Medical Laboratory Technician Program
Selective Admissions
All our health career pathway programs are selective admissions with qualification and selection criteria for program entry. Students must meet eligibility requirements and complete a program application by the posted deadline. Program admissions is on a best qualified basis and students must be in good academic standing (overall GPA of 2.0 or higher) at Kapiʻolani CC. Priority selection is given to Hawaiʻi state residents. Non-residents can apply and will be considered after all qualified residents have been accommodated per Board of Regents Policy 5.211.
Admissions Procedures
- Apply and complete steps to become a Kapi‘olani CC student if you are currently not a student of the UH system. For assistance with getting started at the College, contact kapstart@hawaii.edu.
- Meet the program faculty and counselors to learn more about the program. Visit the Health Careers Info Session section on this page to join an upcoming session. Connect with the Health Careers Counseling Center for advising support as needed.
- Complete program requirements and apply to the program. For more information download the following links:
- MLT Admissions and Advising (pdf)
- MLT Application (pdf)
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 Goals
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.
Program Outcomes
Graduation Rate
The table below shows the number of students who graduated from the program, as calculated by NAACLS guidelines based on students graduating that began the second half of the program.
7/1/20 – 6/30-21
7/1/21 – 6/30/22
7/1/22 – 6/30/23
BOC-ASCP Pass Rate
National Certification Exam Pass Rate (percentage of students who passed ASCP BOC exam within one year of graduation with an AS MLT degree)
7/1/20 – 6/30-21
7/1/21 – 6/30/22
7/1/22 – 6/30/23
Placement Rate
National Certification Exam Pass Rate (percentage of students who passed ASCP BOC exam within one year of graduation with an AS MLT degree)
7/1/20 – 6/30-21
7/1/21 – 6/30/22
7/1/22 – 6/30/23
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.
Health Careers Info Session
Program Information sessions are held monthly and provide potential applicants with program details and requirements, application procedures, and career outlook. Attending an information session is recommended before you start your academic journey. Attendance of a program information session within one year of the application submission is mandatory when applying to a Health Science and EMS program.
Health Careers Counseling Center
Support for Health Career Pathways
Learn about admission requirements and criteria, program curriculum, program cost, financial aid, application for licensure/certificates, and transfer to baccalaureate programs.
Health Career Counselors/Advisors
hlthsci@hawaii.edu | (808) 734-9224, Kauila 106
STAR Balance Virtual Kiosk Hours
Mondays through Thursdays, excluding holidays
9:00-11:30am & 1:00-3:00pm
STAR Balance Kiosk is available for UH system students. For information about our health programs, attend a program information session. Email kapstart@hawaii.edu for assistance with getting started at Kapiʻolani CC.