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

Medical Laboratory Technology AAS = Associate of Applied Science | 2 years
Why Become An MLT?
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are essential to modern healthcare. They perform the critical testing that helps physicians diagnose and treat patients. Approximately 70% of medical decisions rely on lab data. Every sample is unique, and MLTs help solve medical mysteries through precise analysis.With the healthcare field rapidly expanding, the demand for skilled lab professionals is growing. Yet, the U.S. faces a significant shortage of MLTs. While approximately 5,000 lab professionals graduate each year, the industry needs over 12,000 annually to meet demand. This makes MLT a high-opportunity career path with strong job security and impact.

Choose Your Path: On-Campus or Online

North Arkansas College offers two flexible options to earn your MLT degree, whether you're starting fresh or already working in a medical lab.


On-Campus MLT Program

  • Format: In-person classes with hands-on clinical rotations
  • Who Can Apply: Open to all students; no prior medical experience required
  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions—begin any semester after prerequisites
  • Program Length: 1 year (3 semesters) after completion of prerequisites
  • Clinical Sites: Arranged by North Arkansas College

Online MLT Program
  • Format: 100% online didactic coursework + in-person clinicals
  • Who Can Apply: Must be currently employed in a medical lab or have relevant experience
  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions—begin any semester after prerequisites
  • Program Length: Flexible—complete in 3 or 5 semesters after completion of prerequisites
  • Clinical Sites: Must be secured by the student (typically through current employer)

Certification & Accreditation
This program prepares students to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) certification exam for Medical Laboratory Technicians. Successful completion certifies graduates as MLT (ASCP).

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

Offered On Campus
Offered Online

Applications

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

Courses You Will Take

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.
Admission Requirements and Technical Standards

Important Information

Career & Wage Info

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 successful completion, students become nationally certified as MLT (ASCP).

This is a national certification, not a state license. While many states accept national certification and proof of program completion, some states—such as California, Florida, and New York—may have additional licensure requirements.

It is the student’s responsibility to verify whether this program meets the licensure requirements in their state and to ensure they meet any additional qualifications that may be required.
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