Associate of Applied Technology Degree
Prepares students to work in clinical laboratories performing routine analyses on blood and body fluids.
During the academic phase (spring and summer quarters and three weeks of fall quarter), students are on campus in a simulated clinical laboratory; study focuses on the theory of laboratory testing of body fluids. Basic skills, normal values, the significance of abnormal values, and quality control are emphasized. Normal human anatomy and physiology and the changes that occur in disease states are also studied. Students may have the opportunity to meet with clinical site representatives through field trips and/or the meet and greet. Students will provide instructions to students from Osaka Jikei during a “hands-on” lab experience during the cultural event.
During the clinical phase (fall and winter quarters), students are assigned to affiliated clinical laboratories in the Puget Sound area. Each student rotates through all the departments of the clinical laboratory, spending appropriate lengths of time in each.
The affiliated laboratory assigns eight- or nine-hour day shifts during the clinical phase. Some clinical sites may also assign 1-2 weeks of either swing or night shifts as part of the clinical phase. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to take the ASCP Medical Laboratory Technician certification examination, qualifying them for employment as a medical laboratory technician with professional recognition of having achieved MLT (ASCP) status.
Included in this program are academic courses in communication, English, math, and social sciences (psychology) that provide knowledge and abilities that enhance personal development and serve as a foundation for technical skills. Please refer to the Program Course list for details.
Students are required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations. Quarterly-based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the Advising and Counseling Office.
No student will be allowed at a clinical site without proof of insurance.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Technician degree, students will:
- Perform routine laboratory testing by following standard operating procedures in the laboratory.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public.
- Recognize and act upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
- Recognize and evaluate normal and/or abnormal patient test results, and understand which confirmatory testing is needed.
- Demonstrate an understanding of safety hazards and precautions and identify symbols.
- Relate laboratory findings to common disease.
- Monitor quality control within predetermined limits.
- Recognize pre-analytical, post-analytical, and analytical variables and corrective measures.
Students must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation. Students must receive a 76 percent or better in all technical courses to satisfy graduation requirements. Students must receive a “C” or better to meet the requirements for their general core required classes. Upon successful completion of the MLT program, students will achieve an Associate in Applied Technology (AAT).
Granting of degree is not contingent upon the students passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.
Program Accreditation
This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences:
5600 N. River Road
Suite 720
Rosemont IL 60018
847-939-3547
Employability Requirements
Graduates are required to pass a national certification exam (ASCP) prior to employment. Prior to being allowed to perform clinical rotations, students must pass a background check. Current immunizations and American Health Association CPR Health Care Provider card are also required.
Physical Requirements
Students must be able to safely lift and carry objects up to 40 lbs. and stand for long periods of time. Frequent standing, walking, grasping, and carrying. The ability to read charts, instrument displays, and printed words on paper or a computer monitor. Must also be able to distinguish gradients of colors and interpret microscopic and macroscopic details.
Program Length
This program is approximately four quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements. The program courses are offered in two phases: approximately 23 weeks of academics and approximately 19 weeks of clinical experience. The MLT program currently runs in a hybrid schedule during the academic portion of the MLT program.
Admission Dates
Spring Quarter.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. College-level courses in both biology with a lab and chemistry with a lab passed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better. Students will be required to pass a colorblind test. The colorblind test should be done by a medical professional such as a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, and the results submitted on or before the first day of school. Speaking, understanding, and writing the English language are required. To enter the program, a student must meet the prerequisites for college-level reading, writing, and math. In order to participate in the clinical aspect of the program, students must receive a “No Record On File” report related to crimes against persons from the Washington State Patrol and pass a comprehensive national background check. A non-refundable fee is charged to each student for the background check. Additionally, students must have current immunizations or laboratory verification of immune status by the end of spring quarter. This includes, but is not limited to, Hepatitis B series, which includes a follow-up positive titer, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertusus (TDap), Tuberculosis Test, Measles/Mumps/Rubella MMR, and Varicella as required by contracts with clinical facilities and CDC recommendations. Proof of immunizations is required by the last day of class in spring quarter, without exception. CPR certification from the American Heart Association with the designation “Health Care Provider” is required prior to commencing clinical rotation. Students are required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations. Quarterly-based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the Advising and Counseling Office.
Program Course List
| MLT 110 | Introduction to the Laboratory | 2 |
| MLT 205 | Hematology | 11 |
| MLT 207 | Hemostasis | 4 |
| MLT 209 | Phlebotomy/Processing | 4 |
| MLT 211 | Immunology | 5 |
| MLT 215 | Immunohematology | 5 |
| MLT 220 | Clinical Blood Banking | 6 |
| MLT 217 | Microbiology | 10 |
| MLT 218 | Urinalysis | 3 |
| MLT 222 | Body Fluids | 2 |
| MLT 228 | Clinical Chemistry | 7 |
| MLT 233 | Clinical Experience I | current CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association |
| MLT 237 | Clinical Experience II | current CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association |
| MLT 239CAP | Clinical Experience III | current CPR for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association |
ENGL& 101
| | 5 |
MATH& 146
| | 5 |
PSYC& 100DIV
| | 5 |
| COLL 102 | College Success for All | 3 |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 106 |
Computer Literacy Requirements: Complete an approved computer literacy course or successfully pass the computer literacy exam