The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program

Introduction

Medical Laboratory Technology is a profession which combines the challenges and rewards of both medicine and science.  Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs), also called clinical laboratory technicians (CLTs), perform a wide variety of laboratory procedures and work in both public and private laboratories serving the health care sector.  Medical and clinical laboratory technicians specialize in work to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease. They do this by performing a full range of routine laboratory procedures from simple blood screens to more complex tests to detect diseases such as cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

The registered medical laboratory technician is an allied health professional who is qualified by academic and practical training to provide service in medical and clinical laboratory science.

Success Profile

The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are essential qualities for medical laboratory technicians. The medical laboratory technician must demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles, which are essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient and family. An attitude of respect for the patient and confidentiality of the patient's record and/or diagnosis must be maintained.

A medical laboratory technician is competent in the following:

• Performing analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other substances.
• Performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments.
• Confirming abnormal results, performing and verifying quality control procedures.
• Exercising principles of safety.
• Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.
• Establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competency.

Upon graduation and initial employment, the medical laboratory technician/clinical laboratory technician should be able to demonstrate entry-level competencies in the above areas of professional practice.

Certification
Graduates of the program qualify for national certification examinations sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry and by the National Certification Agency (NCA) or other certifying agencies to become certified medical laboratory technicians.

What can I do with this degree?
Career Options: Graduates may find employment as a medical or clinical laboratory technician in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, state and federal labs, and private/commercial laboratories. Opportunities also exist in commercial industries, medical supply companies, scientific research and infection control.

Academic Options: This degree is designed to be career laddered for transfer to a 4-year university; the courses can apply toward the first two-years of study for a Bachelor's in Medical Technology or be used to pursue study in many other undergraduate or graduate degree fields of study. Pro

Locations:  Classroom and Laboratory located in the Pirtle Technology Building

Department/Contact Information:

• Office of Allied Health and Nursing Advising―AHN
• Dean’s Office: G-222
• Phone: 903-510-2662