Paula Yarborough of Bogue Chitto has joined the staff of Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Wesson Campus as director of the medical laboratory technology program.

After graduating from Co-Lin in 1994, Yarborough earned her bachelor of science and master of science degrees in medical technology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Yarborough comes to Co-Lin after working at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb for 20 years.

“Co-Lin has always had a really good MLT program,” said Yarborough. “When working at Southwest, we would always say how well-prepared the Co-Lin students were for clinicals.”

Medical Laboratory Technology is a profession involving the collection and analysis of blood/body fluids to help physicians diagnose and/or monitor patient conditions. Students learn to perform these tasks using high tech instrumentation, test kits, and microscopes. Evaluating and providing accurate test results to the doctor is the most important skill for MLT professionals.

After completing the program, students have many opportunities for employment at local hospitals and clinics. Many choose to further their education in medical technology to qualify for supervisor/director positions or opportunities in teaching. Co-Lin’s MLT program has a 100 percent pass rate for the certification exam.

“Hospitals and clinics use Co-Lin as a resource for recruiting new employees,” said Yarborough. “They know we have intelligent, well-trained students.”

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2018 Spring class. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1. For more information regarding the program and application, visit careertraining.colin.edu/mlt.

The new director is not the first from her family to work at Co-Lin. Her mother recently retired from Co-Lin after 28 years of service, and her grandmother and great-grandmother worked at the bookstore. Yarborough is excited to continue the tradition.

“I am looking forward to working at Co-Lin. Co-Lin has always been a part of my life,” said Yarborough. She replaces Mary Shivers, who recently retired after 24 years as MLT director.