FAQs and Answers

  • What is the MLT Program?

  •   What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?

  •   How do I become an MLT?

  •   Where can I find a training program?

  • What kind of classes do I need to take before being accepted into the MLT program?  

  • As an MLT will I find a job?

  • As an MLT, where can I work?  

  • Will I make a good MLT?

  • Are there opportunities for advancement?

  • Where can I find more information on becoming an MLT?

  • Who can I contact for information concerning an MLT program?  

Statement of Program Goals and Objectives:

The Medical Laboratory Technology Associate Degree program is designed to prepare students to become Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT). MLTs are a newly recognized category of laboratory professional in the state of California . MLTs are members of the health care team that provides clinical information for disease prevention, medical diagnosis, and treatment of the patient by processing specimens and performing laboratory tests. This degree prepares students to sit for a national exam which when passed will allow for immediate entry into a technician-level position in a clinical laboratory environment. The Medical Laboratory Technology program integrates traditional classroom instruction with newly developed distance education courses and clinical practica in order to comprehensively and systematically enables the student to achieve mastery of the competencies required in this occupation.

Competencies required include:

  • Collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances
  • Performing analytical test of body fluids, cells, and other substances
  • Recognizing factors that affect procedures and results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
  • Performing and monitoring quality control within predetermined limits
  • Performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or referring to appropriate sources for repairs
  • Applying principles of safety
  • Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public
  • Recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care
  • Applying basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures

Program goals:

  • To provide students with the necessary academic instruction and professional training in the field of laboratory medicine in order to satisfy the employment needs of the South Bay Area and surrounding communities.
  • To produce a skilled clinical laboratory employee who has a competent working knowledge of the principles inherent in the laboratory tests being performed.
  • To prepare students to become accurate and reliable members of the health care team.
  • To provide students with an awareness of there role in the delivery of health care to the patient.
  • To develop positive student attitudes in the areas of professionalism and commitment to delivering excellent health care.
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