Program Description
Students who complete this program will receive extensive training to prepare them for a career analyzing the chemical and cellular composition of blood and bodily fluids. Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are responsible for disease and cancer research, analyzing bacteria, and trauma care, such as prescribing units of blood for injured patients, without maintaining the consistent contact with patients that physicians, nurses and other hospital staff do.
MLTs typically work under a Medical Technologist (MT), assisting with preparing slides of cells, tissues, and blood, using laboratory equipment and helping to identify abnormalities in samples.Coursework emphasizes scientific and mathematical elements in microbiology, hematology and chemistry.
Students are encouraged to contact admission counselors early and maintain effective communication with their advisor in order to ensure the completion of prerequisite courses and general education requirements.
Graduates are eligible for national certification via an accredited exam provided by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, administered by Southeastern Community College.
Course Information
DEGREES / DIPLOMAS / CERTIFICATES
- Associate in Applied Science – Medical Lab Technology – Degree – A45420
- Medical Laboratory Technology – Certificate – C45420
- Medical Laboratory Technology – CTE Pathway – Certificate – C45420H
Outcomes
| Year | Completion Rate % | Board Pass Rate % | Employment Placement Rate % |
| 2018 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 2019 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 2020 | 80 | 100 | 100 |
| 2021 | 50 | 100 | 100 |
| 2022 | 67 | 100 | 100 |
Key Definitions:
- The ASCP Pass Rate is defined as the number of graduates who completed and passed the Board of Certification Exam (BOC) exam on their first attempt within the first year of graduation.
- Attrition Rate is defined as the number of students who entered the third semester of the MLT Program and subsequently completed the program within the next year.
- The graduation Placement Rate is defined as the number of graduates who found employment (in the clinical laboratory field or in a closely related field) and/or continued their education within one year of graduation
The MLT program at Southeastern Community College is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119 (Phone: 773-714-8880).
Career Opportunities
Due to a national shortage of MLTs in conjunction with an aging population in the coastal region, the local demand for laboratory professionals is growing. Placement for MLTs possesses a fairly high rate, and potential employment for students who complete this program include placement in local healthcare laboratories in hospitals, medical offices and research facilities.
Program Links
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
- ExploreHealthCareers.org
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
- U.S. News: Clinical Laboratory Technician
- HealthCarePathway.com: The Medical Laboratory Technician Career Ladder
- Out-of-State Students
- WorldWideLearn: Guide for Clinical Laboratory Science Majors