Delivery Method:  Lecture - On Campus or Online Synchronous
                                Lab - On Campus
Program Begins:  Fall Only

Program Description

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program is to provide a high quality, learning-centered education in medical laboratory theory and practice that maximizes student learning and makes students partners in their education.

Medical laboratory technicians, under supervision of a physician or medical laboratory scientist, perform general laboratory tests that aid medical providers in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Goals of the MLT program are to:

• Train competent MLTs with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level proficiency in all areas of medical laboratory science including:
  • Phlebotomy
  • Hematology
  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Immunohematology (Blood Banking)
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Urinalysis
• Provide a two-year associate degree program

The MLT program at BSC prepares a student for employment in a variety of career opportunities and/or acceptance to a 4-year MLS program. Students receive both theoretical and experiential study, including a 22-week rotation through one of its clinical affiliates: Sanford Health Laboratory or Northern Plains Laboratory in Bismarck, ND; CHI St. Joseph, Dickinson, ND; Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Glasgow, MT; Holy Rosary Healthcare Laboratory, Miles City, MT; Billings Clinic, Billings, MT; and Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT.

BSC’s MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018-5119. Phone:  773-714-8880.

Preparation

Medical laboratory science is a demanding field. Success depends on self-discipline, self-motivation, self-reliance, integrity and the ability to work independently to solve problems with the goal of producing accurate laboratory results under stressful conditions. A strong science background with high school classes in chemistry, biology and algebra is recommended.

Program Requirements

The MLT program is highly selective and has a limited enrollment of 17 students accepted each fall for entry. Selection depends upon academic preparation as well as early date of application. Deadline for application is August 1. The student is required to discuss the MLT curriculum with program officials prior to acceptance. Purpose of the discussion is to assist students in making the right career choice and to design a curriculum plan that affords him/her the greatest opportunity for success. Students are required to earn a “C” or better in all prescribed science, math and technology courses and a minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 for successful completion of the program.

Those completing the curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to become certified as a medical laboratory technician.

This program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service over non-covered persons. (20 CFR 1010)

Career Opportunities

A critical shortage of clinical laboratory professionals exists throughout the nation. MLTs are in demand in clinical and research facilities, public health laboratories, and blood donor collection and processing centers.

Additional Information

Since the BSC Medical Laboratory Technician program began in 1978, graduates have achieved a 97 percent first-time pass rate on the national board certification examination.