91Ó°ÊÓ

After successfully completing this program, you will have the ability to:

• Perform a full range for testing in the contemporary medical laboratory encompassing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services
• Perform routine clinical laboratory tests with accuracy and precision in a lab setting
• Perform advanced laboratory procedures in a clinical setting
• Exhibit professional conduct in an educational and clinical setting
• Interpret and relay information to the appropriate healthcare member, patient, or public
• Apply principles of safety and regulatory compliance in the laboratory
• Recognize the role of continuous professional development in maintaining certification and the assurance of quality healthcare
• Correlate laboratory results to clinical disease states

View the Degree Requirements to find out which courses and credits you'll need to earn your degree.

Explore the Program Map to see how you can complete your degree.

The Admission Process for programs in the School of Health Sciences can be very competitive. An application does not guarantee acceptance into the Health Sciences program. 

Applicants are required to attend an orientation for the Allied Health-related programs and meet with a School of Health Sciences advisor before they apply to a program. All application correspondence from the School of Health Sciences will be through your 91Ó°ÊÓ email.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S., Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical laboratory technicians is projected to grow 7-10% over the next 10 years. In Oklahoma, that rate is much higher. 

Pro Tip: When you look at salary information, it's important to keep in mind that average salaries usually reflect people who’ve been in the field for a while. You can expect to start closer to the lower end of the pay range right after graduation.

Note: If students have a previous bachelor's degree these salaries may increase by up to 10% depending on the employer. Salaries vary with geographic location and the clinical practice setting. Increased salaries likely will be available based on experience and/or shift differential (2nd or 3rd shift).

If you're looking to pursue a bachelor's degree you can transfer to a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program after completing the MLT program at 91Ó°ÊÓ. Once you have your Bachelor of MLS you can expect and increase of $8,000 to $16,000 a year on top of the MLT listed salaries.

At 91Ó°ÊÓ, we currently have a 100% job placement rate for our MLT graduates. Many students receive job offers prior to completing the program. The market demand is not only high in Oklahoma but also in most states. We encourage you to search the job market in Tulsa and the surrounding areas to see for yourself.

Job Data

Our students have been hired at the following hospitals, and many others not listed:

• LabCorp (Formerly Regional Medical Laboratory)
• St. John Medical Center
• Saint Francis South
• Saint Francis Muskogee
• Stillwater Medical Center
• Hillcrest South
• Hillcrest Claremore
• Saint Francis Hospital
• Hillcrest Medical Center
• St. John Broken Arrow
• Northeastern Health System, Tahlequah
• Warren Clinics
• Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma, OKC
• Oklahoma Indian Health Services
• Cleveland Area Hospital
• OSU Medical Center
• Integris Health Miami Hospital
• Muscogee Creek Nation Medical Center- Okmulgee
• Mercy Hospital- Joplin
• Common Spirit Hospital- Colorado Springs
• Banner Health Systems- Phoenix, AZ
• Atrium Health Systems- Charlotte, NC

Certification in Other States

Since MLT and MLS certifications are National Certifications, our students have successfully found employment in the following states without needing any additional certification:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California¹
• Colorado
• Florida¹
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Mexico
• New York¹
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington

¹States require state licensure, but MLT ASCP certification covers the educational requirements and the licensure is simply a state application and fee. No additional education or examination is required.

The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

As a requirement of our accreditation with NAACLS we must maintain minimum benchmark standards for: Graduation Rate, ASCP National Board Exam Pass Rate, and Job Placement rates.

At 91Ó°ÊÓ we have set Program Goals for these three benchmarks as well that include individual year outcomes. The Goals we set are meant to exceed the minimum standard as we want our MLT program to have a very high standard for student success.

The following NAACLS benchmark standards and 91Ó°ÊÓ Goal expectations are include in our MLT Outcomes for the last four years.

MLT Programs Goals

• 75% of students will graduate from the program each year.
• 90% of graduates will pass the ASCP certification examination.
• 90 % of graduates will be employed in a related job within 6 months of graduation.

NAACLS Benchmarks

• Three years consecutive results of graduation rates demonstrating an average of at least 70%.
• Three years consecutive results of graduate certification rates demonstrating an average of at least 75% pass rate on the ASCP-BOC examination.
• Three years consecutive results of graduate placement rates demonstrating that an average of at least 70%.

Outcomes for NAACLS Benchmarks and 91Ó°ÊÓ Goals

Philosophy

The 91Ó°ÊÓ Medical Laboratory Technician program endeavors to train individuals technically and academically to perform laboratory testing competently and to function as professionals on a health team in attitude, ethics and appearance, always keeping patient care as the primary concern. The curriculum provides preparation in general theory and training in practical skill in those competencies consistent with the profession.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the 91Ó°ÊÓ Medical Laboratory Technician Program is to enable individuals to enter the health care community as medical laboratory technicians.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program at 91Ó°ÊÓ is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The graduates of this program receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science and are eligible to apply for the National Board Examination.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program; 91Ó°ÊÓ is accredited by:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Sciences 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773-714-8880

We partner with multiple clinical affiliates to provide students with the essential hands-on experience required for graduation and certification. Clinical practicums are full-time, supervised training rotations within hospital or accredited laboratory settings. They are typically scheduled Monday through Friday during the final semesters of the program.

Students gain practical skills under the guidance of qualified clinical instructors in various laboratory departments, including:

• Hematology
• Chemistry
• Microbiology, and b
• Blood banking

Placement is coordinated by the MLT Clinical Coordinator, who considers student preferences and geographic location, when possible. Specific assignments cannot be guaranteed.

Participation requires:

• Up-to-date immunizations
• A background check
• Drug screening
• Completion of prerequisite coursework
• Compliance with clinical site policies.

Students are evaluated on both technical competencies and professionalism throughout their clinical rotations. Policies and availability of clinical sites are subject to change based on program needs and clinical partner agreements.

The MLT Program Policies & Procedures are outlined in both the and the . These resources provide detailed information on program guidelines, student responsibilities, and academic expectations. Please note that all policies and procedures are subject to change and may be updated as necessary.

Essential Functions are the essential non‑academic requirements of the program that a student must be able to perform in order to successfully progress in the MLT Program. Examples of this program's essential functions are provided below. If you are not sure that you will be able to meet these please consult with the Education Access Center for further information and to discuss your individual situation.

Physical Requirements

A student in the MLT program must possess sufficient visual skills to perform and interpret laboratory assays, including the ability to:

1. Read calibration lines on pipettes and laboratory instruments that are one millimeter apart.
2. Distinguish between solutions that are clear, opaque or particulate in test tubes and/or on glass slides.
3. Identify stained and unstained cellular components in the range of one micrometer using a binocular bright-field microscope.
4. Differentiate color reactions. Must have Visual ability to discern colors, read and interpret test.
5. A student in the MLT program must have the ability to successfully navigate and complete tasks in a high-paced, high-stress environment that contains: large amounts of people, noises (phones, instruments, alarms), possibly small or restricted areas.
6. A student in the MLT program must have the ability to carry and lift objects weighing up to 15 pounds.
7. Student must have the ability to stand and sit for long periods of times (2-4 hours) while performing laboratory testing.
8. Student must physically be able to perform the tasks of a college and clinical laboratory without the need for drugs, alcohol or other substance that would impair performance or judgement.
9. Students must have the ability to walk long-distances (one side of large hospital to another) as our clinical rotations are often located in large urban hospitals.

Manipulative Requirements

1. A student in the MLT program must possess adequate manipulative skills to perform a variety of laboratory assays, including the ability to:
2. Turn dials, press keyboards, and move switches on laboratory instruments.
3. Use a rubber bulb to draw liquid into a marked pipette and then use a gloved finger to control the release of that liquid to within one marked line of a fixed point on the pipette.
4. Isolate bacteria in microbiology by smoothly moving a loop (a 12 inch wire with a looped end) over the surface of an agar (gel) culture plate without tearing the surface of the agar.

Cognitive Requirements

A student in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program must possess skills that enable him/her to coordinate with other persons both in and out of the laboratory, including the ability to:

1. Effectively interface with customers, co‑workers, physicians, and administration; practice good communication skills.
2. Retain a sequence of steps and go through a sequence of steps unassisted.
3. Exhibit an awareness of time sequences.
4. Prioritize actions during an emergency, seeking needed assistance, and attempting to prevent undesirable secondary effects.
5. React without impulsiveness, belligerence, argumentative or intrusive behavior.

Computational Skills

A student in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program must possess computational skills needed for laboratory math calculations such as the conversion of milliliters to microliters.

Professional Requirements

A student must possess the ability to:

1. Exercise ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, and accountability in the clinical laboratory testing environment.
2. Utilize critical thinking skills in problem solving, evaluation, decision making and common sense situations and objectively approach laboratory problems with these skills.
3. Use interpersonal skills such as communication, cooperation, confidentiality, and attentiveness in a positive and tactful manner.
4. Project a neat, well‑groomed physical appearance.
5. be transported to and from the college and clinical rotations.

Communication Skills

The student must have the ability to communicate effectively in English using verbal, non-verbal and written formats with faculty, students, clients, families and all members of the healthcare team.

1. Read and comprehend technical and professional materials (i.e. textbooks, magazines and journal articles, handbooks and instructional manuals).
2. Follow verbal and written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform laboratory test procedures.
3. Clearly instruct patients prior to specimen collection.
4. Effectively, confidentially, and sensitively converse with patients regarding laboratory results.
5. Communicate with faculty members, fellow students, staff and other healthcare professionals verbally and in a recorded format (writing, typing, graphics, or telecommunications).
6. Transmit information to clients, fellow students, faculty, staff, and members of the healthcare team.
7. Independently prepare papers and laboratory reports, as well as take paper, computer and laboratory practical examinations.

What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine clinical laboratory testing using analytical instruments and other methods to provide scientific data needed in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease.

How many students do you admit to your program each year?

A new class of up to 24-26 students is admitted into the 91Ó°ÊÓ Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program every May.   

How competitive is admission?

We generally accept 24-26 students out of 30-34 applicants. Only students ready to enter the second MLT year are interviewed and selected.

When do I know if I am accepted?

If you are qualified for admission to enter the second MLT year, we set up interviews in April and admit students into the program from late April to early May. If you are taking required classes in the Spring semester, then we must wait for those grades to be posted to count them in our ranking system.

When does the MLT program start?

The MLT program starts each Summer with 1 online course. We start with only 1 course so students can take the remaining prerequisite courses or phlebotomy in the summer as well if needed. In the Fall semester (August), the bulk of the MLT courses start.

Must I complete all the prerequisites before applying to the MLT program?

No, as a matter of fact, we want you to apply to the MLT program as soon as possible so we can monitor and assist you in sequencing and completing your prerequisite courses.

If you have taken prerequisite courses at a different institution, please make sure you submit official transcripts to 91Ó°ÊÓ so they can be reviewed.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: If you would like the Program Director to review them prior to being uploaded by 91Ó°ÊÓ, make sure you bring or email a copy of your transcripts to the Program Director. The Program Director can make recommendations using the transcripts you bring or email, but an official copy will still need to be turned into the college.

Is the program two years or one year? I hear it is a 1+1 program. What does that mean?

Our program is unique and is called a 1+1 program. The first year is considered the prerequisite year, and students take that time to complete the minimum required prerequisites. You can complete these on a part-time or full-time basis. The second year, which we refer to as the MLT year, is by acceptance only and is full-time, with the cohort of students progressing through the courses at the same time. Once accepted into the second MLT year, the program is only 13 months until completion and graduation.

We do this so that once students enter the program, they can graduate, board eligible, and employed within 13 months.

Can any of your prerequisites or program classes be substituted with other classes or work experience?

Most general education courses (English, Biology, etc.) can have a course substituted from another institution as long as the course descriptions and hours match. These substitutions can be discussed with an academic advisor. However, if you wish to have the Program Director review your transcripts, the PD can usually assist in the substitution process.

Phlebotomy courses MDLT 1203 and MDLT 1222 can be waived if the student has previous phlebotomy experience or taken phlebotomy at a different college or technical school (Example: Tulsa Tech) . If the student does not have previous phlebotomy experience, then MDLT 1203 must be taken, but MDLT 1222 may be waived on an individual basis. Please see the Program Director for further information.

MLT-specific courses other than phlebotomy may be substituted on an individual basis. But these courses must be from another NAACLS-accredited MLT program.

What are the external practicum requirements?

Our external clinical practicum requirements are 320 hours. This is equivalent to  8.0 weeks, 40 hours a week. Clinicals are at the end of the program so once completed, students can immediately transition into the workforce.

We have one of the shortest clinical requirements in the region because our labs and on-campus clinical simulation at 91Ó°ÊÓ allow us to train and perform the majority of clinical testing, therefore reducing clinical time.

Can I choose the Laboratory for my practicum experience? Can I do my practicum where I work, if I already work in a lab?

Clinical site assignments are determined by the MLT Clinical Coordinator. The Clinical Coordinator inquires with every student clinical site preference, area of residence, main mode of transportation, and other important factors for the selection of clinical sites. The Clinical Coordinator makes every effort to accommodate student site requests.

However, in certain circumstances, we cannot accommodate all requests or preferences.

Although we prefer students to do their clinical practicum in a lab in which they do not currently work, it is allowable. If this were the case, certain rules would be established to distinctly differentiate the unpaid practicum hours from work hours. Per accreditation and under 91Ó°ÊÓ policy, a student cannot be paid during clinical practicum hours. Even with established rule,s we may not be able to accommodate all clinical practicum rotations at a lab in which a student works. In those cases, the students must complete their other rotations at a different location.

What happens if, while I am going through my practicum rotations, the clinical site decides to discontinue training students?

Although we have never had this happen before, in the case of the clinical site discontinuing student training, we would find an additional clinical location for the student to complete their training. If a site was not immediately available for that semester, then an Incomplete will be given until time that another clinical site can be found.

It is important to know that discontinuation of training by a clinical site due to conduct or disciplinary reasons may or may not constitute a clinical reassignment. See the 91Ó°ÊÓ MLT handbook and  for the student code of conduct for any issues associated with conduct.

What is the completion rate for your program?

See our Program Outcomes for completion rates.

What kind of certification am I eligible for with your program?

Since the MLT program at 91Ó°ÊÓ is NAACLS-accredited, students are immediately eligible for the ASCP national certification exam.

ASCP stands for the American Society for Clinical Pathology and is a well-known and respected credentialing agency for laboratory personnel. Upon graduation from 91Ó°ÊÓ and successfully passing the ASCP exam, you will be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician, written as such: MLT(ASCP). You will be able to use this credential behind your name.

See our Program Outcomes for ASCP pass rates.

What is the employment rate for graduates from your program?

See our Program Outcomes for placement (employment) rates, our Employment Outlook & Job Data for additional information.

Our current employment rates have been 100% for the last four years. The job market is very good for laboratory professionals. The MLT program and 91Ó°ÊÓ will assist you in finding a job.

How much will I make as an MLT?

This varies by location and by shift. See our Employment Outlook & Job Data for the most recent graduates' salaries. 

Are any courses online or blended?

Yes, Some. Most of the prerequisites are available online or blended. Phlebotomy courses are always blended with minimal time on campus.

MLT courses are a mixture of online, blended, and in-person courses. We try to limit the on-campus times to just 2 back-to-back days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday). On-campus time is usually for our labs and on-campus simulation. MLT is a skills-based profession, and laboratory time is key to learning and solidifying your lab skills. 

I work full or part-time, would I be able to do the program?

Yes, absolutely.  In fact, the majority of our students work during the MLT program.  We try and limit our classes during the week to accommodate the best we can, but there are still on-campus requirements as stated in the previous question. Clinicals are located at the end of the program to minimize the time between finishing the MLT program and entering the workforce as an MLT.  If you have concerns, please contact the program director so we can discuss options to get you completed.

Can I transfer with this degree?

Yes, as a matter of fact, many schools have what is called a 2+2 program, which allows you to complete your Bachelor’s degree while working as an MLT and taking classes online or blended. Students are then eligible to sit for the MLS certification, which is the 4-year certification.

Are there other certifications after MLT?

Yes, many certification options. Students can advance themselves through education and certification. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has many different certifications. We encourage students to visit the  to learn more about all the certifications and advancement opportunities a clinical laboratory career can offer. Additionally, you can schedule a time to meet with the program director to outline a career path for you.

What if I already have a degree?

Many of our students already have degrees (Associate, Bachelor's, and even Master's) and are coming back to school for a career change or a more stable work environment.

Students can use their previous education to benefit themselves, obtain higher salaries, and qualify for additional ASCP certifications with work experience. Education is never wasted.

How much does the program cost?

The program director can assist you in determining your remaining hours and the approximate cost of the program. We do post a cost sheet online in the program tabs, but keep in mind that if you already have certain courses, this cost will need to be adjusted.

Does the program qualify for financial aid?

Yes, as do most programs at 91Ó°ÊÓ. Please see a financial aid counselor.

How do I get started?

Glad you asked! Apply to the Program and contact the Program Director with your questions. *Note: You will need a 91Ó°ÊÓ ID number and password to apply. If you are not currently accepted to 91Ó°ÊÓ, apply to the college, then after you get your 91Ó°ÊÓ ID and password-apply to the MLT program.