Medical Laboratory Technician, A.A.S.

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National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5119, Phone (847) 939-3597 or (773) 714-8880, Email info@naacls.org, website http://www.naacls.org

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program prepares Allied Health professionals to perform analysis on blood and body fluids to enable a physician to diagnose and monitor the treatment of diseases. When you accept the challenge and responsibility for detailed analysis on blood and other body fluids that are the key to correct medical diagnosis, a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician puts you at the doctor’s right hand. The MLT program helps students obtain marketable skills for entry level positions. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree. The program satisfies entry-level skill requirements and provides a foundation for career advancement.

Prerequisite content in biological sciences, chemistry and mathematics will provide the foundation for coursework required in the laboratory science program.

The curriculum addresses pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical components of laboratory services. This includes collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances, principles and methodologies, performance of assays, problem solving, troubleshooting techniques, significance of clinical procedures and results, principles and practices of quality assessment, for all major areas practiced in the contemporary clinical laboratory. The program curriculum includes the following scientific content:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology/Hemostasis
• Immunology
• Immunohematology/Transfusion medicine
• Microbiology
• Urine and Body Fluid Analysis
• Laboratory Operations

Additionally the curriculum will cover application of safety and governmental regulations compliance, principles and practices of professional conduct, the significance of continuing professional development, and communication sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the public and members of the health care team.

Content and clinical practice experiences are designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of Medical Laboratory procedures.  Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated.

The MLT program is set-up for full-time 24 month attendance. All students are required to attend the clinical, lab, and didactic courses within the 24 month program. Students must take coursework during the summer months to complete the program.

18 students are accepted annually and progress through the curriculum in a cohort beginning in the fall semester. Students will take classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters over the next 2 years. The application and selection process is outlined on the Medical Laboratory Technician program web page.

Special tuition fees are part of the program. Students will pay $700 per semester in special tuition fees for each of the 6 semesters to cover the high costs associated with this program.

Students pursuing this career must possess visual acuity, manual dexterity, and adaptability in a laboratory setting. Good communication skills are also needed. After completing the required academic and medical laboratory courses, students will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible for the national certification examination. All courses listed in the curriculum must be passed with a “C” or better.

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Students completing our program will receive a Medical Laboratory Technician A.A.S. degree and are eligible to apply for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry (BOR). Students must pass the certification examination within one year of employment.