Medical Laboratory Technician, A.A.S.

A new class of up to 16-18 students is admitted into the TCC Medical Laboratory Technology Program each year beginning in August.

You are required to complete all prerequisites before starting the second year. The second year is full-time and consists only of Medical Laboratory Technology coursework. We invite you to see the program curriculum for the required prerequisites.

After successfully completing this program, you will have the ability to:

• Perform a full range for testing in the contemporary medical laboratory encompassing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services.
• Perform routine clinical laboratory tests with accuracy and precision in a lab setting.
• Perform advanced laboratory procedures in a clinical setting.
• Exhibit professional conduct in an educational and clinical setting.
• Interpret and relay information to the appropriate healthcare member, patient, or public.
• Apply principles of safety and regulatory compliance in the laboratory.
• Recognize the role of continuous professional development in maintaining certification and the assurance of quality healthcare.

See what's needed to enroll in this program. Explore requirements in our catalog for more information.

Degree Requirements

Plan your journey through the program. Find detailed course information in our catalog.

Program Map

The applicant pool for programs in the School of Health Sciences is very competitive. An application does not mean acceptance into the Health Sciences program. 

Applicants are required to meet with a School of Health Sciences advisor before they apply to a program and may be required to attend an orientation for the Allied Health-related programs. All application correspondence from the School of Health Sciences will be through your TCC email.

Apply to Program

Medical Laboratory Technician Technical Standards

Technical standards are the essential non academic requirements of the program that a student must be able to master in order to successfully participate in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program and become employable. If you are not sure that you will be able to meet these technical standards, please consult with the Accessibility Resources for further information and to discuss your individual situation.

Examples of the program's technical standards:

A. Physical Requirements

1. A student in the MLT program must possess sufficient visual skills to perform and interpret laboratory assays, including the ability to:
   • Read calibration lines on pipettes and laboratory instruments that are one millimeter apart.
   • Distinguish between solutions that are clear, opaque or particulate in test tubes and/or on glass slides.
   • Identify stained and unstained cellular components in the range of one micrometer using a binocular bright field microscope.
   • Differentiate color reactions.
2. A student must possess the ability to successfully navigate around the laboratory and hospital.
3. A student must have the ability to carry and lift objects weighing up to 15 pounds.

B. Manipulative requirements a student in the MLT program must possess adequate manipulative skills to perform a variety of laboratory assays, including the ability to:

1. Turn dials, press keyboards, and move switches on laboratory instruments.

By completing the MLT application, you verify that you can meet all of these functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S., Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical laboratory technicians is projected to grow 7-10% over the next 10 years. In Oklahoma that rate is much higher. 

The starting salary for new graduates will vary by employer, but the following is the average starting salary for the last three years of TCC Medical Laboratory Technician Graduates:

Note: If students have a previous bachelor's degree these salaries may increase by up to 10% depending on the employer. Salaries vary with geographic location and the clinical practice setting. Increased salaries likely will be available based on experience and/or shift differential (2nd or 3rd shift).

Students looking to pursue a bachelor's may bridge to MLS Programs upon completing the MLT program at TCC. Upon completion of an MLS program, an expected increase of $6,500 to $10,000 a year can be expected on top of the MLT listed salaries.

At TCC we currently have a 100% job placement rate for our MLT graduates. Many students receive job offers prior to completing the program. The market demand is not only high in Oklahoma but also in most states. We encourage future students to search the job market in Tulsa and the surrounding areas to see for themselves.

Job Data

Our students have been hired at the following Oklahoma Hospitals, and many others not listed:

• LabCorp (Formerly Regional Medical Laboratory)
• St. John Medical Center
• Saint Francis South
• Saint Francis Muskogee
• Stillwater Medical Center
• Hillcrest South
• Hillcrest Claremore
• Saint Francis Hospital
• Hillcrest Medical Center
• St. John Broken Arrow
• Northeastern Health System, Tahlequah
• Warren Clinics
• Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma, OKC
• Oklahoma Indian Health Services

Certification in other states:

Since MLT and MLS certifications are National Certifications, our students have successfully found employment in the following states without needing any additional certification:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California¹
• Colorado
• Florida¹
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Mexico
• New York¹
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington

¹States require state licensure, but MLT ASCP certification covers the educational requirements and the licensure is simply a state application and fee. No additional education or examination is required.

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

As a requirement of our accreditation with NAACLS we must maintain minimum benchmark standards for: Graduation Rate, ASCP National Board Exam Pass Rate, and Job Placement rates.

At TCC we have set Program Goals for these three benchmarks as well that include individual year outcomes. The Goals we set are meant to exceed the minimum standard as we want our MLT program to have a very high standard for student success.

The following NAACLS benchmark standards and TCC Goal expectations are include in our MLT Outcomes for the last four years.

MLT Programs Goals

• 75% of students will graduate from the program each year.
• 90% of graduates will pass the ASCP certification examination.
• 90 % of graduates will be employed in a related job within 6 months of graduation.

NAACLS Benchmarks

• Three years consecutive results of graduation rates demonstrating an average of at least 70%.
• Three years consecutive results of graduate certification rates demonstrating an average of at least 75% pass rate on the ASCP-BOC examination.
• Three years consecutive results of graduate placement rates demonstrating that an average of at least 70%.

Outcomes for NAACLS Benchmarks and TCC Goals

Mission and Purpose

Philosophy, Mission Statement, Program Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes.

Philosophy

The TCC Medical Laboratory Technician program endeavors to train individuals technically and academically to perform laboratory testing competently and to function as professionals on a health team in attitude, ethics and appearance, always keeping patient care as the primary concern. The curriculum provides preparation in general theory and training in practical skill in those competencies consistent with the profession.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the TCC Medical Laboratory Technician Program is to enable individuals to enter the health care community as medical laboratory technicians.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Tulsa Community College is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The graduates of this program receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science and are eligible to apply for the National Board Examination.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program; Tulsa Community College is accredited by:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Sciences 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773-714-8880
NAACLS website

What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine clinical laboratory testing using analytical instruments and other methods to provide scientific data needed in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease.

How many students do you admit to your program each year?

We admit 16-18 students each an academic year starting in the Fall semester (August).

How competitive is admission?

We generally accept 16-18 students out of 24-30 applicants. Only students ready to enter the second MLT year are interviewed and selected.

When do I know if I am accepted?

If you are qualified for admission to enter the second MLT year, we set up interviews in April and admit students into the program from late April all the way until June 1st. If you are taking required classes in the Spring semester then we must wait for those grades to be posted in order to count them in our ranking system.

When does the MLT program start?

We start the Fall semester of each year in August. On occasion we offer a class in the summer prior if it benefits the incoming MLT class.

Must I complete all the prerequisites before applying to the MLT program?

No, as a matter of fact we want you to apply to the MLT program as soon as possible so we can monitor and assist you in sequencing and completing your prerequisite courses.

If you have taken prerequisite courses at a different institution please make sure you submit official transcripts to TCC so they can be reviewed.

If you would like the Program Director to review them prior to being uploaded by TCC make sure you bring or email a copy of your transcripts to the Program Director. The Program Director can make recommendations using the transcripts you bring or email but an official copy will still need to be turned into the college.

Is the program two years or one year? I hear it is a 1+1 program, what does that mean?

Our program is unique and is called a 1+1 program. The first year is considered the prerequisite year and students take that time to complete all the prerequisites. You can complete these on a part-time or full-time basis. The second year, which we refer to as the MLT year is by acceptance only and is full-time with the cohort of students progressing through the courses at the same time. One accepted into the second MLT year the program is only 11-12 months until completion and graduation.

We do this so that once students enter the program they can be graduated, board eligible and employed within one year.

When am I qualified for admissions into the second MLT year?

You must have the all the prerequisites completed by the time you start the second MLT year in the Fall. You can take prerequisite classes over the summer after being accepted as long as the courses you take only consist of one science prerequisite. You must have the 3/4 of your science courses completed by the spring so that we can use those grades in your rankings.

Can any of your prerequisites or program classes be substituted with other classes or work experience?

Most general education courses (English, Biology, etc.) can have a course substituted from another institution as long as the course descriptions and hours match. These substitutions can be discussed with an academic advisor. However, if you wish to have the Program Director review your transcripts they can usually assist in the substitution process.

Phlebotomy courses MDLT 1203 and MDLT 1222 can be waived if the student has previous phlebotomy experience. If the student does not have previous phlebotomy experience then MDLT 1203 must be taken but MDLT 1222 may be waived on an individual basis. Please see the Program Director for further information.

MLT specific courses other then phlebotomy can not be substituted or waived and must be completed at TCC.

What are the practicum requirements?

Our clinical practicum requirements are 600 hours. This consists of 15 weeks 40 hours a week. Clinicals are at the end of the program so once completed students can immediately transition into the workforce.

We have one of the shortest clinical requirements in the region because our lab at TCC allows us to train and perform the majority of clinical testing, therefore reducing clinical time.

Can I choose the Laboratory for my practicum experience or do my practicum where I work if I already work in a lab?

Clinical site assignments are determined by the MLT Clinical Coordinator. The Clinical Coordinator inquires with every student clinical site preference, area of residence, main mode of transportation and other important factors for selection of clinical sites. The Clinical Coordinator makes every effort to accommodate student site requests.

However, in certain circumstances we cannot accommodate all requests or preferences.

Although we prefer students do their clinical practicum in a lab in which they do not currently work, certain occasions would allowable. If this was the case certain rules would be established to distinctively differentiate the unpaid practicum hours from work hours. Per accreditation and under TCC policy a student cannot be paid during clinical practicum hours. Even with established rules we may not be able to accommodate all clinical practicum rotations at a lab in which a student works. In those cases, the students must complete their other rotations at a different location.

What happens if while I am going through my practicum rotations, the clinical site decides to discontinue training students?

Although we have never had this happened before, in the case of the clinical site discontinuing student training we would find an additional clinical location for the student to complete their training. If a site was not immediately available for that semester then an Incomplete will be given until time that another clinical site could be found.

It is important to know that discontinue of training by a clinical site due to conduct or disciplinary reasons may or may not constitute a clinical reassignment. See the TCC MLT handbook and Student Handbook for student code of conduct for any issues associated with conduct.

What is the completion rate for your program?

See our Program Outcomes for completion rates.

What kind of certification am I eligible for with your program?

Since the MLT program at TCC is NAACLS accredited students are immediately eligible for the ASCP national certification exam.

ASCP stands for the American Society for Clinical Pathology and is a well-known and respected credentialing agency for laboratory personnel. Upon graduation from TCC and successfully passing the ASCP exam you will be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician, written as such: MLT(ASCP). You will be able to use this credential behind your name.

See our Program Outcomes for ASCP pass rates.

What is the employment rate for graduates from your program?

See our Program Outcomes for placement (employment) rates our Employment Outlook & Job Data for additional information.

Our current employment rates are 100% for the last four years. The job market is very good for laboratory professionals. The MLT program and TCC will assist you in finding a job.

How much will I make as a MLT

This varies by location and by shift. Averages yearly income for Associate Degree Entry Level MLT’s in Eastern Oklahoma is $33,500-36,500 a year for day shift.

If you are working a shift other then day shift (evenings, nights) then the normal shift differential is 10% in additional salary, $37,000-40,000 a year.

These are averages for entry level MLT’s in Eastern Oklahoma. Some may be lower or higher depending on area or additional education. Average 5-year post graduation salaries are between $40,000- 48,000 a year. Additional certifications will result in higher salaries.

Are any courses online or blended?

Yes, Some. Most of the prerequisites are available online or blended. Phlebotomy courses are always blended with minimum time on campus.

MLT specific courses are mostly on-campus with MDLT 2002 and MDLT 2222 both blended. Clinical courses are always off-campus at a designated hospital location.

I work full or part-time, would I be able to do the program?

Yes, many of our students work part-time, some full-time. We try and limit our classes during the week to accommodate the best we can, but there are still on-campus requirements. Once clinicals start they are full-time. Almost all MLT programs are full-time clinicals. However, clinicals are at the end of the program and by this time most our students are transitioning into MLT careers.

Can I transfer with this degree?

Yes, as a matter of fact many schools have what is called a 2+2 program which allows you to complete your Bachelor’s degree while working as an MLT and taking classes online or blended. Students are then eligible so sit for the MLS certification which is the 4-year certification.

Are there other certifications after MLT?

Yes, many certification options. Students can advance themselves through education and certification. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has many different certifications. We encourage students to visit American Society for Clinical Pathology to learn more about all the certifications and advancement opportunities a clinical laboratory career can offer.

What if I already have a degree?

Many of our students already have degrees (Associate, Bachelor's and even Master's) and are coming back to school for a career change or a more stable work environment.

Students can use previous education to benefit themselves, obtain higher salaries and qualify for additional ASCP certifications with work experience. Education is never wasted.

How much does the program cost?

The program director can assist you in determining your remaining hours and approximate cost of the program. Since tuition can change year to year it is difficult to post a single cost online.

Does the program qualify for financial aid?

Yes, as do most programs at TCC. Please see a financial aid counselor.

How do I get Started?

Glad you asked! Apply to the Program and contact the Program Director with your questions.