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Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician

Learn about our Medical Laboratory Technician Associate in Science degree program, admission criteria and clinical application.

MLT Information Sessions

RSVP with your NAME, HACC ID#, email and which session they are attending to rsvpMLT@hacc.edu.

 

Advising for Students who Have NOT Taken MLT Courses:

If you are NOT currently enrolled in an MLT course NOR have taken any MLT courses within the past year, you need to follow the instructions. These are the necessary steps for scheduling an advising appointment. All students seeking to take MLT courses need to set up an advising appointment.

Students should do the following steps:

What is a medical laboratory technician?

A medical laboratory technician has various duties. You will:

  • Provide data to help physicians determine the best treatment for patients
  • Often not be personally involved with patients
  • Use sophisticated instruments, technology and techniques
  • Evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for physicians
  • Have good communication skills and attention to detail
     

Where do medical laboratory technicians work?

  • They work in laboratories in hospitals, urgent care facilities, and physician office practices.
  • They work in reference laboratories.
  • They work as laboratory consultants for medical equipment manufacturers and software companies.
     

Is the program accredited?

NAACLS  (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences)   accredits the program. Contact NAACLS:

5600 N River Rd
Ste 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773-714-8880
 

How much does the program cost?

Download the Estimated Expenses (pdf).

 

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials? 

  • Upon successful completion, you will earn a Medical Laboratory Technician Associate in Science Degree.
  • You can become a Registered Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) after completing a national credentialing exam.
     

What are the program admission criteria?

  • NOTE: Students MUST have a 2.5 OVERALL GPA to start Fall I MLT courses.
  • NOTE: Students MUST have completed these general education courses with a “C” grade either BEFORE or by the end of the first Fall MLT semester when students will be taking MLT 100, MLT 120, and MLT 122:
    • ENGL 101
    • BIOL 111
    • CHEM 100

Where are the clinical classes held?

  • Medical Laboratory Technician classes are offered only at the Harrisburg Campus. Prerequisite courses are offered at other campuses and sites.
  • The college assigns clinical rotations at hospital locations within 85 miles of the Harrisburg campus.
  • The typical clinical rotation is 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., however students MAY be required to attend rotation earlier to see specific clinical activities.
     

What are the required courses, how long does the program take to complete, and what is the suggested schedule?

Download a list of Required Courses/Suggested Schedule (pdf).
 

What is the program effectiveness data?

The MLT program monitors the following outcomes which are required by NAACLS:

Outcomes for Last Three Active Years 2020 2021 2022 2023**

Last 3 Active Years Average

(Covers Years 2020, 2021, 2022)

ASCP Board Certification Exam Pass Rate 100% 91.7% 100%   97.2%
Graduation Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Yearly Average Job Placement Rate* 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

* This calculation does not include those students who were lost to follow-up.
** Data collection still in progress.

 

What are the program goals?

Upon successful completion of the program:

  • students will demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their role as entry level medical laboratory technician.
  • students will demonstrate technical proficiency in all entry-level practitioner skills.
  • students will demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry-level medical laboratory technician. 
     

How can I find more information?

Download the MLT Student Handbook (pdf)
Download the MLT Clinical Manual (pdf)
View http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/28/Clinical_Laboratory_ScientistTechnician
View ASCP's Career Center
View ASCLS website
View https://www.laboratorysciencecareers.com


Can I advance my education in this field?

  • This program leads directly to an occupation
  • Students wishing to further their education should consider the following requirements from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification. Any baccalaureate degree must include the required semester hours as listed below. Most HACC courses will transfer to area colleges and online institutions. ASCP Requirements:
    • MLT (ASCP) certification,
    • AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), 
    • AND two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last four years.

*CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR JCI accreditation; OR Accreditation under ISO 15189

Who can I contact for more information? 

Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu
 

Medical Lab Tech Program Office 
HACC Harrisburg Campus
Blocker Hall Room 101
One HACC Drive Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-221-1724