Medical Laboratory technicians perform routine clinical laboratory tests in areas such as clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, immunology, immunohematology/transfusion medicine, microbiology, urine and body fluid analysis and laboratory operations.

They perform waived tests, point of care analysis and complex analysis on various specimens. Medical Laboratory Technicians possess basic knowledge and skills regarding the application of safety and governmental compliance, principles and practices of professional conduct, and the significance of continuing professional development as well as having sufficient communications to serve the needs of patients, the public and members of the healthcare team.

1. This is a two-year program that offers many career paths
2. This program prepares students to be employed immediately after graduation in area hospital labs
3. This profession has a very strong job outlook

Students will:

• properly collect, process and analyze biological specimens
• safely and accurately perform analytical procedures, recognize factors affecting results and take the appropriate action
• be eligible for national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician by successfully completing the examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification
• be eligible to sit for the NYS Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician Licensing Examination

Note: Several essential movement, observational, communication, intellectual and behavioral functions are required to complete the objectives of the courses in the program and to perform the necessary duties required of a medical laboratory technician. A detailed listing of these essential functions is included in the MLT admissions packet and is discussed at the pre-admission orientation session.

In the third and fourth semesters, you will be assigned to a clinical lab for training alongside a professional.

Clinical rotations are done for all disciplines of the lab for a minimum of 300 hours.

All MLTs working in the State of New York must be licensed.

You will be certified and NYS licensed when you take and successfully pass the ASCP exam.

Academic Requirements

• High school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) diploma
• Eligible to take ENG 101 (Freshman English I)
• Eligible to take MAT 102 (Intermediate Algebra)
• Students must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Department-Specific Requirements:

• Attendance at a pre-admission orientation. At this orientation, students will receive and sign off on information pertaining to health forms, drug testing, and criminal record policies.

Note: Admission to this program is selective. In addition to an application to the College, students must apply for acceptance into this program through the Admissions Office. Consideration for admission is based on the completion of all mandatory academic and departmental-specific requirements, highest combination of CGPA and credits completed towards the degree, Orange County residency and seat availability. All requirements must be completed and an eligibility form must be submitted to the Admissions Office before February 1 in order for a student to be considered for acceptance into this program for the Fall semester.

This degree program prepares students for immediate entry into the workplace. Consult the CLS department for more information regarding further educational opportunities in this profession.

Career opportunities exist in the following fields:

• hospitals
• doctors’ offices
• reference laboratories
• food/cosmetic industries
• pharmaceuticals
• veterinary laboratories
• research
• sales and marketing
• industry
• forensics
• teaching
• management
• field service
• information technology

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The MLT program is competitive and has more applicants than available seats. The application deadline is February 1 for Fall admission.  Interested students must attend one of the two mandatory pre-admission sessions offered in the Fall semester. Once accepted into the program, there is a mandatory orientation session in the Spring. Health assessments, drug screenings and background checks are required for all students in the health professions.