Program Overview
Medical Lab Technicians (MLTs) perform a wide variety of laboratory tests which aid the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. MLTs provide compatible blood components for transfusion, perform chemical analysis of body fluids, classify blood cells, and identify microorganisms. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, industry, research, and independent laboratories.
Specific information about the Medical Lab Technology program is available on the the Marion Technical College web site.
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the "Employment of medical records specialists (which includes medical coders) is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations." An increasing share of the population is entering older age groups, which typically require more medical services. In addition, there is a growing prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. As a result, more medical records specialists will be needed to translate patient information and services delivered into standardized codes (medical coding) to be used for insurance reimbursement and other purposes.
Professional Licensure Information
Students completing the Medical Laboratory Technology major are eligible to take the certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), 33 West Monroe, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603, 312-541-4999, www.ascp.org. Successful completion results in an MLT (ASCP) certification.
Accreditation
Rhodes State College and Marion Technical College are each accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60604
The MLT Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
(NAACLS, 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5519, 773-714-8880) www.naacls.org.
Requirements
Marion Technical College MLT Program Requirements – the program has limited enrollment
- Apply to Marion Technical College
- Provide transcripts from Rhodes State College with a 2.5 minimum accumulative grade point average (on 4.0 scale)
- See this link for all Application Requirements including:
- Complete observation minimum of four (4) observation hours, see MLT Application packet
- Submit MLT application packet
- Link for other program resources