Medical Laboratory Technician - Associate Degree
As a medical laboratory technician, you're a valued member of the health care team who provides clinical information for disease prevention, medical diagnosis, and treatment of patients by processing specimens and performing laboratory tests. You may also have responsibilities for information processing, training, and quality control monitoring. While most medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals or clinic labs, you may also choose to work for veterinary laboratories, industrial labs, insurance companies, research facilities, environmental labs, or public health labs. The Medical Laboratory Technician program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Program graduates are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Technician certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Availability
A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more about program waitlists.
Application Checklist
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Medical Laboratory associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
Summer Before First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Summer Before Third Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-501-XXX and 10-513-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a “C” in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology, Intro to Biochemistry, and Microbiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a “B” in these courses may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Program Outcomes
- Apply modern clinical methodologies including problem solving and troubleshooting according to pre-determined criteria.
- Collect and process biological specimens.
- Correlate laboratory results to diagnosis of clinical conditions and/or diseases.
- Monitor and evaluate quality control in the laboratory.
- Practice laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.
- Perform information processing in the clinical laboratory.
- Model professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 100% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
Most Medical Laboratory Technicians work in hospitals or clinic labs. Some Medical Laboratory Technicians may choose to work for veterinary laboratories, industrial labs, insurance companies, research facilities, environmental labs, or public health.
- Medical Laboratory Technician: applies knowledge of test procedures and quality control methods in the areas of hematology, chemistry, serology, urinalysis, blood bank, microbiology, and phlebotomy; performs tests accurately and efficiently using both automated and manual methodology; evaluates the clinical significance of test results.
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Accreditation
The Medical Laboratory Technician program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018, (847) 939-3597
Industry Credentials
Graduates are qualified to take the MLT Board of Certification (BOC) examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Clinical Experience
- Students may be required to purchase scrubs, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Dependent on availability of sites, students may need to travel distances for clinical experiences.
- Students are required to maintain a current American Heart Association BLS CPR card to comply with affiliating agency requirements.
- Students will be required to show proof of annual flu vaccine.
- Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
- Some students may be required by a clinical site to complete a drug test at the student's expense.
- All clinical arrangements will be facilitated by NWTC staff and/or faculty.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law
NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.
Defy expectations and follow your passion
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- Online
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Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.