FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Reynolds Medical Lab Program Receives RICHMOND, VA (January 19, 2007) - The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Medical Laboratory Technology program has been chosen as one of only 16 programs in the country to receive an AxSYM analyzer through the Labs Are Vital ™ program sponsored by Abbott Diagnostics. Valued in excess of $100,000, the machine measures various chemicals and the differential qualities of blood and other biological samples in the diagnosis of disease. “There were 102 grant applications submitted and for Reynolds to be chosen to receive one of these instruments speaks volumes for our program,” said Dean of School of Nursing and Allied Health Jean M. Donovan, RN, Ph.D. “There is a shortage of lab scientists in the area and this acquisition will allow the college to better train our students for the future.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates there are 42,000 trained laboratory scientists, but reports that by 2012 there will be a need for 138,000. The Reynolds Medical Laboratory Technology program graduates approximately 25 students annually. “This particular instrument is one of the newest on the market, and most labs are trying to find the funding to purchase one,” notes Reynolds Medical Laboratory Technology Program Assistant Professor and Program Head Becky M. Clark, M. Ed, MT (ASCP). “The students will be able to experience automation at the college prior to entering their clinical rotations, which will greatly enhance their learning and comprehension of what the tests are telling them. Needless to say, this is the best thing that has happened to the Medical Lab Division at JSRCC!” Labs Are Vital ™ serves as a platform for industry initiatives and a community for laboratory professionals to exchange ideas and suggestions. The program is dedicated to spotlighting the value of the laboratory professional, both inside the health care system and to the general public by addressing the issues that labs face today. ###
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Press Center |
