Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

This two-year program, including one summer session, prepares graduates to work as a member of a diagnostic health care team as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). MLTs perform routine and automated procedures under the supervision of a medical technologist or pathologist.

Tests that MLTs perform include complete blood counts, urinalysis, cross matching blood for transfusion, identifying pathogenic organisms, and chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids.

CSM’s program includes hands-on practice in a clinical laboratory. Graduates can apply to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam to obtain national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

View Program Requirements in the Catalog:

Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS

Download Program Quick Guide

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119.

ASCP MLS Certification & Career Opportunities

These two graphics illustrate the career opportunities for MLT Program graduates and the routes they can take to achieve them.  Graduates should first sit for the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) MLT Exam.  The career ladder then progresses with an ASCP MLS, four year degree, Certification. This can be obtained through two routes. MLT graduates are able to work in a clinical laboratory while completing an online or face-to-face bachelor's degree.  CSM offers transfer agreements to institutions with MLT to MLS and life science degrees that enable graduates to take the ASCP BOC MLS Certification Exam.  This certification opens doors to opportunities in and outside the medical laboratory.

Click to enlarge image.

Click to enlarge image.

Graduation, Certification, and Placement Rates

Essential Functions

Admission Criteria (Technical Standards/Essential Functions): Student must be free of contagion and possess sufficient stamina and mental stability, with or without reasonable accommodations as may be required by law, to fulfill the requirements of the program and the customary requirements of the profession:

• Work for 8-12 hours performing physical tasks requiring sufficient strength and motor coordination without jeopardy to patient and student safety as, for example, walking, sitting, bending, lifting, turning
• Perform fine motor movements and be able to manipulate instruments and wide variety of equipment according to established procedure and standards of speed and accuracy.
• Establish and work toward goals in a consistently responsible, realistic manner.
• Have auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. (For example: communicate verbally, in an effective manner, with patients and other personnel)
• Have visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for patient care. (For example: use a microscope, read and process patient related information like patient charts and requisitions, visually assess patient response to interventions)