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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Health Sciences / Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician Associate Degree

Program Code: 105131

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.

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

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.
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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

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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
Semester Total
8
First Semester
Semester Total
13
Second Semester
Semester Total
13
Summer Before Third Semester
Semester Total
7
Third Semester
Semester Total
13
Fourth Semester
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.
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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

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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.

Defy expectations and follow your passion

Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.

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8 week icon

8-Week Advantage

This program will transition to 8–week courses in Summer of 2021.

Graduate Employment

With 83% Employed in Field

Accredited by: 

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
 

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