Medical Laboratory Technology
Course Requirements
NEW Starting Fall 2023: Flexible Pathways
Beginning in Fall 2023, students entering the MLT program will be able to choose between several exciting new pathways, which have been designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of students. Whether you have no college credit or already have a bachelor’s degree, whether you want to attend part-time or full-time, there is pathway to suit your needs. Depending on how many credits you have already completed prior to entering the program and how many credits you wish to take each semester, the program can be completed in as little as 12 months or spaced out over 24+ months.
FirstHealth FastTrack Loan and Forgiveness Program
MLT students who have already completed a B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field may be eligible to apply for a generous Loan and Forgiveness Program through FirstHealth of the Carolinas. The loan covers full tuition and a stipend, both of which will be forgiven after 2 years of work at FirstHealth after graduation. To find out if you qualify for this program, please contact the MLT Program Coordinator, Aimi Vanden Oever (vandenoevera@sandhills.edu).
Program Overview
The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) 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.
Course work 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.
The MLT program is divided into a didactic phase and a clinical phase of instruction. In the didactic phase, the MLT student is introduced to the theories of biochemistry, hematology, hemostasis, urinalysis, phlebotomy, microbiology and immunohematology. The on-campus didactic courses utilize a variety of instructional methods to engage the student. Students are able to experience the analysis of blood samples in the on-campus practical labs utilizing manual techniques.
The clinical phase of instruction occurs in area hospitals and medical centers. During this phase, the MLT student will perform testing on patient samples while working under the direct supervision of an experienced MLT or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in biochemistry, hematology, hemostasis, urinalysis, phlebotomy, microbiology and immunohematology.
Credentials & Employment
Graduates may be eligible to take the examination given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Employment opportunities include laboratories in hospitals, medical offices, industry, and research facilities.
Additional Information
Clinical rotations are generally conducted on weekdays, however attendance may be required on alternate shifts. In addition to academic requirements, students are required to possess essential functions (non-academic abilities and skills) to successfully participate in the program and become employable (see Essential Functions policy).
Drug screens and background checks are required by our clinical affiliates in order to attend clinical rotations. Students with positive drug screen, criminal charges, or criminal convictions may not be able to attend clinicals, and therefore will be unable to progress into the program. Complete information regarding the procedure will be provided at the program orientation.
Admissions Process
- College Application: Complete an SCC admissions application online. Set up your SCC student email account. New students or returning students who have not attended SCC for two years must complete online or attend the College new student orientation.
- Transcripts: Submit official (sealed) high school/high school equivalency and all college transcripts to the admissions office.
- Prerequisite Classes: Anatomy & Physiology (or BIO 094) or Chemistry is required with a grade of C or better verified by college or high school transcript.
- Course Placement Requirements: Students must place into ENG 111 and into MAT 143 without a corequisite.
- GPA: All applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA to be considered for admission.
- HESI A2 (Admission Assessment Exam): A 75+ cumulative score is required to apply in Early Consideration. Students who do not achieve a 75 may apply in Late Consideration. Students may only take the HESI A2 twice in an academic year (September-May). HESI A2 scores for tests taken within the last three years will be reviewed. Tests must be scheduled in advance; dates and registration are online. Test costs is $55, subject to change.
- Health Sciences Application: Submit an online application by the deadline listed below. The application is located on the Health Sciences webpage.
Application Deadlines
Early Consideration: Last Friday in January
Late Consideration: Last Friday in April
MLT Essential Functions
Before official enrollment in MLT Program courses, students must present a personal statement to verify that they can fulfill certain essential functions. These include, but are not limited to: Physical Ability, Visual Acuity, Hearing Acuity, Speech/Communication, Critical Thinking, Emotional Stability, Personal Attributes, and Ability to Travel.
A complete list of essential functions can be obtained from the Program Coordinator.
Program Accreditation & Outcomes
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
847.939.3597
773.714.8880
773.714.8886 (FAX)
http://www.naacls.org
Estimated Program Expenses
In addition to tuition and books, students are responsible for extra costs for uniforms, supplies, medical exams, criminal back-ground checks and drug screens, insurance, and travel.
| ITEM | IN-STATE COST | OUT-OF-STATE COST |
| Tuition* | $5,624.00 | $19,832.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Technology Fee | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| General Education Course fees | $0-100.00 | $0-100.00 |
| Additional Program fees | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| Medical Record Tracking | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Malpractice | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Textbooks | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Supplies | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Uniform | $145.00 | $145.00 |
| Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening | $108.00 | $108.00 |
| Admissions Physical | $150.00 | $150.00 |
*Program credit hours: 74 – $76.00 per credit hour in-state tuition, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state tuition.
Contact Information
General Health Sciences Admissions Questions
donadiot@sandhills.edu
Aimi Vanden Oever, MA, MLS (ASCP)CM, MLT Program Coordinator & Instructor
164 Kennedy Hall
910.695.3839
vandenoevera@sandhills.edu