Medical Laboratory Technician

MLT stands for Medical Laboratory Technician.  MLTs work in a variety of laboratories performing tests to properly diagnose and treat diseases. Primary job duties include preparing specimens, collecting blood samples, accurately monitoring tests and procedures, matching blood for transfusions, and analyzing chemical content of fluids.  MLTs will also be expected to use lab equipment and have functions in the areas of quality assurance, clinical decision-making, and regulatory compliance.

There isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to this question, but there are several factors that may determine your interest in or aptitude for this program.  Most importantly, an MLT will enjoy science and can handle blood, body fluids, and body parts. An MLT will also have the ability to multitask, work under pressure, work independently, and have a strong attention to detail.  This profession is also considered “behind the scenes” and does not typically involve direct patient interaction.

Applicants are awarded points based on cumulative GPA of all completed college coursework and Accuplacer scores.  Extra points are awarded for each of the following courses if the student has completed them prior to starting the program:

• HAP I
• HAP II
• CHEM I
• CHEM II
• Microbiology

The top 10 students with the most points will be accepted into the program.

The MLT-specific courses are designed around the main departments in a laboratory, including chemistry, serology, microbiology, hematology, and blood banks.  In these courses, you will learn how to:

• Draw blood
• Properly label and identify specimens
• Grow, identify, and perform antibiotic susceptibility on bacterial organisms
• Perform blood cell counts
• Type and cross match blood for blood transfusions
• Analyze chemical components and report accurate test results
• Communicate appropriately with other lab personnel and other medical colleagues
• Perform quality control and follow appropriate safety protocols

There are several steps to being admitted to the MLT program:

1. Apply to Frontier Community College online at www.iecc.edu
2. Access and view the Medical Laboratory Technician program information session online.
3. Once the information session has been completed, print out verification form to submit it to the MLT academic advisor.
4. Complete and submit the MLT program application to the academic advisor
5. Schedule an appointment to meet with the MLT academic advisor to submit required documents, register for classes, and discuss the ranking process
6. Students will be notified by mail of the status of their acceptance into the MLT program
7. All students who have been accepted into the MLT program must attend a mandatory MLT orientation session

Students are typically assigned to two clinical sites and switch sites at the beginning of the new semester.  Hours for the clinical rotations are arranged in advance, and students are given two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch break.

Hospital affiliates are contracted to provide clinical rotation experiences for MLT students.  Every effort will be made to place all qualified students at an affiliated hospital, but new affiliates may be added as needed to meet the demands of student enrollment.  Students are not guaranteed to be placed at a specific site, and placement decisions are made by the MLT faculty.  Students are responsible for transportation to and from the affiliating agencies.

MLT students will be required to wear black scrub tops and bottoms during clinical rotations.

The MLT program will take 4-5 semesters to complete depending on how many general education courses the student has already completed.  This is a 69-credit hour program.