Medical Laboratory Technician, A.A.S.

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 below is the average starting salary for the last 3 years of TCC MLT Graduates:

2020

Day Shift Positions: $42,500 per year
Evening or Night Positions: $45,500 per year

2021

Day Shift Positions: $43,250 per year
Evening or Night Positions: $46,000 per year

2022

Day Shift Positions: $44,250 per year
Evening or Night Positions: $47,125 per year

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 Tulsa Community College. 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.

Mission and Purpose

Philosophy, Mission Statement, Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Philosophy

The Tulsa Community College MLT 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 Medical Laboratory Technician Program is to enable individuals to enter the health care community as medical laboratory technicians.

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 Tulsa Community College 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 NAACLS benchmark standards and TCC Goal expectations are listed below and include our MLT Outcomes for the last 4 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

MLT Technical Standards

Technical standards are the essential nonacademic requirements of the program that a student must be able to master in order to successfully participate in the MLT Program and become employable. Examples of this program's technical standards are provided below. 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. By completing the MLT application, you verify that you can perform all of these functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. 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.
2. 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.

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 a year.

How competitive is admission?

We generally accept 16-18 students out of 24-30 applicants. Only students ready to enter the 2nd year are interviewed and selected.

When do I know if I am accepted?

If you are qualified for admission to enter the 2nd year (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 (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 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 turn in official transcripts to TCC so they can be reviewed.

If you would like to 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 2 years or 1 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 2nd 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 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 1 year.

When am I qualified for admissions into the 2nd year (MLT year)?

You must have the all the prerequisites completed by the time you start the 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 he 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 the TCC student code of conduct for any issues associated with conduct.

What is the completion rate for your program?

Our completion rates can be found in the Outcome tab on the MLT website.

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.

Our ASCP pass rates can be found in the Outcome tab on the MLT website.

What is the employment rate for graduates from your program?

Our placement (employment) rates can be found in the Outcome tab on the MLT website. You can also find additional information in the Employment Outlook tab on the MLT website.

Our current employment rates are 100% for the last 4 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/ 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 ascp.org 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 (Associates, Bachelors and even Masters) 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 Tulsa Community College. Please see a financial aid counselor.

How do I get Started?

Glad you asked!! Please see the getting started tab on the MLT website and contact the Program Director with your questions.