degree between the years 2007-2009. Results of these years were also compared to graduates from 2004-2006 in the same program.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Certification performance and first time pass rates were the major outcomes measured. Age and experience were correlated. Online learning styles and GPA were also compared to successful degree completion.

RESULTS: The researcher found no significant difference in certification performance with regard to total and categorical scores, and first time pass rates between campus and online MLT students. Online students were slightly older and had more experience working in a laboratory in some capacity. Correlation studies showed significant positive correlation between learning styles, GPA, and successful completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree. When registry scores were compared to the prior cohort of online students, some subcategories scores demonstrated a significant increase using Chi-squared analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The research demonstrated that the online MLT students studied were as academically prepared as their campus counterparts.

ABBREVIATIONS: ASCP = American Society of Clinical Pathology; MLT = Medical Laboratory Technician; MLS = Medical Laboratory Scientist; MT = Medical Technologist: GPA = grade point average; NAACLS = National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science; LOQ = Learning Orientation Questionnaire