The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program prepares the student to perform a full range of laboratory tests - from a simple blood glucose test to complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV and cancer. Medical Laboratory Technicians must work quickly and accurately. The information they give to The doctors influences the medical treatment a patient receives. In their search for data on a patient’s health, MLTs obtain blood samples from patients of all ages. They analyze blood, urine and other body fluids using a microscope or other complex precision instruments.

Program Mission Statement: The Medical Laboratory Technician Program (MLT) provides a learning environment conducive to preparing students to function at entry level laboratory careers.

Student Responsibilities: Students receive clinical practice at a clinical site determined by the MLT Coordinator. All MLT students must complete a Medical Health form and a Criminal Record/Child and Adult Abuse Check prior to attending clinical. Students must begin the hepatitis immunization series during their enrollment in Fundamentals of Laboratory Science. Transportation to the clinical site is the responsibility of the student. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the MLT Board of Certification Exam (BOC) administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Granting of the AAS degree is not contingent on students passing any external examination or certification.

Accreditation: The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by the NAACLS, National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, 773-714-8880, 773-714-8886 (fax).

Admission Requirements: Successful completion of high school Biology and Algebra or equivalent is required. Required courses must be taken prior to entering the program. (High School chemistry is highly recommended). Chemistry may be taken the first semester in the MLT program. The following criteria is required for applicants: minimum of a high school diploma (GPA 2.5) or equivalent (GED 550) or HiSET 15, ACT scores of 18 in reading, English, and math; COMPASS scores (writing 65, reading 80, pre-algebra 39, algebra 46); ASSET scores of 40 in each category (writing, reading, numeric) or ALEKS score of 20 or higher. Students who are non-native speakers of “American English” will be required to submit TOEFL scores of 17 or above in each section-Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Advanced Standing: Individuals accepted into the MLT program who have an understanding of and prior experience in the operations of the medical laboratory may qualify to complete a proficiency exam to “test out” of the Fundamentals of Laboratory Science course.

Enrollment Date: Fall Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 72
Campus: Fort Dodge
Department: Health Science
CIP#: 51.10040200