The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs a variety of laboratory tests in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology and urinalysis. These professionals are: dedicated; self-motivated; problem-solvers; like challenge and responsibility; are accurate and reliable; work well under pressure; communicate well; set high standards for themselves and are fascinated by science. The tests they perform may include determining a patient’s blood glucose or cholesterol level, typing and cross matching blood samples for transfusions or culturing body fluids to determine the presence or absence of infection.
Program Overview:
The MLT Program at Pierpont Community and Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. Preparation for a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician requires a solid foundation of biology, chemistry and math in high school as well as computer skills. In addition, it is necessary to complete both formal and clinical courses through an accredited program in medical laboratory technology.
The PC&TC Medical Laboratory Technology program is currently affiliated with several medical institutions, including:
Davis Memorial Hospital, Elkins; Fairmont Clinic and Fairmont General Hospital, Fairmont; Grafton City Hospital, Grafton; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Buckhannon; Preston Memorial Hospital, Kingwood; Stonewall Jackson Hospital, Weston; and United Hospital Center, Inc. and Louis A. Johnson V.A. Medical Center; Clarksburg, WV.
Since clinical affiliates may be added or dropped at any time, a current listing is maintained in the office of the Program Director.
**Some clinical affiliates may require background clearances.
Employment Opportunities:
Medical Laboratory Technicians work in a variety of settings. They are employed by hospitals, physician office laboratories, reference laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, veterinary laboratories, clinics, public health facilities, and business and industry. In their 2005 wage and vacancy survey, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) found that the average annual salary for medical laboratory technicians in the United States ranged from $35,800 for staff to $41,600 for supervisors .
There is a national shortage of qualified laboratory professionals and it is getting worse. According to ASCP, almost one-half of the clinical laboratories across the nation are already having difficulties filling vacant positions. By the year 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that we will need an additional 81,000 technologists and technicians to replace retirees and 68,000 to fill new positions in our clinical labortories.
Educational Advancement Opportunities:
The A.A.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Technology is quite versatile. Graduates of the Program may choose to continue their education and earn a baccalaureate degree in Allied Health Administration, Biology, or even Business. Some graduates choose to become a Medical Technologist. This requires earning a baccalaureate degree and having either three years of clinical laboratory experience or graduating from a NAACLS accredited program in Medical Technology.
