Overview
Degrees Offered: AAS
Limited Enrollment: Yes
Program Begins: Fall
Delivery Method: On Campus, Satellite Sites
Phone: 701-224-2429
Email: bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu
Description
The mission of the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program is to provide a high quality, learning-centered education in medical laboratory theory and practice that maximizes student learning and makes students partners in their education.
Medical laboratory technicians, under supervision of a physician or medical laboratory scientist, perform general laboratory tests that aid medical providers in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Goals of the MLT program are to:
- Train competent MLTs with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level proficiency in all areas of medical laboratory science including:
- Phlebotomy
- Hematology
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Immunohematology (Blood Banking)
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Urinalysis
- Provide a two-year associate degree
The MLT program at BSC prepares a student for employment in a variety of career opportunities and/or acceptance to a 4-year MLS program. Students receive both theoretical and experiential study, including a 22-week rotation through one of its clinical affiliates: Sanford Health Laboratory or Northern Plains Laboratory in Bismarck, ND; CHI St. Joseph, Dickinson, ND; Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Glasgow, MT; Holy Rosary Healthcare Laboratory, Miles City, MT; Billings Clinic, Billings, MT; Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT; CHI Valley City, ND; Sanford Health Williston, ND.
BSC’s MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018-5119. Phone: 773-714-8880.
Preparation
Medical laboratory science is a demanding field. Success depends on self-discipline, self-motivation, self-reliance, integrity and the ability to work independently to solve problems with the goal of producing accurate laboratory results under stressful conditions. A strong science background with high school classes in chemistry, biology and algebra is recommended.
Requirements
The MLT program is highly selective and has limited enrollment. Selection depends upon academic preparation as well as early date of application. See Program Admission tab for more information.
Those completing the curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to become certified as a medical laboratory technician.
This program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service over non-covered persons. (20 CFR 1010)
Career Opportunities
A critical shortage of clinical laboratory professionals exists throughout the nation. MLTs are in demand in clinical and research facilities, public health laboratories, and blood donor collection and processing centers.
Additional Information
Since the BSC Medical Laboratory Technician program began in 1978, graduates have achieved a 97 percent first-time pass rate on the national board certification examination.
College Admission
Review BSC's How to Apply page and complete the college admission requirements.
Program Admission
Pre-Application Requirements
Prior to applying to the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program student should:
- Show a required minimum cumulative College or High School GPA of 2.0.
- Show a required minimum program GPA of 2.0in any of the prescribed courses completed prior to being accepted into the program.
Application
Admission occurs in the Fall. Applications will be accepted for the current academic year up to August 1st
Pre-Acceptance
Application Receipt: Upon receipt of the program required application, the MLT program will complete an initial evaluation of the applicant's file for completeness.
Interview: Prior to acceptance, MLT program officials will schedule a meeting to discuss the program curriculum with the student. The purpose of the discussion is to assist students in making the right career choice and to design a curriculum plan that affords them the greatest opportunity for success.
Note: If the applicant’s native language is not English, the MLT program will inform the applicant that an English Language Proficiency Test is required. A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in the laboratory setting to ensure quality results and patient safety. In addition to general college English proficiency requirements, all applicants for whom English is not their native language (including International and/or U.S. residents) and have not attended 4 years of U.S. high school and achieved a HS GPA of 3.0 or higher must meet additional language proficiency requirements for admission to the MLT Program.
To be considered for admission to the MLT Program, English as a second language (ESL) applicants must achieve minimum scores:
Minimum TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL IBT) test scores of:
- Minimum cumulative score of 86 combined AND minimum individual scores of:
- 26 in Speaking
- 20 in Writing
- 20 in Reading
- 20 in Listening
Minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) test scores of:
- Minimum overall score of 115.
- It is expected that the applicant reaches a content score (variation as determined by the admission and progression committee) of 90 in the following four areas:
- Literacy (Reading)
- Comprehension (Listening)
- Conversation (Speaking)
- Production (Writing)
Post-Acceptance
Upon entering 2 year Spring Semester, officials will instruct students on the process for entering the MLT clinical experience. Students must complete background checks, immunizations required by clinical affiliations, and drug screen at their own cost.
Note: Clinical affiliates maintain sole discretion as to the student's ability to participate in the MLT clinical experience.
Program Completion
- Students are required to earn "C" or higher or "T" (test credit) or "S" (satisfactory) in all designated courses for successful completion of the program.
- Those completing the curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to become certified as a medical laboratory technician.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, Medical Laboratory Technician students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory tests and the disease states to which they relate.
- Demonstrate general knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform laboratory testing and identify normal and abnormal results.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform microscopic evaluations of various samples.
- Exhibit knowledge of safety and governmental regulations compliance.
- Understand the principles and practices of professional conduct and the significance of continuing professional development.
- Communicate sufficiently enough to serve the needs of patients, the public and members of the healthcare team.
