Medical Laboratory Technician - A.A.S. Degree (Career)
APPLICATION CODE 279
For curriculum information, contact the Health Sciences Division—Room HS-236—443-518-1560.
The Medical Laboratory Technician program is no longer admitting new students effective Fall 2021.
The Medical Laboratory Technician curriculum is designed for students who aspire to a career in the clinical laboratory setting or related fields such as veterinary labs, research, medical sales, forensics, environmental labs, public health, armed forces, or industry. Graduates may choose to start their careers and/or continue their education to achieve a bachelor’s degree at multiple colleges and universities in Maryland. Transfer students are advised to check the requirements for transfer courses. The Medical Laboratory Technician program is fully accredited with NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences), 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018, phone: 773-714-8880.
Suggested Summer Term
Suggested Semester 1
Suggested Winter Term
| SPCH 101 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| | OR | |
| SPCH 105 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| | OR | |
| SPCH 110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
Suggested Semester 2
Suggested Summer Term
| MLTS 206 | Clinical Microbiology II | 3 |
| MLTS 207 | Clinical Molecular and Immunological Concepts | 3 |
Suggested Semester 3
Students who intend to transfer to a college or university for a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or Medical Technology should take BIOL 200 Microbiology instead of BIOL 201 Genetics and BIOL 202 Genetics Laboratory.
Suggested Winter Term
Suggested Semester 4
| MLTS 251 | Chemistry Clinical Practice | 2 |
| MLTS 252 | Hematology Clinical Practice | 2 |
| MLTS 253 | Immunology/Immunohematology Clinical Practice | 2 |
| MLTS 254 | Microbiology Clinical Practice | 2 |
Total Credit Hours: 67
A grade of “C” or better is required in all MLT courses, prerequisite courses, and science courses in order to remain in the program. A grade of “B” or better is required in all MLT competency skill assessments in order to remain in the program. All general and MLTS prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to registering for clinical practice (MLTS 251, MLTS 252, MLTS 253, and MLTS 254).
The Medical Laboratory Technician program conducts the following 4 courses concurrently during the last spring semester of the program: MLTS 251, MLTS 252, MLTS 253, and MLTS 254. 9 hours per week are assigned to each course and therefor, approximately 36 hours per week for 15 weeks are dedicated to the clinical practice training. The hours and assignments will vary according to the activities conducted in the student lab and at the off-campus clinical sites.
Howard Community College's Health Sciences and Science, Engineering, and Technology divisions have joined together on an initiative to give each Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program student the opportunity to achieve a MLT AAS degree concurrently with a Biomedical Engineering certificate. These stackable credits hope to increase the employment marketability of the student after graduation. Students who are interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Admissions and Advising.
A graduate should be able to
- Demonstrate and evaluate proper techniques when performing blood collection procedures, with emphasis on personal and patient safety.
- Demonstrate proper handling of patients/specimens and evaluate situations that may cause adverse issues while employing strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Demonstrate competence with laboratory mathematics and quality control methodologies.
- Discuss and comply with medical regulations as related to medical ethics particularly with patient confidentiality.
- Demonstrate proper educational techniques, with emphasis on oral and written presentations.
- Demonstrate informational literacy and perform/present basic research, with emphasis on the use of computer technology.
- Analyze and interpret the clinical properties and components of blood and other body fluids.
- Evaluate normal versus abnormal results with focus on clinical correlation and quality assurance when testing components of blood and other body fluids.
- Evaluate and compare the different types of testing procedures used in the clinical laboratory, with special consideration of the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.
- Perform/interpret common laboratory procedures utilized in a clinical laboratory according to established good laboratory practice and indicate when follow-up testing is recommended.
- Demonstrate compliance with established professional and safety protocols.
- Demonstrate professionalism, strong communication skills, and a commitment to continuing education.
- Discuss the various roles of the MLT within the healthcare field as well as within the community, with emphasis on global awareness and diversity.