Medical Laboratory Technology

What does a Medical Laboratory Technician do?

Southwestern Illinois College’s Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program prepares students with the entry level skills necessary to become a Medical Laboratory Technician. Laboratory technicians examine and process body fluids and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms, evaluate the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. Technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use automated and computerized instruments, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. Contact the SWIC Career Activities and Employment Center for possible job shadowing or mentoring opportunities in Medical Laboratory Technology.

For further information regarding the field of medical laboratory technology, refer the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science web site and the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Handbook.

[Back to Top]
 

What are the job opportunities for Medical Laboratory Technicians? 

Nationally, about 50 percent of MLTs are employed in hospital laboratories. The remainder work in independent labs, physicians’ offices, public health agencies, the Federal government, pharmaceutical and industrial firms, and research and educational institutions. Ninety-five percent of Southwestern’s medical laboratory technology graduates are working in hospital medical laboratories. Job opportunities continue to grow as the elderly population continues to increase.

SWIC MLT graduate survey results (averaged over a three-year period) indicate 90 percent of graduates are employed six months after graduation. Many students have jobs after their first clinical experience in the Fall semester of their second year.

[Back to Top]

What is the average/starting salary?

Starting salaries are about $27,000-$31,200 annually and vary depending on the size and location of the health care facility. Salaries are higher when working on the second or third shifts.

[Back to Top]

When and where is the Medical Laboratory Technology program offered?

Medical Laboratory Technology courses are offered on the Belleville Campus with clinical experience at hospitals/clinical facilities throughout the district or in the St. Louis region. The required general education courses can be taken at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City or Red Bud campuses. Students are assigned two nine week clinical experience/practicums in the second year of the program.

The Medical Laboratory Technology program begins every Fall semester with MLT classes scheduled during the day. The program can be completed in two years including two summers.

[Back to Top]

What are the admission requirements for this program?

All applicants are encouraged to meet with Program Coordinator Jean Deitz at 618-235-2700, ext. 5386 prior to application. To apply for admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology program, applicants must submit the following:

• Medical Laboratory Technology application 

Official Transcripts/Proof of Completion of Pre-requisite Courses:

The following pre-requisite course must have been completed within 10 years preceding April 1 with no grade lower than “C”. College course grades supersede high school grades when both appear on official transcripts. The most recent grade in courses meeting these requirements is used in determining an applicant’s admission qualifications and rank.

• Biology 
• Algebra 
• Chemistry

 
In addition, students must submit:

• Official High School Transcripts/GED
• Official Transcripts from all colleges, universities or accredited schools of Medical Laboratory Technology attended.

Students who have completed college level coursework must have a SWIC cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater to be considered for admission. Applicants may earn additional points on their application by earning a final grade of at least a “B” for MLT degree required general education courses.

• ACT or SAT or SWIC GPA Option 
• COMPASS testing results

The Compass test identifies skill levels in math, reading and language. Students must score high enough to be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 and MATH 94. If results are too low, students must complete required developmental courses prior to enrolling in ENG 101, BIOL 157 & 158, or MATH 94

[Back to Top]

How many students do you accept and how is selection determined? 

The MLT program generally accepts 14 students. Selection of qualified applicants for the Medical Laboratory Technology program will be based upon a numerical ranking procedure, using ACT/SAT scores or GPA, high school and/or college grades and percentage of completed general education courses that are required for graduation. See MLT Application Planning Guide. Information on the ACT test, the numerical ranking procedure and the admission process is available from Southwestern’s Enrollment Services Office.

To arrange a meeting with the coordinator, counselor or obtain more information on the entrance requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, call or visit the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., 618-235-2700, ext. 5206; Jean Deitz 618-235-2700, ext. 5386; the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road, 618-931-0600; or the Red Bud Campus, 500 West S. 4th St., 618-282-6682.

Applicants will be notified of their status regarding admission as quickly as possible, typically late May or early June depending on the number of applications received. In the event that there are fewer qualified candidates than there are spaces available, applications will continue to be accepted until the program’s maximum capacity has been reached or through the first week of classes during the fall semester. Contact the Enrollment Services Office at 618-235-2700, ext. 5541 or 5542 or the Counseling Center at 618-235-2700, ext. 5206 for information about possible application deadline extensions. The college reserves the right to fill the program when there are fewer applicants than spaces available by whatever means it deems necessary to assure both academic integrity and fairness in the selection process.

In the event that there are more qualified applicants than spaces available in this program, applicants residing outside Southwestern’s district or in a district that does not have a joint agreement with SWIC for this program, will not be eligible for consideration or admission if there are more applicants than positions to be filled. Resident status is determined by address on file with the Enrollment Services Office by April 15.

The admission procedures for the Medical Laboratory Technology program are in accordance with Illinois law. The law requires that programs with insufficient space and resources to accommodate all applicants will accept the best qualified applicants, using rank, ability and achievement scores as guides, with preference given to students residing in the district.

[Back to Top]

How do I improve my chances of getting accepted?

Applicants are rated by a point system. To find out what you can do to accumulate points, see the MLT Application Planning Guide.

For an individual review of your application, contact Program Coordinator Jean Deitz at 618-235-2700, ext. 5386 if needed.

[Back to Top]

What classes do I take to become a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Acceptance to the program is required before an applicant will be permitted to register for MLT courses. MLT courses are only offered during the day.

Associate in Applied Science (0022) 

This is a 71 credit hour, two-year accredited degree program, which can be completed in four semesters and two summers. The curriculum includes mathematics, chemistry, and biological sciences, as well at MLT technical courses, and assigned clinical experiences. There are 37 credit hours of general education courses and 34 hours of Medical Technology courses. General education courses can be completed prior to admission; otherwise all courses must be completed during the semesters indicated. MLT courses begin in October for those applicants accepted into the program. It is NOT required to complete the general education courses prior to application to the MLT program.

Clinical experience courses are completed off campus in various settings. Students may be required to travel outside of the College district for clinical experience courses and must have background checks and drug testing prior to starting clinical practice which begins in the second semester of the program.

[Back to Top]

Is the Medical Laboratory Technology program accredited?

Southwestern Illinois College's Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, located at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670, Chicago, IL 0631-3415. Phone 772-714-8880. The program's curriculum is guided by the standards developed by NAACLS. Our accreditation status means SWIC has met the standards required and assure the public that our curriculum will graduate competent clinicians. It also allows SWIC MLT graduates to take the national registry to certify that competency.  

[Back to Top]

What kind of time commitment is required to complete the program?

MLT courses are only offered during the day. The program can be completed in four semesters and two summers.

First Year students (Summer, Fall & Spring semesters)
    Course schedule is primarily general education courses first year
    Fall – MLT classes are in the morning from October through December, three days a week.
    Spring – MLT classes are in the morning from March through May, four days a week

Second Year students (Summer, Fall & Spring semesters)
    Summer – MLT classes are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings
    Fall – First eight weeks MLT classes are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Second nine weeks – 40 hours/week clinical experience
    Spring – First eight weeks MLT classes are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Second nine weeks – 40 hours/week clinical experience

Students are responsible for their own transportation and attendance to all classes and clinicals assigned by the program. Specific clinical placement cannot be guaranteed. Students may be required to travel outside the college district for clinical experience courses and must undergo background checks and drug testing. Clinical practice begins in the summer semester of the program. Students should check the location and schedule of classes to ensure availability and access.

[Back to Top]

Are there any other requirements I should be aware of while completing this program?

• Applicants accepted to this program must attend all required orientation sessions, meet program specific medical requirements and must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Any applicants or enrolled students are encouraged to meet with Special Services to discuss potential issues associated with meeting these requirements at 618-235-2700, ext. 5368.
• Health insurance is required during clinical education courses. Students are personally responsible for any costs incurred for injuries occurring during their clinical experience.
• Students accepted will be required to possess current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level, show proof of immunizations, TB test, physical examination, and verify health insurance coverage before beginning any clinical experience.
• Criminal Background Check , random drug tests, and name search on government registries which prohibit employment in healthcare professions are also required prior to clinical experience courses.

Positive results from the drug test and listing in prohibitory government registry will result in dismissal from the program. Dismissal for positive criminal background check, drug test, or listing on a government registry does not qualify students for refund of tuition of lab fees. Students who have concerns regarding their status with the above regulations are encouraged to discuss the matter with the program coordinator or coordinators’ assistant prior to seeking admission.

• Applicants admitted to the program must follow the requirements for graduation at the time they are admitted and must meet all course, program, degree, and sequencing requirements specified. Students are responsible for program policies as listed in the MLT Student Handbook. Students who fail to meet program specific requirements will be dropped from the program and may be required to re-apply and compete for admission in the succeeding semester.

[Back to Top]

How much will it cost to complete this program?

The estimated cost of the MLT program for the 2009-2010 academic year is $9,755. The total costs incurred are inclusive of Health Examination fees, certificate examination testing, and necessary supplies and equipment, such as scrubs, name pins, etc. See program cost sheet.

Financial aid is available subject to financial need and satisfactory academic progress requirements set by the college. The SWIC Foundation office offers many scholarships and there is a student work program for which financial aid eligibility is not required.

[Back to Top]

After I complete this program, are there any other requirements before I can work?

Upon successful completion of the MLT curriculum, graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and are eligible to take a national registry examination. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Medical Technologist (AMT) both offer national certification testing which earns technicians the title of Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Regulations vary from state to state, but certification is highly recommended because many employers require it.

The SWIC graduate licensure pass rate average over the last three years is 97 percent.

[Back to Top]