Medical Laboratory Technician Program
Program Overview
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to perform laboratory procedures in all areas of the clinical Laboratory. Students will learn to operate and maintain laboratory equipment. Graduates of this program will be eligible to challenge the national certification examination for Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). When certified, the MLT graduate will meet the requirements for state licensure and meet minimum qualifications to work in the State of Hawaiʻi as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Contact Information
- MLT Program Director: Shepherd Maingano, PhD, MT (ASCP) maingano@hawaii.edu, (808) 734-9231
- Counselors/Advisors: Health Careers Counseling Center
Degree & Certificates
Associate in Science – Medical Laboratory Technician (70-73 credits)
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to perform many laboratory procedures and to operate and care for laboratory equipment. Graduates of this program will be eligible to challenge the national registry examination for MLT given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). When certified, the MLT graduate will meet the requirements to become licensed to work in the State of Hawaiʻi as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Program Information
Program Accreditation
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
8410 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 670
Chicago, Illinois 60631
(773) 714-8880
Licensure and State Authorization
Once the student has completed the program and passed the licensure requirements, s/he will be licensed to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technician in the State of Hawaiʻi. Kapiʻolani Community College (Kapi‘olani CC) may not be able to confirm whether a particular program meets the professional licensure requirements outside of the State of Hawaiʻi. Kapi‘olani CC recommends the student contact the respective professional licensing board to determine the licensure requirements in the state in which the student lives.
Potential Careers and Employers
- Careers: Certified Medical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Technician
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technician, the student should be able to:
- Perform routine clinical laboratory procedures within acceptable quality control parameters in Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology, and Microbiology under the general supervision of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Pathologist.
- Demonstrate technical skills, social behavior, and professional awareness incumbent upon a laboratory technician as defined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
- Effect a transition of information and experiences learned in the MLT program to employment situations and performance on the written examinations conducted by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and/or the National Certifying Agency for Clinical Laboratory Personnel.
- Apply systematized problem-solving techniques to identify and correct procedural errors, identify instrument malfunctions and seek proper supervisory assistance, and verify the accuracy of laboratory results obtained.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, utilizing appropriate quality control and safety procedures.
- Perform within the guidelines of the code of ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and the restrictions established by state and local regulatory groups.
- Recognize and participate in activities that will provide current knowledge and upgrading of skills in laboratory medicine.
FAQs
Should I consider medical laboratory technician as a career?
Yes, if you have good science, math, and technical aptitude; have good problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure; can follow directions accurately and work independently; and are detail-oriented. For more information go to www.bls.gov. Then select ‘advanced search’ and type in your health science program of choice.
Is certification available?
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification examination. Once certified, you meet the MLT licensure requirements for the state of Hawai‘i.
Do I need to maintain a certain grade and grade point average in these courses?
Yes. For an AS, you must earn:
- a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (“C” average) or higher for all required MLT courses and
- a grade of “C” or better in all required program support courses
What were the requirements in previous years?
For requirements in past years, contact a program counselor or view the previous online catalogs.
When can I enter the program?
Students enter the program in the Spring semester only.
Do you offer noncredit courses for medical laboratory technicians?
No. For information on short-term healthcare classes, see Continuing Education. If you are interested in a course that is not offered, contact:
Elaine Chang, Noncredit Coordinator, Health Science Programs
Phone: (808) 734-9138
Fax: (808) 734-9126
Email: emchang@hawaii.edu
Office: Kauila Building, Rm 113B