Medical Laboratory Technician
Are you interested in making $14.00 - $18.00 per hour? Are you interested in working in the healthcare field? Are you interested in working with people? If so then a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician / Clinical Laboratory Technician may be just what you are looking for.
What does a Medical Lab Technician do?
MLT's perform tests to obtain data that will be used by physicians and other medical staffs to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness. They are expected to microscopically examine specimens, operate automated testing equipment and inoculate culture media to identify bacteria. MLT's prepare specimens and operate automatic analyzers, or they may perform manual tests following detailed instructions.
Where do Medical Laboratory Technicians work?
MLT/CLT personnel work in hospital laboratories in the areas of hematology, blood-banking, microbiology, clinical chemistry, or as generalist in all the areas. They are also employed in physicians' offices, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies such as DHEC and veterinarians' offices.
Students need high school prep courses in algebra, biology and chemistry. A combined SAT score of 920, with at least a 480 in verbal and a 480 in math. The MLT/CLT clinical education program at FDTC terminates in as Associate Degree in Health Sciences. Technicians may advance to Medical Technologist after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. Graduate education in medical technology, one of the biological sciences, chemistry, management or education usually speeds advancement.
What kinds of courses would I take?
In addition to English, Math, Chemistry and Biology, students will take courses in Hematology, Urinalysis and Body Fluids and others. A complete guide to the program can be found in our catalog. See semester layout.
What do I need to do to get started?
You will need to complete an application for admission to the college, have a copy of any (college) transcripts sent to the Admissions Office along with your test scores (SAT or ACT). If you have not taken the SAT or ACT you can take the COMPASS placement test at FDTC. Contact the Assessment Center for additional information. See entrance requirements for required prerequisites and semester layout for the program.
A separate application is required for entry in to the MLT Program. Completed applications are due to the Program Director the last business day of March. See MLT Application Packet for instructions. A copy of your High School transcript should also be submitted with your application packet.
Students in health majors must meet the published clinical agency requirements when participating in assigned labs. Requirements include immunization, background checks and drug testing. To be in compliance with the S.C. Code of Law, all students enrolled in MLT 110 must complete the requirements listed above prior to be assigned to any direct care entity. Results of the background check/drug screening could affect the student’s ability to complete required clinical rotations and /or becoming credentialed. A”no rehire” status from any previous employment at an FDTC Clinical affiliate may disqualify the student from clinical training in the program and thereby result in dismissal from the program.
For information about the Medical Laboratory Technology program, and what FDTC can do for you, please contact one of our instructors:
Kathleen Hanrahan
MHA, BS, MT (ASCP)
MLT Department Head
Allied Health Department Head
843.661.8105
kathleen.hanrahan@fdtc.edu
Dawn Nelson
BS, MT (ASCP)
Instructor
843.661.8364
dawn.nelson@fdtc.edu
Medical Laboratory Technology Documents
Student Handbook | Academic Standards | Essential Functions
Medical Laboratory Technology Websites
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science www.naacls.org
8410 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Suite 670
Chicago, Il 60631-3415
American Medical Technologists www.amt1.com
National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards www.nccls.org
American Society of Clinical Pathologists www.ascp.org/index.asp
American Association of Blood Banks www.aabb.org
American Society of Hematology www.hematology.org
American Society for Microbiology www.asmusa.org
Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
American Association for Clinical Chemistry www.aacc.org
College of American Pathologists www.cap.org
Clinical Laboratory Management Association www.clma.org