Medical Laboratory Technician

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program is designed to prepare students for employment in medical, clinical, research and public health laboratories.

The technician collects or receives patient specimens, performs many general laboratory tests, records data, and reports results to physicians to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The MLT program combines academic general education with a concentration in basic life sciences, didactic studies in medical laboratory science and clinical training at hospital laboratories. The program requires two years, (four semesters and one summer session) of full-time study. Students with previous college work may apply for advanced placement pending evaluation of transcripts. Upon completion of the academic and clinical requirements, students will be awarded an associate degree and become eligible to take the national certification examination.

Students completing the MLT program may transfer up to sixty semester credit hours to the University of Nebraska Medical Technology program.

The Mid-Plains MLT program is accredited by

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880
Website: www.naacls.org

Program Objectives

  • Possess the appropriate and necessary competencies for entry level employment in the medical laboratory.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate and necessary personal and work characteristics that contribute to effective job performance and relations.
  • Use appropriate and necessary communication skills to ensure success in job performance, job relations and job retention.
  • Apply the theory of technical specialization using critical thinking/reasoning while working independently.
  • Use mathematical data and reasoning skills in relation to the medical laboratory.
  • Be prepared to take external certification examinations.

State Licensure or Certification Requirements

States for which Mid-Plains Community College has determined that its curriculum MEETS the state educational requirements for licensure or certification includes:

  • Nebraska

States for which Mid-Plains Community College has determined that its curriculum DOES NOT meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification includes:

  • N/A

States/Territories for which Mid-Plains Community College HAS NOT DETERMINED that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification includes:

  • Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia Wisconsin, Wyoming.

If a student from a state outside of Nebraska is interested in this program, state licensure will be investigated.

Career Opportunities

Medical laboratory technicians are employed by hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, veterinary clinics, research centers, colleges and universities, medical schools, government agencies and industrial medical laboratories.

Admission Requirements

The MLT program is a selective admission program. Upon contacting the MLT Program Director, prospective MLT students will undergo a screening process. Prior to admission to the MLT program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be able to meet essential functions (contact MLT Program Director for specific details)
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED to Mid-Plains Community College
  • Submit official college transcripts if other than Mid-Plains Community College
  • Fulfill Mid-Plains Community College General Admission Requirement
  • Complete application to Mid-Plains Community College specifying interest in MLT program
  • Submit MLT program application
  • Submit three letters of recommendation from teachers and/or current employers
  • Complete NEXT-GEN Accuplacer placement exam with minimum scores of:  Writing - 255, Reading - 250, Arithmetic - 263.
  • Submit a Pre-Entrance Medical Statement
  • Submit documentation of current immunizations or proof of immunity as required by the program
  • Have satisfactory Criminal Background Check results
  • Schedule an interview with the MLT Program Director

All of the above admission requirements must be met prior to being accepted into the MLT program. Failure to respond to requests for information, incomplete files, or failure to meet deadlines will inactivate the application for MLT program admission. Approval for admission will be granted by MLT program faculty with the final approval decision resting with the MLT Program Director. After MLT program admission approval is granted, the student will be accepted into the first available class and receive written notification of acceptance.

Associate of Applied Science Degree