Medical Laboratory Technology
AAS = Associate of Applied Science | 2 years

Medical Laboratory Technology AAS = Associate of Applied Science | 2 years

Application deadline is May 1


Medical laboratory technicians are critical to correctly diagnosing a patient. Every sample is different, and so are the results. Medical laboratory technicians can help solve mysteries by analyzing results. Approximately 70% of a physician’s medical decisions of any one patient are influenced by laboratory testing data. With continued growth in the medical profession, there is an increasing demand for highly skilled, well educated, and highly motivated professionals.  Approximately 5,000 lab personnel are graduating each year, but there are 12,000 needed annually.


Northark also offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology. Nearby clinical affiliates allow students to enjoy Northark's affordable tuition while taking MLT courses online.


The program is designed to prepare the student to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) examination for medical laboratory technicians after graduation. This examination certifies the applicant as a registered medical laboratory technician, MLT (ASCP). MLT Clinical Affiliates include Baxter Regional Medical Center - Mountain Home, Cox Health Branson - Branson, Mo., Johnson County Medical Center - Clarksville, Mercy Hospital Berryville - Berryville, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center - Harrison, Ozark Health Medical Center - Clinton and Stone County Medical Center - Mountain View.

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL  60018-5119. Phone: 773-714-8880 or at www.naacls.org.

Applications

You must submit a general Northark admissions application AND a health professions application to be considered for the program.

Transfer or Stackable Options

Northark has an agreement with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to allow students completing their MLT 2+2 degree plan to transfer to UAMS to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates of the MLT program will be able to demonstrate entry level proficiency and competency in collecting and processing specimens, performing analytical tests, recognize factors that affect procedures and results, monitor quality control and relate lab findings to common disease processes in the following areas:
    • Blood banking (immunohematology) – measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam
    • Urinalysis – measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam
    • Chemistry - measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam
    • Hematology - measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam
    • Immunology - measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam
    • Microbiology - measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam
  • MLT Program graduates will be able to demonstrate entry level competencies in laboratory operations by conducting preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment, demonstrating professional conduct and communication skills, interacting with other healthcare professionals, and demonstrating proficiency in laboratory math skills.
    • Laboratory operations – measured by program subscore on the ASCP registry exam

Licensure & Certification

Students graduating from Northark’s MLT program meet the requirements to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam. Upon the successful completion of the ASCP exam, the student becomes Nationally certified. This is a National certification and not a state license. State licensure is required in several states but proof of diploma for completion of an MLT program and proof of National certification are all that the graduate needs to present. We are unsure of other specific licensure qualifications that some states may require. There are a few states (California, Florida and possibly New York) that specify more stringent requirements and it would be up to the student to look up the requirements for those states.
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