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Program Description:

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program prepares students with the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies necessary for employment in a variety of clinical laboratory settings. Through didactic instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experiences, students gain training in Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Hemostasis, Immunology, Immunohematology, Urinalysis and Body Fluids, Microbiology, and Laboratory Operations. Graduates are prepared to perform diagnostic testing that supports healthcare providers in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease processes.

A distinctive feature of the program is its stackable credential design, which provides students with multiple workforce entry points throughout their educational journey. After successful completion of the first semester, students are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician certification exam, allowing for early entry into the workforce as a phlebotomist. Upon completion of the second semester, students are eligible for the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) certification exam, further expanding their employment opportunities and technical skillset. After completing the full five-semester program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Technician certification exam, positioning them for entry-level practice as certified medical laboratory technicians.

This progressive credentialing structure allows students to build competency, gain industry-recognized certifications, and enter the healthcare workforce at multiple stages while continuing toward advanced laboratory practice. Employment opportunities for graduates include hospitals, physician offices, clinics, reference laboratories, blood centers, public health laboratories, and research facilities.

Graduate Competencies

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Perform routine laboratory testing procedures accurately and efficiently in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
2. Demonstrate competency in Clinical Chemistry, Hematology/Hemostasis, Urinalysis and Body Fluids, Microbiology, Immunology, Immunohematology, and Laboratory Operations.
3. Apply scientific principles, laboratory methodologies, and critical thinking skills to the analysis and interpretation of laboratory data.
4. Recognize and evaluate pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that may affect test quality and patient results.
5. Utilize quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement principles to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing.
6. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation according to established procedures.
7. Adhere to laboratory safety regulations and regulatory requirements while maintaining a safe work environment.
8. Correlate laboratory findings with disease processes and communicate results effectively to healthcare professionals.
9. Utilize laboratory information systems and other technologies for accurate documentation and reporting of patient results.
10. Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, effective communication, teamwork, and a commitment to lifelong learning.