Career and Program Description
A medical laboratory technician performs routine clinical laboratory testing procedures to provide scientific information needed in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease. Technicians use sophisticated instrumentation for these evaluations, which encompass quantitative and qualitative chemical and biological analyses of body specimens. Technicians function under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The local metropolitan area offers very good employment opportunities and jobs are readily available in smaller communities throughout the country. Opportunities are available in hospitals, independent laboratories, research and industry for graduates of the program.
To successfully participate in the MLT Program and become employable, the student must be able to perform essential functions expected of the profession. Examples of essential functions for the MLT are communication, vision, manual dexterity, physical activity, analytical skills and technical aptitude.
Students are prepared to perform routine clinical laboratory tests under the supervision of a pathologist, medical technologist or physician. The program combines on-campus instruction in fundamental principles with clinical experiences gained through rotation in clinical laboratories. The clinical laboratories affiliated with the MLT Program include Adventist Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health System, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Providence Health System and Willamette Valley Medical Center.
Due to on-campus laboratory space and clinical site restrictions the MLT Program has limited enrollment. Applications are accepted once a year for fall entry. The MLT program is competitive and applications are evaluated on a point system. Eligibility for entry into the program is based on successful completion of college courses in biology, chemistry, writing, mathematics and an introductory MLT course. It is strongly recommended that applicants have strong oral communication skills as well. Contact Allied Health Admissions for information on eligibility.
Students in the MLT Program must successfully complete all coursework with a C or better in order to progress in the program. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for a national exam to become a certified medical laboratory technician.
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
773-714-8880
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Medical Laboratory Technology
Academic Prerequisites
- Completion of WR 121, equivalent or higher with a "C" or "P" or better.
- Completion of MTH 95, equivalent or higher with a "C" or "P" or better.
- Completion within the last 7 years of a Biology series (BI 121/122 or BI 231/232/233 or BI 211/212/213 or equivalent or higher) with a "C" or "P" or better.
- Completion within the last 7 years of a Chemistry series (CH 104/105/106 or CH 221/222/223 or equivalent or higher) with a "C" or "P" or better.
- Completion within the last 2 years of MLT 110 or equivalent with a "C" or "P" or better.
- This is a limited entry program. Students planning to enroll in the MLT Program should contact the Allied Health Admissions Office for specific eligibility requirements.
Academic Requirements
- MLT 110: Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology is open for all students to enroll. All other MLT courses require students to be admitted into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program through the formal application process.
- Students in the MLT Program must:
- Earn a letter grade "C" or higher for all courses with an MLT prefix.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- Completion and submission of program application by the due date.
- Participation in a department orientation session.
Non-Academic Requirements
- Students are required to have a health assessment completed by a health provider, before initiating clinical laboratory practice, to confirm health status and ability to perform essential functions required from an MLT. In addition, students are required to complete immunization requirements, pass a criminal background check and a urine drug screen. Contact the department office for more information.
- Students enrolled in the MLT Program will be required to use medical devices and follow safety precautions of the clinical laboratory. Students who have a health, physical or psychological problem which may affect or be affected by the use of the devices or precautions should contact the department prior to entering the program.
Medical Laboratory Technology AAS Degree
Minimum 90 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Course of Study
The coursework listed below is required. Unforeseen changes to the curriculum outline may occur due to program, college and clinical affiliate updates and changes. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.
| Pre-Program Requirements | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CH 106 | Allied Health Chemistry III | 5 |
| MLT 110 | Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 |
| First Term | ||
| MP 113 | Healthcare Provider CPR/AED, First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens | 1 |
| MLT 114 | Laboratory Operations and Techniques | 4 |
| MLT 115 | Clinical Laboratory Mathematics | |
| MLT 251 | Hematology I | 4 |
| General Education: 1 Course | 3 | |
| Second Term | ||
| MLT 241 | Immunohematology I | 4 |
| MLT 252 | Hematology II | 4 |
| MLT 261 | Clinical Microbiology I | 5 |
| Third Term | ||
| MLT 224 | Clinical Chemistry I | 4 |
| MLT 242 | Immunohematology II | 4 |
| MLT 262 | Clinical Microbiology II | 5 |
| Fourth Term | ||
| MLT 225 | Clinical Chemistry II | 4 |
| MLT 230 | Body Fluids & Urinalysis | 4 |
| MLT 253 | Hemostasis | |
| MLT 266 | Immunology and Infectious Serology | 2 |
| General Education: 1 Course | 3 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| MLT 273 | Clinical Laboratory Practice I | |
| MLT 282 | Clinical Seminar I | 2 |
| General Education: 1 Course | 3 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| MLT 274 | Clinical Laboratory Practice II | |
| MLT 283 | Clinical Seminar II | 2 |
| General Education: 1 Course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
MLT 105. Phlebotomy for Medical Laboratory Technicians. 2 Credits.
Introduces basic laboratory skills to collect and process high quality blood specimens for clinical laboratory analysis. Includes laboratory safety measures, professionalism, communication, and interpersonal skills in a healthcare setting. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 110. Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology. 2 Credits.
Introduces the field of medical laboratory technology, including an overview of the profession, job market, and local laboratories. Provides basic concepts and technical skills necessary in the clinical laboratory field including safety, quality control, laboratory testing and communication.
MLT 113. Introduction to Medical Microbiology. 3 Credits.
Introduces clinical bacteriology and the taxonomic approach to major human pathogens. Presents an overview of the organization and function of the clinical microbiology laboratory. Introduces basic practices of specimen processing, handling, and work-up. Develops basic skills necessary to work in the microbiology laboratory. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 114. Laboratory Operations and Techniques. 4 Credits.
Introduces the field of clinical laboratory sciences, including an introduction to phlebotomy skills, laboratory organization, laboratory safety, quality assurance and laboratory regulation. Reviews utilization of basic laboratory equipment, point of care testing, and laboratory information systems. Covers professionalism in a healthcare setting. Includes documentation and communication according to laboratory protocols. Audit available.
MLT 115. Clinical Laboratory Mathematics. 2 Credits.
Provides a review of arithmetic, algebra, scientific notation, rounding and figure significance, conversions and measurement systems, solutions and concentrations, dilutions, titers, and other mathematic calculations commonly used in the clinical laboratory setting. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 120. Urinalysis. 2 Credits.
Reviews anatomy and physiology associated with production of urine. Introduces urine composition, urinalysis testing principles and procedures, and the clinical correlation of results with disease conditions. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 224. Clinical Chemistry I. 4 Credits.
Introduces theory, general laboratory principles, methodologies, instrumentation and practical concepts associated with testing procedures used in the clinical chemistry laboratory. Includes important characteristics and clinical significance of carbohydrates, proteins, enzymology, liver function, endocrinology, and cardiac markers. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 225. Clinical Chemistry II. 4 Credits.
Introduces pathophysiology, diagnosis, and monitoring of selected human diseases on an organ system basis. Includes lipids, acid-base balance, electrolytes, non-protein nitrogenous waste (creatinine, urea, uric acid), toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring. Prerequisites: MLT 224 and Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 230. Body Fluids & Urinalysis. 4 Credits.
Introduces the production, composition, testing procedures and clinical correlation of results to disease for the various body fluids, to include: urine, cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, seminal and amniotic fluids. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 241. Immunohematology I. 4 Credits.
Introduces basic immunology and the various antigen-antibody reactions with emphasis on agglutination reactions. Develops knowledge and skills in ABO and Rh blood group testing. Presents blood group systems other than ABO and Rh and introduces antibody screening procedures. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 242. Immunohematology II. 4 Credits.
Reviews blood group systems and significance to safe transfusion of blood products. Pre- and post-transfusion testing methods, hemolytic disease of the newborn, donor selection, blood components, anticoagulants and transfusion reactions. Introduces automated and semi-automated methods to include gel-testing. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, and MLT 241. Audit available.
MLT 251. Hematology I. 4 Credits.
Introduces hematopoiesis, the origin and maturation of the various types of blood cell lines with emphasis on the red and white blood cells. Includes study and analysis of hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocytic sedimentation rate and blood cell counts. Emphasizes cell identification, cell differentiation and blood cell morphology. Presents anemias and their classifications based on red blood cell morphology and etiology. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 252. Hematology II. 4 Credits.
Introduces human hematological disorders associated with white cell abnormalities and anomalies. Emphasizes cell identification, cell differentiation and cell morphology evaluation procedures. Allows for practice of hematology analytical skills and correlation of laboratory findings with patient symptoms and clinical history. Presents principles of automated instrumentation and application of flow cytometry to clinical hematology. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, and MLT 251. Audit available.
MLT 253. Hemostasis. 2 Credits.
Provides an overview of theory and practical application of hemostasis (coagulation), as it relates to the medical laboratory. Presents coagulation laboratory principles and correlates results with disease states. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 261. Clinical Microbiology I. 5 Credits.
Introduces clinical microbiology and the taxonomic approach to major human pathogens. Presents an overview of the organization and function of the clinical microbiology laboratory. Introduces basic practices of specimen processing, handling, and work-up. Develops basic skills necessary to work in the microbiology laboratory. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 262. Clinical Microbiology II. 5 Credits.
Covers practices and principles of clinical microbiology, focusing on pathogenic bacteria encountered in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, soft and solid tissues, blood, central nervous system, genitourinary tract and urine. Surveys parasitology, mycology and virology. Includes application of common algorithms for identification of clinically significant pathogens. Audit available. Prerequisite: MLT 261 and acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 265. Clinical Mycology and Parasitology. 3 Credits.
Introduces the fields of medical mycology and medical parasitology. Focuses on the clinical significant fungi and covers specimen processing and diagnostic procedures for the cultivation and identification of fungal pathogens. Identifies characteristics, life cycles, pathogenicity and testing methods for selected relevant parasites. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 266. Immunology and Infectious Serology. 2 Credits.
Provides an introduction to human immunity. Presents clinical laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease utilizing serological test methods. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 271. Clinical Laboratory Practice I. 2 Credits.
Provides a simulated clinical laboratory setting to become familiar with the daily organization and operations in the departments of hematology, urinalysis, basic level bloodbank and basic level microbiology. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the second year of the MLT Program. Audit available.
MLT 272. Clinical Laboratory Practice II. 2 Credits.
Provides a simulated clinical laboratory setting to become familiar with the daily organization and operations in the departments of coagulation, body fluids, advanced level bloodbank and advanced level microbiology. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the second year of the MLT Program and MLT 271. Audit available.
MLT 273. Clinical Laboratory Practice I. 9 Credits.
Provides practicum experience in various clinical sites to become familiar with the organization and operation of a clinical laboratory setting. Provides an opportunity to gain insight into how the clinical laboratory practitioner relates to the entire medical team and community. Gain experience in dealing with patients and in performing procedures required of a laboratory technician. The clinical experience will be done under the direct supervision of assigned trainer(s) at the clinical site. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the second year of the MLT Program. Audit available.
MLT 274. Clinical Laboratory Practice II. 9 Credits.
Provides practicum experience in various clinical sites to refine skills necessary for the organization and operation of the clinical laboratory setting. Provides an opportunity to gain insight into how the clinical laboratory practitioner relates to the entire medical team and community. Gain further experience in dealing with patients and in performing procedures required of a laboratory technician. The clinical experience will be conducted under progressively less laboratory personnel supervision. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the second year of the MLT Program, and MLT 273. Audit available.
MLT 282. Clinical Seminar I. 2 Credits.
Introduces new and advanced concepts in clinical laboratory medicine and healthcare profession. Explores techniques for writing standard operational procedures. Provides opportunity for sharing and discussing practicum experiences. Covers professional resume writing and job application techniques. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Audit available.
MLT 283. Clinical Seminar II. 2 Credits.
Provides opportunity for sharing and discussing continuing education experiences and to prepare for certification exams. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology Program and MLT 282. Audit available.