Medical Lab Technician
| Degree Type | Program Number | Program Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 105131 | MLTC | 65.00 |
| Typical Start | Learning Format | Financial Aid | Estimated Cost | Location | Area of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | In-Person | Available | 11491 | La Crosse | Health Sciences |
Are you intrigued by biology and chemistry, with a passion for healthcare? Consider turning your interests into a fulfilling career as a medical laboratory technician. In this role, you play a crucial part in the healthcare system by conducting clinical laboratory tests that aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and medical conditions.
Your responsibilities as a medical laboratory technician encompass a wide range of analyses, spanning from waived and point-of-care testing to complex diagnostic procedures covering major medical laboratory areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular diagnostics, and other emerging technologies. As the primary analyst, you'll make specimen-oriented decisions and hold vital responsibilities in information processing, training, and quality control monitoring wherever medical laboratory testing is conducted.
Graduates are eligible to take a national certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists' (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). It's important to note that passing this exam is not a graduation requirement, but it can significantly enhance your credentials and career prospects in the field of medical laboratory technology.
Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.
To view the Medical Lab Technician program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here (PDF).
NAACLS Outcome Measures
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880
For information about Western’s Medical Lab Technician program’s student outcomes, please click here (PDF).
Admissions Requirements
- Apply at www.westerntc.edu/how-to-apply
- Western’s Admission Coaches are available to help you through the application process. Have questions or need advice? Call 608-785-9200 or email AdmissionsCoach@westerntc.edu.
- Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.
Additional Requirements
These Academic Preparedness Requirements must be complete to be admitted to the Medical Lab Technician program core courses:
- High School or GED/HSED Transcript
- Medical Laboratory Technician Technical Standards
- Background Check (PDF)
- Complete one year of High School or one term of Developmental or College Biology*
- Complete one year of High School or one term of Developmental or College Chemistry*
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
*Must be completed with a “C” or better
Career Opportunities
Medical Lab Technician (MLT)
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Phlebotomist
Program Outcomes
- Practice laboratory safety and regulatory compliance
- Collect and process biological specimens
- Monitor and evaluate quality control in the laboratory
- Apply modern clinical methodologies including problem solving and troubleshooting according to predetermined criteria
- Correlate laboratory results to diagnosis of clinical conditions and/or diseases
- Perform information processing in the clinical laboratory
- Model professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance
Accreditation
This program has been awarded continuing accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, phone 773-714-8880.
Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025
| Graduates | 21 |
|---|---|
| Graduates Responding | 10 |
| Employed In Related Occupation | 9 |
| Employed In Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 1 |
| Not In Labor Market | 0 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation | 1 |
| PT Average Hours per Week | 32 |
| PT Median Hourly Wage | $28.48 |
| PT Hourly Wage Range | $28.48 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation | 7 |
| FT Average Hours per Week | 38 |
| FT Median Hourly Wage | $27.80 |
| FT Hourly Wage Range | $23.76 - $28.51 |
| Related Occupations | Medical Lab Technician, Medical Lab Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist |
Software & Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools.
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:
Program Contact
Karen Christenson
Program Chair, Medical Laboratory Technician
608-789-4740
ChristensonK@westerntc.edu
Career Pathways
This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.
Prior Learning
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.
Certificates
There are currently no certificates associated with this pathway.
Technical Diplomas
There are currently no technical diplomas associated with this pathway.
Associate Degrees
There are currently no associate degrees associated with this pathway.
University Transfer
Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10513115 - Basic Immunology Concepts | 2.00 |
| 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills | 1.00 |
| 10801136 - English Composition I | 3.00 |
| 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology | 4.00 |
| 10513111 - Phlebotomy | 2.00 |
| 10890106 - Strengths Seminar | 1.00 |
| 10513114 - Urinalysis | 2.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10513120 - Basic Hematology | 3.00 |
| 10513109 - Blood Bank | 4.00 |
| 10513121 - Coagulation | 1.00 |
| 10809166 - Introduction to Ethics: Theory and App | 3.00 |
| 10513113 - QA Lab Math | 1.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10806186 - Intro to Biochemistry | 4.00 |
| 10809198 - Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10806197 - Microbiology | 4.00 |
| 10801196 - Oral/Interpersonal Comm | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10513130 - Advanced Hematology | 2.00 |
| 10513116 - Clinical Chemistry | 4.00 |
| 10513133 - Clinical Microbiology | 4.00 |
| 10513170 - Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics | 2.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10513140 - Advanced Microbiology | 2.00 |
| 10513151 - Clinical Experience 1 | 3.00 |
| 10513152 - Clinical Experience 2 | 4.00 |
| 10513159 - Clinical Experience III | 2.00 |
| 10513160 - MLT Seminar | 1.00 |