The Associate of Applied Science Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program is designed to prepare students for employment in medical, clinical, research and public health laboratories. The technician collects or receives patient specimens, performs many general laboratory tests, records data, and reports results to physicians to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The MLT program combines academic general education with a concentration in basic life sciences, didactic studies in medical laboratory science, and clinical training at hospital laboratories. The program requires two years, (four semesters and one summer session) of full-time study. Students with previous college work may apply for advanced placement pending evaluation of transcripts. Upon completion of the academic and clinical requirements, students will be awarded an associate degree and become eligible to take the national certification examination. Students completing the MLT program may transfer up to sixty semester credit hours to the University of Nebraska Medical Technology program.

The Mid-Plains MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Phone: 773-714-8880. Website: www.naacls.org

Program Objectives

  • Possess the appropriate and necessary competencies for entry level employment in the medical laboratory.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate and necessary personal and work characteristics that contribute to effective job performance and relations.
  • Use appropriate and necessary communication skills to ensure success in job performance, job relations and job retention.
  • Apply the theory of technical specialization using critical thinking/reasoning while working independently.
  • Use mathematical data and reasoning skills in relation to the medical laboratory.
  • Be prepared to take external certification examinations.

Employment Opportunities

Medical laboratory technicians are employed by hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, veterinary clinics, research centers, colleges and universities, medical schools, government agencies, and industrial medical laboratories.

Employment rate of Mid-Plains Community College MLT graduates (within 6 months of graduation) is 100%.

Recommended Electives

Students wishing to pursue an Associate of Arts degree will have to complete additional general education requirements.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

The MLT program is a selective admission program. Upon contacting the MLT Program Director, prospective MLT students will undergo a screening process. Prior to admission to the MLT program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be able to meet essential functions (contact MLT Program Director for specific details)
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED to Mid-Plains Community College
  • Submit official college transcripts if other than Mid-Plains Community College
  • Fulfill Mid-Plains Community College General Admission Requirement
  • Complete application to Mid-Plains Community College specifying interest in MLT program
  • Submit MLT program application
  • Submit three letters of recommendation from teachers and/or current employers
  • Complete COMPASS/ESL® placement exam with minimum scores of: Writing – 74, Reading – 80, Pre-Algebra – 43
  • Submit a Pre-Entrance Medical Statement
  • Submit documentation of current immunizations or proof of immunity as required by the program.
  • Have satisfactory Criminal Background Check results
  • Schedule an interview with the MLT Program Director

All of the above admission requirements must be met prior to being accepted into the MLT program. Failure to respond to requests for information, incomplete files, or failure to meet deadlines will inactivate the application for MLT program admission. Approval for admission will be granted by MLT program faculty with the final approval decision resting with the MLT Program Director. After MLT program admission approval is granted, the student will be accepted into the first available class and receive written notification of acceptance.

*Clinical Practicums are conducted in hospital laboratories affiliated with the program for a period of 18 weeks (5 of these 18 weeks are in North Platte). Students must be prepared to drive or find lodging on their own to attend clinical practicum experience. Clinical site assignments are made by one of the following:

  1. Agreement among classmates for site choices.
  2. If no agreement can be reached, the Program Director will assign student sites. All program coursework must be successfully completed prior to beginning clinical practicums. Students must also obtain and maintain healthcare coverage during clinical practicum experience.