Medical Laboratory Technician

Work behind the scenes in medical settings.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Work behind the scenes in medical settings.

The Medical Laboratory Technician program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona offers exceptional educational experiences in the classroom and in clinical settings.

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) work as members of the healthcare team, performing laboratory procedures that aid in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Med Lab Techs perform blood collections, analyze blood and other body fluids, match blood for transfusions, and examine specimens for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms.

Successful students demonstrate an interest in science and mathematics, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task. The profession requires moral and intellectual integrity and a desire to contribute to quality healthcare.

Download MLT Admission Process and Checklist (PDF)
Download Phlebotomy Certificate Admission Process and Checklist (PDF)

The Medical Laboratory Technician program consists of five semesters (two fall and spring semesters and one summer term). The program requires clinical experiences at a laboratory off campus, which may involve travel to a site in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Iowa. Completion of all required courses with a grade of "C" or better is necessary to continue with the program.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). In addition, students may be eligible to transfer to the Medical Laboratory Science bachelor of science degree program at Winona State University.

The demand for Medical Laboratory Technicians is very strong. Employment in this field is expected to rise 16% from 2014 to 2024. The national median wage in 2016 was $50,930 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook).

Phlebotomy Certificate

For those seeking a shorter-term education pathway, MSC Southeast also offers a one-semester, 9-credit certificate in phlebotomy. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations and may work as lab assistants. In addition, having this certification can be an advantage in many other health care professions.

Major Offerings

Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS) View Classes
Winona - 67 cr
Phlebotomy (CERT) View Classes
Winona - 9 cr

Accreditation

The MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemount, IL 60018-5119
Phone number: 773-714-8880

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Outcomes & Opportunities

Program Learning Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:

Gain Knowledge:

Demonstrate comprehension of the technical and procedural aspects of laboratory tests.
Maintain an awareness of regulatory requirements, safety regulation and ethical standards of practice.
Correlate laboratory tests to disease processes.
Understand basic physiology, recognizing appropriate test selection and abnormal test results.

Develop Technical Skills:

Perform collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis.
Perform chemical, microbiologic, immunologic, hematologic, molecular and immunohematologic laboratory procedures that require limited independent judgment.
Use technology effectively.

Problem solve:

Recognize unexpected results and instrument malfunction and take appropriate action.
Prepare to take the examination administered by the Board of Certification under the direction of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Communicate:

Utilize effective oral and written communication skills.
Perform information processing.

Placement & Costs

View our job placement rate, certification pass rate, and graduation rate in the Program Outcome Measures (PDF) document.
Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Career Opportunities

Hospitals
Medical Clinics
Reference Laboratories
Public Health
Industry
Medical Research
Product Sales

Transfer Credits

Expand your opportunities. Learn how your credits can transfer to other colleges and universities.

College Articulated Transfer Agreements: Specific agreements between MSC Southeast and other institutions to accept transfer credits.
Minnesota Transfer: Transfer information provided by Minnesota State colleges and universities, Minnesota private colleges, and the University of Minnesota.
Transferology: A nationwide network to assist students in determining which courses will transfer.

Highlights & Instructors

Program Highlights

Medical laboratory technicians work "behind the scenes" providing vital information for patient care
The clinical experience allows students to explore different areas of the clinical laboratory
Successful completion of all program courses with a "C" or better
Our instructors are committed to student success

Instructors

Carol Cantlon earned her Master of Science degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree in 1979 from Viterbo University. She is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist through the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). She has worked many years in the healthcare setting as a bench technologist, microbiology supervisor and infection control practitioner. She is excited to teach future students the challenging field of clinical laboratory science.

Rebecca Lewellyn Beckmann earned her Master of Science degree in 2012 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Clinical Laboratory Science, a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1994, and an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technician in 2002 from Western Technical College. She is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist through the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). She has worked in the clinical laboratory setting for the past eleven years and has acted as a generalist, a blood bank supervisor and a lead technologist in microbiology. Previous to her work in the clinical setting she spent time working in research laboratories.

Academic Support

Shelly Cierzan

Minnesota State College Southeast is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. ADA accessible. MSC Southeast is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation. In addition, discrimination in employment base on membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is prohibited.

Minnesota State College Southeast
A member of Minnesota State

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 877-853-8324 or 507-453-2700.