Medical Laboratory Technology A.A.S.

This curriculum prepares individuals to perform clinical laboratory procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunohematology that may be used in the maintenance of health and diagnosis/treatment of disease.

Coursework emphasizes mathematical and scientific concepts related to specimen collection, laboratory testing and procedures, quality assurance and reporting/recording, and interpreting findings involving tissues, blood, and body fluids.

Graduates may be eligible to take the Board of Certification for Medical Laboratory Technicians by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Employment opportunities include laboratories in hospitals, medical offices, industry, and research facilities.

This program is accredited by the
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018

Phone: (773) 714-8880
Website: NAACLS Website

Specific Requirements

General college admission requirements.
High school units:
High school-level chemistry or college-level Chemistry 092 is required with a grade of C or higher.
Biology is strongly recommended.
This program has a selective admission process. See the Selective Allied Health Program Criteria on the Selective and Limited Programs page of the A-B Tech website.
Acceptable reports of medical examinations by the first day of MLT-252 Practicum I.
Satisfactory completion of required immunizations by the first day of MLT-252 Practicum I.
Criminal background checks, drug screens, and seasonal flu vaccines are required prior to admission to clinical sites.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification by the first day of
MLT-252 Practicum I.

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: BIO, CHM, and MLT

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-163		5
This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Basic Anatomy and Physiology ‌‌
CHM-130		3
This course provides a survey of basic facts and principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. Topics include measurement, molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, gas laws, and the structure, properties, and reactions of major organic and biological groups. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical concepts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for General, Organic, and Biochemistry ‌‌
CHM-130A		1
This course is a laboratory for CHM-130. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in CHM-130. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize basic laboratory procedures and apply them to chemical principles presented in CHM-130. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for General, Organic, and Biochemistry Lab ‌‌
MAT-110		3
This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems and to analyze and communicate results. View course details for Math Measurement & Literacy ‌‌
MLT-110		3
This course is designed to introduce all aspects of the medical laboratory profession. Topics include health care/laboratory organization, professional ethics, basic laboratory techniques, safety, quality assurance, and specimen collection. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of laboratory operations and be able to perform basic laboratory skills. View course details for Introduction to MLT ‌‌
MLT-111		2
This course introduces the laboratory analysis of urine and body fluids. Topics include physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of the urine and body fluids. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension in performing and interpreting urinalysis and body fluid tests. View course details for Urinalysis & Body Fluids ‌‌
MLT-140		3
This course is designed to introduce basic techniques and safety procedures in clinical microbiology. Emphasis is placed on the morphology and identification of common pathogenic organisms, aseptic technique, staining techniques, and usage of common media. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension in performing and interpreting basic clinical microbiology procedures. View course details for Introduction to Microbiology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌
MLT-120		4
This course introduces the theory and technology used in analyzing blood cells and the study of hemostasis. Topics include hematology, hemostasis, and related laboratory testing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension of hematology/hemostasis, perform diagnostic techniques, and correlate laboratory findings with disorders. View course details for Hematology/Hemostasis ‌‌
MLT-126		2
This course introduces the immune system and response and basic concepts of antigens, antibodies, and their reactions. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of immunologic and serodiagnostic techniques and concepts of cellular and humoral immunity in health and disease. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension and application in performing and interpreting routine immunologic and serodiagnostic procedures. View course details for Immunology and Serology ‌‌
MLT-130		4
This course introduces the quantitative analysis of blood and body fluids and their variations in health and disease. Topics include clinical biochemistry, methodologies, instrumentation, and quality control. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension of clinical chemistry, perform diagnostic techniques, and correlate laboratory findings with disorders. View course details for Clinical Chemistry I ‌‌
MLT-240		3
This course is designed to introduce special techniques in clinical microbiology. Emphasis is placed on advanced areas in microbiology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension in performing and interpreting specialized clinical microbiology procedures. View course details for Special Clinical Microbiology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
MLT-127		3
This course introduces the blood group systems and their applications in transfusion medicine. Emphasis is placed on blood bank techniques including blood grouping and typing, pre-transfusion testing, donor selection and processing, and blood component preparation and therapy. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate theoretical comprehension and application in performing/interpreting routine blood bank procedures and recognizing/resolving common problems. View course details for Transfusion Medicine ‌‌
MLT-252		2
This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence in final clinical evaluations. Concentration will be in the area of Phlebotomy. ** Because of clinical space restrictions, students will have individual schedules for MLT Practicums. Students will register for these courses as assigned by the department chairperson. During each student’s first clinical experience course, general hospital orientation will be covered. View course details for MLT Practicum I (Phlebotomy) ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
MAT-152		4
This course provides a project-based approach to introductory statistics with an emphasis on using real-world data and statistical literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, basic probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Upon completion, students will be able to use appropriate technology to describe important characteristics of a data set, draw inferences about a population from sample data, and interpret and communicate results. View course details for Statistical Methods I ‌‌
MLT-254		4
This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence in final clinical evaluations. Concentration will be in the area of blood banking. View course details for MLT Practicum I (Blood Bank) ‌‌
MLT-255		5
This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence in final clinical evaluations. Concentration will be in the area of microbiology. ** Because of clinical space restrictions, students will have individual schedules for MLT Practicums. Students will register for these courses as assigned by the department chairperson. During each student’s first clinical experience course, general hospital orientation will be covered. View course details for MLT Practicum I (Microbiology) ‌‌
MLT-261		1
This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence in final clinical evaluations. Concentration will be in the area of donors and component therapy. View course details for MLT Practicum II (Donor Therapy) ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ENG-114		3
This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Students entering this course should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a technical field and should anticipate interdepartmental evaluation of course projects. View course details for Professional Research and Reporting ‌‌
HUM-115		3
This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Critical Thinking ‌‌
MLT-215		1
This course surveys professional issues in preparation for career entry. Emphasis is placed on work readiness and theoretical concepts in microbiology, immunohematology, hematology, and clinical chemistry. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in career entry-level areas and be prepared for the national certification examination. View course details for Professional Issues ‌‌
MLT-265		5
This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence in final clinical evaluations. Concentration will be in the area of hematology. ** Because of clinical space restrictions, students will have individual schedules for MLT Practicums. Students will register for these courses as assigned by the department chairperson. During each student’s first clinical experience course, general hospital orientation will be covered. View course details for MLT Practicum II (Hematology) ‌‌
MLT-275		5
This course provides entry-level clinical laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on technique, accuracy, and precision. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate entry-level competence in final clinical evaluations. Concentration will be in the area of clinical chemistry. ** Because of clinical space restrictions, students will have individual schedules for MLT Practicums. Students will register for these courses as assigned by the department chairperson. During each student’s first clinical experience course, general hospital orientation will be covered. View course details for MLT Practicum III (Clinical Chemistry) ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

Curriculum is based on the 2023-24 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will
learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.