The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum prepares individuals to perform clinical laboratory procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology that may be used in the maintenance of health and diagnosis/treatment of disease.
Course work emphasizes mathematical and scientific concepts related to specimen collection, laboratory testing and procedures, quality assurance and reporting/recording and interpreting findings involving tissues, blood, and body fluids.
Graduates may be eligible to take the examination given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Employment opportunities include laboratories in hospitals, medical offices, industry, and research facilities.
Accreditation Statement
This program is seeking accreditation by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Contact information: 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, Il 60018-5119; phone 773-714-8880; info@naacls.org.
Program Goals
- To educate students with knowledge and technical skills required to function effectively as entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in hospital, reference, physician office, or public health laboratories
- Ensure that at least 70% of students who begin the final half of the program successfully graduate
- Achieve an employment rate of at least 70% for graduates within one year of program completion
- Attain a certification pass rate of at least 75% on the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) examination within one year of graduation
- Prepare students who wish to continue their education to matriculate into a four-year Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) program.
Student Learning Outcomes
The graduate will be able to:
- Perform clinical laboratory tests as the primary analyst for making specimen-oriented decisions based on predetermined criteria and a working knowledge of critical values.
- Perform analyses in point of care testing and in levels from waived to complex testing in all major areas of the clinical laboratory.
- Demonstrate diverse functions in areas of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes.
- Display abilities in information processing, training, and quality control monitoring in the clinical laboratory setting.
- Display communication skills which will extend to frequent interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional conduct appropriately for a member of the health services profession.
- Recognize the need for professional development activities.
Program Effectiveness
Program effectiveness will be evaluated annually using the following benchmarks:
- At least 70% of students who begin the final half of the program successfully graduate.
- At least 70% of graduates will be employed within one year of program completion.
- At least 75% of graduates will pass the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) examination within one year of graduation.
Admission and Selection Criteria
CCC has established admissions and selection procedures to ensure students are admitted and selected in a consistent and equitable manner. Completion of these requirements will not guarantee admission to the program. All applicants are encouraged to attend a Health Sciences Symposium, held in June and November, to learn more about the program.
All admissions criteria must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the program deadline of May 25 for the 2026 application year.
Admission Requirements
- Application to the College and NC Residency
- Reading/English: Meet one of the following to demonstrate proficiency:
- Completion of ENG 111 or equivalent with a minimum grade of “C”
- Completion of prerequisites to be eligible to register for ENG 111 without corequisite (or currently enrolled)
- Have a 2.8 or higher unweighted high school GPA
- Provide satisfactory placement test scores
- Provide proof of completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
- Math Proficiency: Meet one of the following to demonstrate proficiency:
- Completion of MAT 143 (or higher math) with a minimum grade of “C”
- 2.8 or higher unweighted cumulative high school GPA
- Satisfactory placement scores
- Proof of completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree
Post-Provisional Acceptance Requirements
An email notification of provisional acceptance will be sent by June 8. The following must be completed to satisfy acceptance requirements:
- Attend program specific orientation
- Complete CCC Health Sciences Medical Form
- Complete the Hepatitis B Consent/Declination form, MLT Essential Functions form, and Mandatory Standard Precautions and Post Exposure Plan Consent form.
In the second year of the MLT Program, students will complete clinical practicum rotations and will be required to complete a health sciences medical form, required immunizations, and a criminal background check to be placed in a clinical rotation.
- Criminal background check and 12-panel drug screen obtained through a secure compliance tracking database
- The following immunizations are required (more information will be provided during orientation):
- Complete 2-Step TB Test or IGRA
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (required between 9/1 – 10/31) or of current influenza season
- Varicella
- Td or TDaP
- MMR
- CPR Certification
- Comply with the Technical Standards outlined for the program
- Highly recommended for all students to have health insurance
Clinical facilities may require criminal background checks, drug screenings, and/or proof of US citizenship prior to or during participation in the clinical portion of the program. A student who is unable to complete the clinical portion of the program will not be able to graduate. Criminal background checks, drug screenings, and/or proof of US citizenship may also be required after graduation by examination boards, state licensing boards, and employing agencies.
Essential Functions and Technical Standards
Purpose Statement
The following standards reflect reasonable expectations of students. In adopting these standards, the program is mindful of the patient’s right to safe and high-quality healthcare by students. The student must be able to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a broad variety of clinical situations while providing high-quality patient care. These standards reflect what may be required for employment of the entry-level professional.
It is important students admitted possess cognitive and critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, behavioral skills, physical skills, and communication skills necessary to practice in the field. Reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but each student must be able to independently perform all performance standards demanded by the clinical site and the College. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with Disabilities Services at Cleveland Community College. The following abilities/skills are required, with or without accommodations. Students must meet the following technical standards and maintain satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression throughout the program. Students unable to meet these technical standards will not be able to complete the program. The examples used are not all-inclusive.
Capability Standard Examples of Technical Standard Found in Program and Related to Industry Cognitive Ability/Critical Thinking Skills Critical thinking and problem-solving ability sufficient for clinical judgement. Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize, integrate and apply information. Ability to prioritize and perform multiple procedures accurately, efficiently, and safely under stressful conditions within significant time constraints.
Ability to employ critical thinking skills in the performance of duties and problem-solving in the laboratory environment.
Ability to access information from books, reference, manuals, computers, paper, and electronic medical documents to perform duties and safely use equipment without assistance.
Physical Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces and manipulate patients as necessary for the performance of laboratory procedures. Ability to maneuver in the laboratory, around instruments, in confined spaces, and in patient rooms. Movement includes utilizing shoulders, arms, and neck; bending; twisting the body; standing; reaching and grasping overhead, in front of the body, and down; prolonged standing or sitting.
Gross and fine motor skills necessary to perform laboratory procedures accurately, safely, and efficiently.
Ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices and use electronic keyboard. Bilateral use of hands or terminal devices that involves coordination and strength.
Auditory ability sufficient to accurately gather information. Demonstrate hearing ability with any type of auditory aid in order to follow verbal instructions; ability to hear and evaluate the sounds of equipment and alarms; ability to adapt (phone receivers, hearing aids, etc.) and possess auditory ability sufficient to communicate with patients and members of the healthcare team.
Visual ability sufficient for observation, assessment, and performance of laboratory procedures. Ability to distinguish red color from yellow color; distinguish clear from cloudy; and see through a microscope. Must be able to discern primary colors and/or shades thereof; and differentiate shapes macroscopically and microscopically. Possess adequate visual ability that allows the determination of minute and microscopic areas of detail, very small variations in color, and adequate depth perception (Size, shape, and texture).
Ability to distinguish color, clarity, and viscosity of specimens, reagents, and other testing products.
Be able to manipulate a clinical binocular microscope to discriminate among fine structural and color differences in microscopic specimens.
Be able to read and comprehend text, numbers, and graphs in small print and on a monitor screen.
Interpersonal Skills Ability to collaboratively work with all MLT students and program faculty in the classroom and student lab and with clinical staff and patients in the clinical setting. Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues. Interact appropriately with people from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds Employ basic conflict management skills. Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
Behavioral Skills Ability to deal effectively with stress produced by workplace interaction situations.
Ability to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain own health.
Possess emotional stability sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions.
Adaptable to circumstances in a highly stressful, rapidly changing clinical environment. Effectively deal with anxiety, stress, hostility, and fear in a calm manner.
Exhibit honesty, integrity, dependability, and accountability in the performance of one’s laboratory responsibilities.
Project an image of professionalism including appearance, dress, and attitude.
Communication Skills Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
Read, write, speak, and report accurately and effectively in English.
Comprehend and carry out complex written and oral instructions.Evaluate and communicate diagnostic information in a professional manner to the healthcare team.
Create organized, legible, and coherent written documentation.
Communicate with patients and members of the healthcare team in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Occupational ExposurePossess the ability to self-protect by using standard precautions when coming in contact with any patient.
Risk of exposure to blood and body fluids and communicable and infectious diseases, requiring the wearing of personal protective equipment, i.e. masks, goggles, and gloves.
Ability to follow Blood Bourne Pathogen safety standards.
Ability to work with sharps and medical waste. Possible exposure to needle sticks, burns, and to latex and nitrile products if allergic.
Environmental hazards – slippery floors, various levels of lighting, room temperatures, etc.
Liability issues
Legal/ethical dilemmas
Estimated Total Cost for Program
Fee Description Year 1 Year 2 Tuition (MLT Courses) $2342.00 $1506.00 Lab Fees $348.00 $216.00 Background, Drug Screen, & Immunization Tracker $0 $135.00 Health Science Fee (Includes Uniforms) $200.00 $0 MLT Program Fee $0 $50.00 Malpractice Insurance $16.00 $16.00 Textbooks (for both years) $1100.00 $200.00 Pinning Fee $0 $50.00 Estimated Total $4006.00 $2173.00 Estimated Grand Total (2 Years) $6179.00 Understanding the Ranking Process
When all admissions requirements have been met, qualified applicants are ranked using a point system. Points will be awarded for each related course completed by the deadline, based on the grade earned in the course. If the course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used in the ranking.
- A = 4 points
- B = 3 points
- C = 2 points (no points are awarded for grades lower than C)
AP credit is based on the individual scores:
- 5 = 4 points
- 4 = 3 points
- 3 = 2 points (no points are awarded for scores lower than 3)
Related course points will be added to create the total score for the ranking. Applicants with the highest ranked scores will be accepted. In the event of a tie, the GPA will be used to determine ranking order. An alternate list will be maintained in ranking order, and alternates will only be accepted if a space becomes available. Applicants not admitted to the program must reapply. The below chart can be used to track related course points.
Course Grade Points Earned BIO 168 BIO 169 ENG 111 CNA (with clinical experience) or PBT 101/111 Course Completion PSY 150 or SOC 210 Students enrolled in the Health Science Academy, Rise to Success, or a health sciences apprenticeship through CCC will be awarded an additional 2 points maximum.
Students attending the CCC Health Science Symposium, during the application period, will be awarded an additional 1 point.
Reentry Process
For students seeking reentry to the program:
- All requests for reentry must be approved by the Admissions Office and the program director prior to implementation.
- Only one reentry will be considered.
Applied and Not Accepted to Program
Students not selected to the program may reapply for the next year by completing a new health sciences application. All applications for admission must be updated annually.
Grading Policy
All MLT courses must receive a grade of B or higher to complete the program.