Medical Laboratory Technology

The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum prepares individuals to perform clinical laboratory procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology that may be used in the maintenance of health and diagnosis/treatment of disease.

Course work emphasizes mathematical and scientific concepts related to specimen collection, laboratory testing and procedures, quality assessment, and reporting/ recording and interpreting findings involving blood and body fluids.

 

Graduates of the MLT program receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Technology. Graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification. The associate degree is NOT contingent upon passing a certification or licensure examination.

Articulation agreements have been established for four-year MLS degrees including both on campus and online course options with the following universities:

  • Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
  • University of Cincinnati

Salary

  • Entry-level range: $17-$24 an hour, depending on location and shift worked

NAACLS Accreditation

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. Telephone: (773) 714-8880.

Web site: www.naacls.org

 
Graduate Employment within Six Months

2019-2020: 100%

2020-2021: 100%

2021-2022: 100%

2019-2022 Average: 100%

 
ASCP BOC Pass Rate

2019-2020: 92%

2020-2021: 100%

2021-2022: 88%

2019-2022 Average: 94%       

Graduation Rate

2019-2020: 67%

2020-2021: 100%

2021-2022: 67%

2019-2022 Average: 76%

 

The ideal student has:

  • A natural aptitude for science
  • The ability to analyze and troubleshoot
  • A detail-oriented mindset
  • An interest in working behind the scenes to help people

Our curriculum emphasizes mathematical and scientific concepts related to specimen collection; laboratory testing and procedures; quality assessment; and reporting/recording and interpreting findings involving blood and body fluids.

Partnership with LabCorp

The program is a partnership with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Inc. (LabCorp). LabCorp provides a student laboratory on site in the LabCorp Orange Drive facility in Elon to teach the MLT courses.

Admission

The following requirements must be completed for admission:

  • Updated application
  • High School Transcript or equivalent
  • Official transcripts of all post secondary education
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 on previous college work
  • Required Placement test scores or minimum SAT scores or approved waiver

For more specifics on admissions criteria contact the department head or the Student Success Office.

Progression/Readmission

Specific progression and readmission criteria are in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program handbook that will be given to students upon entry into the program. For questions contact the department head or admissions coordinator. Students must meet minimum program academic requirements and satisfactory completion of all skills to remain in the program.

Clinical sites may require a criminal records check, drug testing or other requirements before students are allowed to participate at their facility.

Technical Standards

Students entering the program must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in the admissions office and in the program handbook.

View MLT Technical Standards (PDF)

Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards may contact the Coordinator for Special Needs and Counseling at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.

Contact Us

For more information, call the Medical Laboratory Technology department at 336-506-4197.

print Medical Laboratory Technology • Semester by Semester

The MLT curriculum consists of three phases. Each phase must be completed before progression into the next phase.

Phase 1

Phase I includes the the first two semesters of study. The courses in Phase I can be arranged in any sequence as long as specific prerequisites are met for each course. All courses in Phase I meet on the ACC Carrington-Scott Campus in Graham with the exception of MLT110, which is taught in the LabCorp Orange Drive facility in Elon.

Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
BIO-111 General Biology I 6 4
BIO-111   General Biology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-097 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 OR RED-090 ENG-090 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050

This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels.

Register for this class
MLT-110 Introduction to Mlt 5 3
MLT-110   Introduction to Mlt PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050

This course introduces all aspects of the medical laboratory profession. Topics include health care/laboratory organization, professional ethics, basic laboratory techniques, safety, quality assurance, and specimen collection. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of laboratory operations and be able to perform basic laboratory skills.

Register for this class
MLT-115 Laboratory Calculations 2 2
MLT-115   Laboratory Calculations PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA 010, 020, 030, 040, 050

This course is designed to present mathematical operations used in the medical laboratory. Topics include use of basic math processes, systems of measurement, conversion factors, solutions, and dilutions. Upon completion, students should be able to solve practical problems in the context of the medical laboratory.

Register for this class
PSY-150 General Psychology 3 3
PSY-150   General Psychology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • ENG 080 and RED 080 or DRE-097

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology.

Register for this class
ENG-111 Writing and Inquiry 3 3
ENG-111   Writing and Inquiry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.

Register for this class
Semester Total 19 15
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
CHM-130 General, Organic, & Biochemistry 3 3
CHM-130   General, Organic, & Biochemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 and ENG-080 RED-080 or DRE-096 Take 1 group; # Take MAT-060 ENG-111(S13673); # Take MAT-060 ENG-080 RED-080; # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 ENG-080 RED-080; # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 ENG-111(S13673); # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DRE-096(S23641);

This course provides a survey of basic facts and principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. Topics include measurement, molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, gas laws, and the structure, properties, and reactions of major organic and biological groups. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical concepts.

Register for this class
CHM-130A General, Organic, & Biochemistry Lab 2 1
CHM-130A   General, Organic, & Biochemistry Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 and ENG-080 RED-080 or DRE-097; co-req CHM 130

This course is a laboratory for CHM 130. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in CHM 130. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize basic laboratory procedures and apply them to chemical principles presented in CHM 130.

Register for this class
Choose one of the following:
ENG-115 Oral Communication 3 3
ENG-115   Oral Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-096

This course introduces the basic principles of oral communication in both small group and public settings. Emphasis is placed on the components of the communication process, group decision-making, and public address. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the principles of effective oral communication in small group and public settings.

Register for this class
COM-231 Public Speaking (* Students seeking a university transfer option should take COM231 and CHM131/131A, CHM132 sequence) 3 3
COM-231   Public Speaking PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • RED-070 or DRE-096

This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support.

Register for this class
Humanities Elective 3 3
MLT-116 Anatomy & Medical Terminology 5 5
MLT-116   Anatomy & Medical Terminology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DRE-098 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050

This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body and medical terminology relevant to medical laboratory technology. Emphasis is placed on the structure and function of cells, tissues, human organ systems, and related terminology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of fundamental anatomy and physiology principles and application of terminology.

Register for this class
Semester Total 16 15

Phase 2

Phase II MLT courses include the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory. These courses are taught in eight-week modules. Students enter Phase II into the module that is being offered at the time of entry and cycle through the four Phase II modules in sequence.

All Phase II modules are taught in the MLT student laboratory in the LabCorp Orange Drive facility in Elon. With the exception of the Clinical Chemistry/Urinalysis module, each course in the module is the prerequisite for the next course in the module.

Summer Term: 1 module
Fall and Spring semesters: 2 modules each

Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
MLT-140 Introduction to Microbiology 5 3
MLT-140   Introduction to Microbiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-110;

This course introduces basic techniques and safety procedures in clinical microbiology. Emphasis is placed on the morphology and identification of common pathogenic organisms, aseptic technique, staining techniques, and usage of common media. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension in performing and interpreting basic clinical microbiology procedures.

Register for this class
MLT-240 Special Clinical Microbiology 5 3
MLT-240   Special Clinical Microbiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take MLT-140

This course is designed to introduce special techniques in clinical microbiology. Emphasis is placed on advanced areas in microbiology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension in performing and interpreting specialized clinical microbiology procedures.

Register for this class
MLT-251 MLT Practicum I 3 1
MLT-251   MLT Practicum I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-240;

This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence on final clinical evaluations.

Register for this class
Module Total 13 7
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
MLT-120 Hematology/Hemostasis I 6 4
MLT-120   Hematology/Hemostasis I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-110;

This course introduces the theory and technology used in analyzing blood cells and the study of hemostasis. Topics include hematology, hemostasis, and related laboratory testing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension of hematology/hemostasis, perform diagnostic techniques, and correlate laboratory findings with disorders.

Register for this class
MLT-220 Hematology/Hemostasis II 5 3
MLT-220   Hematology/Hemostasis II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-120;

This course covers the theories and techniques used in the advanced analysis of human blood cells and hemostasis. Emphasis is placed on the study of hematologic disorders, abnormal cell development and morphology, and related testing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a theoretical comprehension and application of abnormal hematology and normal and abnormal hemostasis.

Register for this class
Module Total 11 7
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
MLT-126 Immunology and Serology 3 2
MLT-126   Immunology and Serology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-110

This course introduces the immune system and response and basic concepts of antigens, antibodies, and their reactions. Emphasis is placed on basic principles of immunologic and serodiagnostic techniques and concepts of cellular and humoral immunity in health and disease. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension and application in performing and interpreting routine immunologic and serodiagnostic procedures.

Register for this class
MLT-127 Transfusion Medicine 5 3
MLT-127   Transfusion Medicine PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-126

This course introduces the blood group systems and their applications in transfusion medicine. Emphasis is placed on blood bank techniques including blood grouping and typing, pretransfusion testing, donor selection and processing, and blood component preparation and therapy. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension and application in performing/interpreting routine blood bank procedures and recognizing/resolving common problems.

Register for this class
MLT-225 Immunohematology II 5 3
MLT-225   Immunohematology II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-127

This course is designed to supplement the theoretical concepts presented in MLT 125. Emphasis is placed on special immunological and blood banking techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and differentiate technical and physiological causes of unexpected test results.

Register for this class
Module Total 13 8
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
MLT-130 Clinical Chemistry I 6 4
MLT-130   Clinical Chemistry I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-110;

This course introduces the quantitative analysis of blood and body fluids and their variations in health and disease. Topics include clinical biochemistry, methodologies, instrumentation, and quality control. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension of clinical chemistry, perform diagnostic techniques, and correlate laboratory findings with disorders.

Register for this class
MLT-111 Urinalysis & Body Fluids 4 2
MLT-111   Urinalysis & Body Fluids PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT- 110

This course introduces the laboratory analysis of urine and body fluids. Topics include physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of the urine and body fluids. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension in performing and interpreting urinalysis and body fluid tests.

Register for this class
Module Total 10 6

Phase 3

Phase III consists of two, eight-week modules (16 total weeks) of clinical practicum at an area hospital, clinic, and/or reference laboratory. Students communicate regularly with MLT faculty to discuss progress in the clinical practicum and prepare for the certification examination.

Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
MLT-266 MLT Practicum II 18 6
MLT-266   MLT Practicum II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT-111 MLT-130 MLT-220 MLT-225 MLT 251;

This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence on final clinical evaluations.

Register for this class
Module Total 18 6
Course
Number
Course
TITLE
contact
hours
Credit
hours
MLT-276 MLT Practicum III 18 6
MLT-276   MLT Practicum III PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • MLT 266

This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence on final clinical evaluations.

Register for this class
Module Total 18 6
Course
Number
Course
Title
contact
hours
Credit
hours
TOTAL CREDITS 70

Upon graduation students are eligible to work in clinical laboratories in hospitals, physicians’ offices, health departments, clinics, reference labs and other related areas.