Medical Laboratory Technician Associate Degree

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.

Requirements for Program Entry

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• Two semesters High School, or one semester in College of Algebra and Advanced Math, completed with a “C” or better.
• Two semesters High School, or one semester in College of Biology and Chemistry (with a lab component) completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
• Complete mandatory four-hour job shadow.
• Attend mandatory registration session and program orientation.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Medical Laboratory associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

Summer Before First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-501-101

Medical Terminology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ...focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-806-177

Gen Anatomy & Physiology

4

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

8

First Semester

10-806-186

Intro to Biochemistry

4

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-186 INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY ...covers organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids and acids. Discussion of biological functions and their relationship to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. (Prereq: Gen Chemistry w/C or better OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-513-110

Basic Lab Skills

1

10-513-110 BASIC LAB SKILLS ...explores laboratory science career options and the fundamental principles and procedures performed in the laboratory. You will utilize basic laboratory equipment. You will follow required safety and infection control procedures and perform simple laboratory tests. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Medical Laboratory Technician program or Phlebotomy certificate; Corequisite:10-513-111, Phlebotomy )

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-513-111

Phlebotomy

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-513-111 PHLEBOTOMY ... provides opportunities for you to perform routine venipuncture, routine capillary puncture and special collection procedures. (Corequisite: 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-513-113

QA Lab Math

1

10-513-113 QA LAB MATH ...focuses on performing the mathematical calculations routinely used in laboratory settings. You will explore the concepts of quality control and quality assurance in the laboratory. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Medical Laboratory Technician program)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-513-114

Urinalysis

2

10-513-114 URINALYSIS ...prepares you to perform a complete urinalysis which includes physical, chemical and microscopic analysis. You will explore renal physiology and correlate urinalysis results with clinical conditions. (Prerequisites: 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills, 10-806-117 Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisite: 10-513-113, QA Lab Math)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

13

Second Semester

10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-513-109

Blood Bank

4

10-513-109 BLOOD BANK ...focuses on blood banking concepts and procedures including blood typing, compatibility testing, work ups for adverse reaction to transfusions, disease states and donor activities. (Prerequisites: 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills; 10-513-113, QA Lab Math; 10-513-115, Basic Immunology Concepts)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-513-120

Basic Hematology

3

10-513-120 BASIC HEMATOLOGY ...covers the theory and principles of blood cell production and function, and introduces you to basic practices and procedures in the hematology laboratory. (Prerequisites: 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills; 10-513-113, QA Lab Math; 10-513-111, Phlebotomy; Corequisite: 10-513-115, Basic Immunology Concepts)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-513-121

Coagulation

1

10-513-121 COAGULATION ...introduces the theory and principles of coagulation and explores mechanisms involved in coagulation disorders. Emphasis is placed upon laboratory techniques used to diagnose disease and monitor treatment. (Prerequisites: 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills; 10-513-113, QA Lab Math; 10-513-115, Basic Immunology Concepts; 10-513-111, Phlebotomy; Corequisite: 10-513-120, Basic Hematology)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-513-115

Basic Immunology Concepts

2

10-513-115 BASIC IMMUNOLOGY CONCEPTS ...provides an overview of the immune system including laboratory testing methods for diagnosis of immune system disorders, viral and bacterial infections. (Corequisite: 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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Semester Total

13

Summer Before Third Semester

10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-806-197

Microbiology

4

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-197 MICROBIOLOGY ...history, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology OR 10-806-114, General Biology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

7

Third Semester

10-513-130

Advanced Hematology

2

10-513-130 ADVANCED HEMATOLOGY ...explores mechanisms involved in the development of hematological disorders. Emphasis is placed upon laboratory techniques used to diagnose disorders and monitor treatment. (Prerequisite: 10-513-120, Basic Hematology)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-513-116

Clinical Chemistry

4

10-513-116 CLINICAL CHEMISTRY...introduces clinical chemistry techniques and procedures for routine analysis using photometric, potentiometric and separation techniques. Topics in this course include pathophysiology and methodologies for carbohydrate, lipids, proteins, renal function and blood gas analysis. ( Prerequisites: 10-806-186 Intro to Biochemistry; 10-806-177 General Anatomy and Physiology; 10-513-113 QA Lab Math; 10-513-110 Basic Lab Skills; 10-513-114 Urinalysis)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-513-133

Clinical Microbiology

4

10-513-133 CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY ...presents the clinical importance of infectious diseases with emphasis upon the appropriate collection, handling and identification of clinically relevant bacteria. Disease states, modes of transmission and methods of prevention and control, including antibiotic susceptibility testing, will also be discussed. (Prerequisites: 10-806-197, Microbiology; 10-513-110, Basic Lab Skills; 10-513-133, Basic Immunology Concepts)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

13

Fourth Semester

10-513-140

Advanced Microbiology

2

10-513-140 ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY ...provides an overview of acid fast organisms, fungi, parasites, and anaerobic bacteria. The organisms, their pathophysiology, epidemiology, the diseases and conditions that they cause, laboratory methods of handling, culturing and identification will be discussed. (Corequisite: 10-513-133, Clinical Microbiology)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-513-151

Clinical Experience 1

3

10-513-151 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 1 ...practice the principles and procedures of laboratory medicine as an entry level Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in a clinical laboratory setting. Working alongside laboratory professionals, you will collect and process specimens, operate laboratory analyzers and instruments and report results in a Laboratory Information Systems (Prerequisite: 10-513-116, Clinical Chemistry ; Corequisites: 10-513-152, Clinical Experience 2; 10-513-153, Clinical Experience 3)

Course Typically Offered: J-Session

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10-513-152

Clinical Experience 2

4

10-513-152 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 2 ...provides continuing practice for the principles and procedures of laboratory medicine as an entry level Clinical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory setting. You will learn to operate state of the art instruments and report results on Laboratory Information Systems. (Prerequisite: 10-513-116, Clinical Chemistry; Corequisites: 10-513-151, Clinical Experience 1; 10-513-153, Clinical Experience 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-513-156

Clinical Experience 3

3

10-513-156 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 3 ...provides continuing practice for the principles and procedures of laboratory medicine as an entry level Clinical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory setting. You will learn to operate state of the art instruments and report results on Laboratory Information Systems. (Prerequisite: 10-513-116, Clinical Chemistry; Corequisites: 10-513-151, Clinical Experience 1; 10-513-152, Clinical Experience 2)

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10-513-170

Introduction to Molecular Diag

2

10-513-170 INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS...introduces the principles and application of molecular diagnostics in the clinical laboratory (10-513-110 Basic Lab Skills and 10-313-115 Immunology; Corequisite: 10-513-133 Clinical Microbiology).

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

14

Total Credits

68

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.

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.

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 >> EXCLUDEEND

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.

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.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. 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. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

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. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.

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