Medical Laboratory Technology

Medical Laboratory Technology is a field for people who are interested in science and working with their hands. Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) are detail-oriented problem solvers. They want to help patients in a medical setting but prefer to have limited patient contact.  MLT’s enjoy working with their hands, technical instruments, and communicating with other medical professionals. This medical laboratory role is challenging and requires life-long learning.

The Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology degree prepares students to be able to perform laboratory tests automated and manual testing following detailed instructions; trains and educates students to analyze human blood, body fluids, or tissue samples to detect and diagnose diseases using microscopes, blood analyzers, and other scientific equipment. An MLT is also qualified to analyze data and relay the results to physicians after testing and examining a specimen. This data obtained can be utilized by healthcare providers to diagnosis, treat, and prevent illnesses. 

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology – Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) exam.  To be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician the graduate must pass the ASCP-BOC generalist certification examination. The cost of completing this examination is not included in the cost of tuition for the program. Becoming a MLT (ASCP) will help them procure employment in hospital and private laboratories (clinical or research) or physician office labs.

Admissions Information

Specific Admission Requirements for Program

The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program is a limited-access program. All applicants must meet college admission requirements published deadline. However, meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the MLT program. An applicant who receives notification that she/he was not admitted to the MLT program must resubmit the MLT Program Application by the published application deadline to be considered for admission to the next available class. These applicants should check with Admissions to determine if HGTC Admission information requires updating. A waiting list of applicants is not maintained.

30 days prior to the first semester you must complete:

• Criminal Background Check - felony or misdemeanor convictions could result in applicants being ineligible to complete the program.
• Submit a Health Sciences Division Student Health Record Form indicating the candidate has the ability to perform the physical tasks required in the program.

30 days prior to the fourth semester student must complete:

• Criminal Background Check - felony or misdemeanor convictions could result in applicants being ineligible to complete the program.
•  Urine Drug Screen
•  Completion of the General Hospital Orientation (GHO)
•  Proof of CPR certification for Health Care Providers

GPA of 2.0 or higher on all required General Education and support courses, with "C" or higher in each course. These courses include: BIO 112 (5 year time limit), CHM 105, ENG 101, MAT 120, PSY 201 and Humanities. Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA must be maintained with no academic or disciplinary suspension at time of admission or program entry.

Note: The MLT program does not accept experiential credit for courses with an MLT prefix. 

Student must have reliable transportation for rotations to different clinical sites in Horry and Georgetown counties.

To be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician the graduate must pass the ASCP-BOC generalist certification examination. The cost of completing this examination is not included in the cost of tuition for the program.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for all MLT-prefixed courses for progression and graduation.

Student Resources

• Cost of Attendance
• MLT Program Cost
• FERPA
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)

Admissions Forms

• MLT Application Process
• STEPS Session

Other Important Forms

• Background Check
• MLT Student Handbook
• MLT Clinical Rotation Handbook
• Essential Functions Proclamation Form
• Clinical Requirements

For more information, contact:
Sandra Wetter - 843-477-2144

Accreditation Status

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is seeking accreditation from NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences), 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont IL  60018-5119; ph: 773.714.8880; fx: 773.714.8886; info@naacls.org.

For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.

Student Outcomes Information

View Student Outcomes Information

Mission Statement

To provide a student - centered environment for the development of professional attributes, technical abilities, and critical thinking skills expected of entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians.  The graduate will have acquired the knowledge, skills, and professional experiences for success in achieving their career and educational goals and will work as effective MLT’s in their local communities.  Upon completion of the program, the graduate earns an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Medical Laboratory Technology and is eligible to take the ASCP National Certification Examination.

Program Disclosure Statement

Applicants to the Medical Laboratory Technology program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.

Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities

On a typical day, a medical laboratory technician will perform components of a variety of treatment procedures, including:

• Test biological specimens collected from patients.
• Use microscopes, automated analyzers, and computerized instruments.
• Analyze tests results to detect diseases.
• Communicate with Physicians about diagnoses and treatments for patients.

Employment opportunities can be found in the following settings:

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment resources.

 

Required Courses and Sample Schedules

*May substitute BIO 210 for BIO 112, and CHM 110 for CHM 105.
**Recommended students take PHI 110 for Humanities/Fine Arts elective. For transfer to senior institutions, students should select HIS 201 for Humanities/Fine Arts to satisfy Reach Act requirements.

COURSE TIME LIMITS:

• 5-year time limit (or 10-year time limit, if the student has a Bachelor's or Master's degree) on BIO 112, BIO 210, CHM 105, and CHM 110.
• 10-year time limit exists on  MAT 120.
• 2-year maximum time limit on all MLT courses.