Medical Laboratory Technology Department
Become a Medical Laboratory Technician: Precision Care Behind the Scenes
Welcome to the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program at Shoreline Community College.
Medical Laboratory Technicians are the "disease detectives" of healthcare—detail-oriented professionals who enjoy laboratory work and are dedicated to helping physicians diagnose, treat, and monitor patient health.
Our Mission
The Shoreline College MLT Program is to empower a diverse community of learners for success in the clinical laboratory profession by providing rigorous, accessible, and high-quality education and training, fostering critical thinking, technical proficiency, and ethical practice to enhance patient care.
What You’ll Do
As an MLT student, you will learn to analyze blood and body fluids using state-of-the-art analyzers and traditional microscope techniques. Our graduates are trained as generalists, gaining expertise in critical areas including:
- Hematology
- Urinalysis
- Coagulation
- Clinical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Blood Bank
Program Goals & Competencies
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with career-entry skills that meet current workplace practices. Through a blend of rigorous academics and hands-on clinical training, you will learn to:
- Perform with Precision: Execute routine clinical testing with accuracy, recognize abnormal or critical results, and take appropriate action.
- Ensure Quality: Operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment, perform quality control, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
- Communicate Professionally: Master Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and demonstrate respectful, ethical communication with patients, co-workers, and healthcare teams.
- Stay Informed: Apply scientific theory to clinical findings and commit to lifelong learning to grow within the profession.
National Certification & Career Outlook
We maintain high regional standards in laboratory education to meet the community's workforce needs. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the MLT(ASCP) national certification exam. This credential is the gold standard for employment in:
- Hospital Laboratories
- Physician Office Labs
- Clinical Reference Laboratories
Our curriculum is constantly updated based on recommendations from the MLT Advisory Committee and our clinical partners to ensure you graduate with the most relevant, in-demand skills.
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 C.F.R. § 668.43(a)(5)(v), Shoreline College’s Medical Lab Technology (MLT) Program qualifies its graduates to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certification board examinations. However, graduation is not contingent upon passing any external certification or licensure exam. At this time, Washington State does not require licensure for medical laboratory technicians. Shoreline College has not determined whether the MLT curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure or certification outside of Washington; therefore, students should be aware that other states may have specific requirements beyond national certification. It is the student’s responsibility to research these requirements when applying for employment in other states.