ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – College of The Albemarle (COA) Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination.
Pictured from left: Makieyah Liverman, Cynthia Lane, Sydney Collins, Deanna Miller, Gracie Lais, Karla Bishop
The COA Foundation’s Workforce Development Student Support Scholarship paid the certification examination fee for every student in the class, removing a financial barrier as graduates prepared to begin their careers.
“This achievement reflects our students’ dedication, hard work, and commitment throughout the program,” said Liza Sanders, COA Medical Laboratory Technology and Phlebotomy Program Coordinator. “Passing a national certification examination is an important professional milestone, and we are incredibly proud that every member of this class succeeded on their first attempt.”
COA’s Medical Laboratory Technology program combines classroom instruction, laboratory training and clinical experience to prepare students to perform procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Areas of study include clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology and immunohematology.
The Workforce Development Student Support Scholarship was established to provide flexible financial assistance to COA students, with preference given to those enrolled in workforce development programs. Scholarship funds may help cover tuition, school supplies, equipment, transportation, childcare, certification testing fees and other educational or emergency expenses.
“The COA Foundation is honored to help students overcome financial obstacles that could otherwise stand between them and professional success,” said Valerie Mueller, COA Executive Director, Foundation and College Advancement. “By covering these certification testing fees, the scholarship allowed students to focus on demonstrating the knowledge and skills they worked so hard to develop. Their 100% first-time pass rate is a remarkable accomplishment and a powerful example of the impact that student support can have.”
Applications for COA’s Medical Laboratory Technology program are currently being accepted through Oct. 15, 2026. A transfer agreement is also in place with Old Dominion University (ODU), allowing graduates of the program to transfer into ODU’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) bachelor’s degree program.
For more information on the MLT program, contact Liza Sanders, Medical Laboratory Technology and Phlebotomy Program Coordinator, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2999 or [email protected].
For more information about the COA Foundation and scholarship opportunities, visit www.albemarle.edu/foundation or contact Valerie Mueller, Executive Director, Foundation and College Advancement, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2265 or [email protected].
For all other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, Executive Director, Public Relations and Institutional Engagement, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2420 or [email protected].