Medical Laboratory Technician
Learn about our Medical Laboratory Technician Associate in Science degree program, admission criteria and clinical application.
COVID-19 Immunization Requirements of Clinical Facilities
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If you are NOT currently enrolled in an MLT course NOR have taken any MLT courses within the past year, you need to follow the instructions. These are the necessary steps for scheduling an advising appointment. All students seeking to take MLT courses need to set up an advising appointment. Note: All student advising sessions will be conducted via ZOOM. Students should do the following steps: 1. Open the Advising Forms document (pdf). You do not need to print or sign these documents currently. But you should have the document open when you watch the video listed in #2 below. 2. Watch the 45-minute video that reviews the MLT program and the Advising forms. You will find that video here - you may need to cut and paste this address into your browser: https://youtu.be/5le4nQt36vE 3. AFTER you have reviewed the video, please review these FAQs. 4. AFTER you have reviewed the video and the FAQs document, please set up an appointment by one of the following methods...Note: Navigate is the preferred method of setting up an appointment. Students are sent the ZOOM meeting link from the Navigate system.
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What is a medical laboratory technician?
A medical laboratory technician has various duties. You will:
- Search for basic clues to the absence, presence, extent and causes of diseases
- Provide data to help physicians determine the best treatment for patients
- Often not be personally involved with patients
- Use sophisticated instruments, technology and techniques
- Evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for physicians
- Have good communication skills and attention to detail
Where do medical laboratory technicians work?
- They work in laboratories in hospitals, urgent care facilities, and physician office practices.
- They work in reference laboratories.
- They work as laboratory consultants for medical equipment manufacturers and software companies.
Is the program accredited?
NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) accredits the program. Contact NAACLS:
5600 N River Rd
Ste 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773-714-8880
How much does the program cost?
Download the Estimated Expenses (pdf).
What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials?
- Upon successful completion, you will earn a Medical Laboratory Technician Associate in Science Degree.
- You can become a Registered Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) after completing a national credentialing exam.
What are the program clinical admission criteria and how do I apply for clinicals?
PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS CHANGING FOR SPRING 2024. Please contact the program director for information - glaughma@hacc.edu.
This is a selective program. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the clinical/core component of the program. Work with your advisor to prepare to apply to the clinical/core component of the program.
HACC requires a meeting with the Program Director to apply to the clinical/core component of the program
- Download the Admission Criteria and Essential Qualifications (pdf).
- If you are a medical laboratory technician student, you are required to meet with the program director. Call 717-221-1392 (Administrative Assistant) to schedule your appointment.
- A shadowing experience is required within 24 months prior to submitting your clinical program application. You will be provided with information regarding the shadowing experience during your appointment with the program director.
- For additional information on other policies for the medical laboratory technician program, please download the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Student Handbook.
Where are the clinical classes held?
- Medical Laboratory Technician classes are offered only at the Harrisburg Campus. Prerequisite courses are offered at other campuses and sites.
- The college assigns clinical rotations at hospital locations within 85 miles of the Harrisburg campus.
- The typical clinical rotation is 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m..
What are the required courses, how long does the program take to complete, and what is the suggested schedule?
Download a list of Required Courses/Suggested Schedule (pdf).
What is the program effectiveness data?
The MLT program monitors the following outcomes:
| Outcomes for Last Three Active Years | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023** |
Last 3 Active Years Average (Covers Years 2020, 2021, 2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASCP Board Certification Exam Pass Rate | 100% | 91.7% | 100% | 97.2% | |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Yearly Average Job Placement Rate* | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
* This calculation does not include those students who were lost to follow-up.
** Data collection still in progress.
What are the program goals?
Upon successful completion of the program:
- students will demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their role as entry level medical laboratory technician.
- students will demonstrate technical proficiency in all entry-level practitioner skills.
- students will demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry-level medical laboratory technician.
How can I find more information?
Download the MLT Student Handbook (pdf)
Download the MLT Clinical Manual (pdf)
View http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/28/Clinical_Laboratory_ScientistTechnician
View ASCP's Career Center
View ASCLS website
View https://www.laboratorysciencecareers.com
Can I advance my education in this field?
- This program leads directly to an occupation
- Students wishing to further their education should consider the following requirements from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification. Any baccalaureate degree must include the required semester hours as listed below. Most HACC courses will transfer to area colleges and online institutions. ASCP Requirements:
- MLT (ASCP) certification,
- AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry),
- AND two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last four years.
*CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR JCI accreditation; OR Accreditation under ISO 15189
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu
Medical Lab Tech Program Office
HACC Harrisburg Campus
Blocker Hall Room 101
One HACC Drive Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-780-1953