Medical Laboratory Technician

Mr. Chris Cleghorn, MHA, MLS (ASCP)^CP
Program Director
256.352.8347
chris.cleghorn@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (5 semesters)

Short-Term Certificate (2 semesters)

At a Glance

Rapid job growth and excellent job opportunities are expected. Most jobs will continue to be in hospitals, but employment will grow in other settings, such as physician group laboratories and reference labs. Through 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Statistics estimates the employment of medical laboratory technicians will grow by 7 percent. The growth is expected due to an aging population, creating a greater need for diagnosing medical conditions. 

Program Description

Medical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Using sophisticated lab equipment, medical laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. They also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They perform analyses in the areas of microbiology, hematology, immunology, biochemistry, and immunohematology, and results are relayed from the lab to physicians.  

The Medical Laboratory Technician program has as its mission to provide continuously improving, diversified, quality-learning experiences for students in order to graduate Medical Laboratory Technicians that perform competently and professionally in the field. The Medical Laboratory Technician Program accepts students once a year in the fall semester. The graduate receives an Associate in Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to sit for an ASCP’s Board of Certification National examination (the BOC). The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018; 773-714-8880, www.naacls.org. 

Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate Program (2 semesters)

In addition to the Associate in Applied Science degree, the program also offers a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) short-term certificate. This option prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform as an MLA. This 12-hour course of study covers the basic principles and techniques used in the medical laboratory with emphasis on terminology; basic laboratory equipment; safety; and specimen collection, processing, and analysis appropriate for employment at the MLA level.  Students in both the associate degree and certificate programs will receive relevant clinical experience.

Admission Requirements (MLT)

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline. 
2. Student must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete program applications accepted between March 1 and June 1, or until spaces have been filled for Fall entry. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis. 
4. The MLT program online application is located on program’s webpage at www.wallacestate.edu. Online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration. 
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded.
6. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at www.wallacestate.edu-see Physical Form Essential Functions. 
7. A minimum of 18 ACT composite score (National, Residual, or Superscore) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be uploaded to the program application. 
8. Meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.
9. All prerequisite courses must be completed successfully with a grade of "C" or better by the program application deadline. 
10. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or better on all general required education courses. GPA calculated for program selection will be on the general required education courses only. 

Admission Requirements (MLA)

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline. 
2. Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent or be enrolled in WSCC Dual Enrollment program. 
3. Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all previous high school and college work attempted.
4. Submit ACCUPLACER scores for reading, writing and math or an ACT composite score.  There is no minimum score requirement. 
5. Submit the online health division application with all uploaded required attachments by published deadline.
6. Student must be in good standing with the college.

Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis. 

1. The MLA program online application is located on MLT webpage at www.wallacestate.edu. Online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration. 
2. Possess current certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or enroll in EMS 100 upon program acceptance.  Proof of active/current CPR certification for health-care providers will be required.
3. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded.
4. Student must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at www.wallacestate.edu-see Physical Form Essential Functions. 
5. Meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.

Selection and Notification

1. Candidates are ranked for admission on the basis of ACT scores, required general education GPA and completion of admission requirements. All other factors being equal, the date of application will be the deciding factor for admission.
2. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements.  Written notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via the information supplied on the program application. 
3. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond confirming their intent to enroll by using the internet link provided on their letter, by the deadline indicated on the letter.  A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class.

NOTE: Students seeking to apply to the MLT program must complete the general education requirements listed under the 1^st and 2^nd semester headings, then submit an application to the program by the deadline of the year in which they wish to apply to the program. Upon acceptance into the program, students will complete the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th semester courses.

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the Medical Laboratory Technician or the Medical Laboratory Assistant program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State Community College catalog. 

Upon Admission

Students must submit a completed physical examination form, current within one year, to the MLT program director, certifying that they are in good health and are able to meet the requirements for clinical performance. The completed form must include:

1. Documentation of Hepatitis B immunization (at least two out of three of the initial series)
2. Documentation of two immunizations or lab data (titer) indicating adequate immunity against Mumps, Measles, Rubella and Varicella
3. Documentation of Tetanus booster, current within 10 years and documentation of one TDAP as an adult
4. Documentation of Flu vaccine (October – March) 
5. Negative 2-step TB skin test (Mantoux)

Additionally:

1. MLT and MLA students are required to carry health insurance.
2. Drug testing and background screening is required according to Health Science division policy.
3. Students are required to submit proof of current CPR certification through a health care provider course.
4. Students accepted into the MLT program must attend the mandatory MLT orientation session. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of their place in the class.

Progression

Students enrolled in the MLT Program must attain a minimum grade of “C” or better in all MLT and general education courses. Failure to achieve a grade of “C” or better in a MLT course will result in program dismissal. MLT and MLA students are required to exhibit professional behavior at all times. 

Readmission to Program         

Students whose progression through the MLT program is interrupted for any reason and who desire to reenter the program must schedule an appointment with a MLT faculty advisor to discuss re-entry. The student must apply for program readmission within two semesters from the term of withdrawal or failure. Students who apply for readmission will be required to prove competency in all previous coursework to avoid retaking MLT classes which have been successfully completed previously. If a student cannot prove competency, the student must repeat all courses of the program regardless of previous grades obtained.

Readmission or transfer may be denied but not limited to any of the following:

1. Failure to maintain a 2.0 GPA in all general education and MLT courses.
2. Two or more semesters have elapsed since enrollment in MLT coursework.
3. Limited space availability in the courses needed.

Students can be readmitted to the MLT program one time only. Graduation requirements must be met within two (2) years of initial MLT program entry (transferred courses included) to avoid having to repeat all major required courses. 

Transfer Students

Students transferring into the MLT or MLA program must meet all WSCC and MLT or MLA Program requirements for admission. Only those equivalent general education and MLT or MLA courses taken at other accredited institutions and passed with a “C” or better will be applied toward completion of the program. Students attempting to transfer credit hours must be eligible to return to the previous Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Assistant Program in good standing. Students will be required to provide a letter of good standing from the transferring institution. Students who apply for transfer will be required to prove competency in all previous coursework to avoid retaking MLT or MLA classes that have been successfully completed previously. All students transferring into the program must prove competency in all previous coursework as prescribed by the program. If a student cannot prove competency, the request for admission will be denied and the student must apply to the program, and if accepted, must repeat all previous courses. Completion of 25 percent of total required hours for the A.A.S. Degree in MLT must be taken at the institution conferring degree. Transfer students are only admitted in Fall semester. 

Career Path                

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Assistant Program are employed in hospital laboratories, physicians’ offices, and other laboratory facilities as Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA). These graduates are allied-health professionals that perform analyses in the areas of microbiology, hematology, immunology, biochemistry, and immunohematology.

Students in the Medical Lab have many options upon completion of training at WSCC. The Associate Degree courses may be applied toward earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. Upon earning a B.S. the technician may challenge the National Certification Exam to become a “Medical Technologist” earning up to $10.00 more per hour. Clinical Specialty Certificates may be earned for any or all of the laboratory areas. The Medical Technology certificate may be used to earn a Master’s Degree and also a DCLS or PhD.

Median annual earnings of Medical Laboratory Technicians was $60,780 per year and $29.22 per hour in 2023. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)