MLT - FAQs and MLT Program Information Meetings

• When will applications be available for the MLT Program, and how do I get an application packet?
  Application packet is being revised and will be available mid-February.

1. MLT Application for entry into Fall 2007
2. Planning Sheet
3. Course Equivalency Chart
4. Employee Verification Form

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• What if I have more questions about the Medical Laboratory Technology Program or want to attend an MLT Program Information meeting? 

                    Click on  "MLT  Program Information Meetings"    
                    at the top of the page.

• What is the difference between a two year and a four year program?

Upon completion of the Shoreline program, the graduate has an Associate degree in MLT; a four year program, awards the graduate a Bachelors degree.  There are some five year programs (4 plus 1) that have a year lab training after the Bachelors degree. Please see the Lab Careers Brochure listing all the Washington Clinical Laboratory Programs.

• What do the initials CLT or MLT stand for? 

Clinical Laboratory Technician or CLT is certification by the National Certification Agency or NCA.

Medical Laboratory Technician or MLT is certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology or ASCP certification. 

MLT students upon completion of the MLT Program, and  receiving either a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or completing the Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Laboratory Technology, are eligible to take these national certification examinations.

Both certifications are national.  There are a few states that require their own license, and national certification is recognized until you have taken the state examination.

• What does certification mean and is it necessary to work in a clinical lab?

Certification assures competency so you can work in a variety of lab settings.  When you pass certification exams, you can use the initials of your certification after your name. Most laboratories desire certified personnel to do moderate and high complexity testing.

• Can I take prerequisite courses at other colleges?

Yes, you can take prerequisites classes at any colleges.  Your science classes must have been taken within the last ten years, unless work experience is in that particular field.  After attending an MLT Information Meeting, then you may want to schedule a appointment with the Health Occupations Advisor or MLT Faculty.  Bring advising or official transcripts and make an appointment with faculty:  

Molly Morse, CLS(NCA) ,  MT(ASCP)	Program Director	mmorse@shoreline.edu
Sue Seegers, MT(HEW)	MLT Faculty	sseegers@shoreline.edu

• How do you apply to the "Professional" or second year of the MLT program?

Applications are available to download mid-February  and due mid-May.  Notification of acceptance into the second year Professional MLT Program are sent in June. Classes begin fall quarter, and are completed the following summer or fall depending on clinical training assignments.

       MLT Application will be available mid- February.

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• What types of jobs and salary can I expect after completing the program?

Graduates work in hospitals, independent labs, public health settings, research and biotech labs, physician office labs, blood banks, veterinary labs, industrial labs, Toxicology or Molecular Biology labs.  With experience and training, movement into client services, supervising and product sales is possible. Some labs require a Bachelors degree before you can supervise or become a lead in a department.

A current wage salary done in Washington state indicated entry-level salaries may range from $27,000 to $37,000 plus benefits.  Top salaries for Medical Laboratory Technicians are generally about $43,000. Wages vary with the type of laboratory, shift worked and area of the country.

The current  MLT Career Planning Sheet can be found on the college Web site at  Planning Sheet

Learn theory in lectures and practice skills & test procedures in student laboratories with "real specimens" on the SCC campus.  Campus courses prepare students for clinical practicum classes in assigned clinical laboratories. National certification exams, CLT(NCA) and/or MLT(ASCP), are taken after completion of the MLT Program.  Exams are computerized and given by either NCA or ASCP at off-campus locations.

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