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 healthcare providers 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.

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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 one or more clinical site(s) 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 who have not received the hepatitis immunization series before joining the MLT program must begin the series during their first semester. 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 and english; Accuplacer Next Generation score of ≥ 250 (reading), and WritePlacer score ≥ 5; and ALEKS score of 20 or higher. 

Enrollment Date: Fall Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 71.5
Campus: Fort Dodge
Department: Health Science
CIP#: 51.10040200

Program Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate entry level knowledge and skill in modern clinical laboratory science.
2. Collect and process biological specimens and perform analytical tests on body fluids, cells, and products.
3. Monitor quality control through understanding of basic laboratory statistics, recognize affected results, and take appropriate action.
4. Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs.
5. Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their position and patient care.
6. Relate laboratory findings to common disease processes.