Medical Laboratory Technician E-Degree
Before you begin this E-Degree, it is strongly recommended you complete 14 credits of prerequisite courses. Click here for more information and a full list of classes.
About the Medical Laboratory Technician Program
Medical Laboratory is a rewarding, stimulating field that is absolutely vital to the world of healthcare. Physicians determine treatment from objective clinical data, more than 70% of which comes from tests that Medical Laboratory Technicians perform on the patients’ samples. As a Medical Laboratory Technician you might:
- Use sophisticated lab equipment to perform analysis of various chemicals in blood and body fluids.
- Isolate bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms for identification and determine appropriate treatment options.
- Diagnose viral diseases in blood specimens using immunological techniques.
- Observe urine, bacteria, body fluids, and blood slides through a microscope to aid in diagnosis of various conditions.
- Use hematology analyzers to count and identify various blood cells.
- Determine kidney health and metabolic problems through chemical analysis of urine.
- Type, screen and crossmatch blood for transfusion.
- Test drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment.
Medical laboratory technicians also often interact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals to explain test results and answer specific questions.
On October 31, 2019, the Medical Laboratory Technician program received its certificate of accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL, 60018. (773)-714-8880. The 10-year accreditation will be up for renewal in 2029.
South Dakota does not require an additional licensure to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Those states that require an additional licensure to practice as an MLT include: California, Hawaii, Florida, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, Louisiana, Nevada, West Virginia, Montana, and Georgia. Puerto Rico also requires a licensure. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.
Phlebotomy Certification
Earning a phlebotomy certificate can be a valuable asset for those interested in entering or advancing in the healthcare field. Students will learn foundational phlebotomy skills including blood collection techniques, safety procedures, and communication skills. The curriculum also includes a 120-hour practicum in a hospital or clinic lab. Phlebotomy is a two-semester, 16.5-credit course with an on-campus option and a hybrid option. It is offered in the spring and fall semesters. Estimated cost of the phlebotomy certificate: $5,533.00.
How does an E-Degree work?
You will complete Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) courses online through Lake Area Tech’s online eLearning system. In addition, you will complete 8 hours of lab per course credit on the Lake Area Tech campus. So, in a 4 credit class, you can expect approximately 32 hours of on-campus lab training. After you finish all prerequisites and MLT coursework, you will complete a clinical practicum at an approved clinical site.
Why E-Degree?
Lake Area Tech E-Degrees are “hybrid” – an innovative blend of distance and on-campus learning. With hybrid education, you get maximum time/location flexibility and crucial lab experience.
How long will it take?
After completing the prerequisite courses, you should be able to complete the MLT-specific coursework in four semesters of part-time enrollment, followed by one semester of a full-time clinical practicum.
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Earning an online degree in Medical Laboratory Technician is possible! Give us a call today or contact us online with any questions you might have.