Medical Laboratory Technology

Application deadline: July 1

Earning your Medical Laboratory Technology AAS gives you the opportunity to work in a rapidly moving field driven by technological advancements and the ever-growing demand for diagnostic services. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and new diagnostic techniques are constantly changing how laboratories operate and enhancing the accuracy of tests.  

A career in MLT is more than a job–it’s a launchpad into the world of advanced medical science. If you have a passion for diagnostics and a drive to deepen your expertise, this program is the first step on the path to becoming a medical laboratory scientist, forensic scientist, researcher or pathologist where clinical insight meets cutting-edge research to shape the future of medicine. 

What skills will I gain? 

Throughout the MLT Program you will learn how to prepare specimens, decode the chemical makeup of bodily fluids, ensure life-saving blood transfusions are safe, and perform a wide array of diagnostic tests that guide critical medical decisions. You’ll enter the workforce ready to set up, calibrate and troubleshoot sophisticated lab equipment that powers life-saving diagnostics and cutting-edge medical discoveries. 

What does a medical lab technician do? 

As a medical lab technician, you will become an essential partner in determining a patient’s diagnosis, helping patients manage diseases and therapy as well as screening for specific conditions. Working alongside physicians, laboratory managers and medical laboratory scientists you’ll utilize the skills you’ve cultivated to analyze blood, bodily fluids, tissue and biological samples to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment for patients. The environment is fast-paced and will require you to have sound technical knowledge, a keen eye for detail and good dexterity to transport samples and use small tools.  

Where do medical lab technicians work? 

While many medical lab technicians go on to work in hospitals and private physicians’ offices, there are several employment options available, including: 

• Diagnostic labs 
• Outpatient care centers 
• Public health facilities 
• Blood and organ donation centers 
• College and university laboratories 
• Biotechnology laboratories 
• Pharmaceutical companies 

Transferring

If you’re considering an AAS program and interested in transferring to a four-year college or university, contact a program advisor upon entry to the program to discuss your plans.

Virginia Western has entered into the following agreement specific to the Dental Hygiene program. This list is subject to change, and the most current agreements can be found on our Transfer Agreements page.

• Old Dominion University: Medical Lab Technology to BS in Medical Lab Science (PDF)

Mission Statement

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program strives to provide quality educational experiences that enable students to become effective, professional members of the clinical laboratory team who can respond to the changing nature of the clinical laboratory.

Goals

• To provide selected students the opportunity to obtain knowledge that enables them to become contributing members of the allied health team as competent entry-level medical laboratory technicians.
• To stimulate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• To retain and prepare students academically to complete the program and successfully pass the MLT ASCP Examination.
• To instill in our students a professional work ethic, a desire for life-long learning, and an appreciation for clinical laboratory science as a profession.