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Medical Laboratory Technology

Overview
Curriculum
Outcomes
Faculty
Cost
Scholarships
Requirements
Accreditation

Overview

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Medical Lab Technician

The Medical Laboratory Technology program will prepare students for employment as medical laboratory technicians responsible for performing laboratory analysis. The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

A student spends the first three semesters of the program in the classroom and lab at Mitchell Technical College. The remainder of the program assigns students to an affiliated hospital/clinic lab for a clinical practicum externship. During this time the student will work under the supervision of the lab personnel performing tests and other lab work as well as completing class assignments.

Graduates may test to become certified as Medical Laboratory Technicians by the Board of Certification.

The MLT Student Handbook is available HERE.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

Semesters

First Semester

HS103 > Anatomy Physiology4 credits

ML104 > Medical Laboratory FundamentalsThis course introduces students to the medical laboratory profession and its vital role within the healthcare system. Emphasis is placed on the ethics, conduct, education, certification, and employment opportunities related to medical laboratory personnel. Students develop fundamental laboratory knowledge and skills, including specimen collection and preparation techniques such as venipuncture and capillary punctures, reporting of laboratory results, and quality assurance methods. The course also covers laboratory safety principles related to physical, chemical, and biological hazards, including the use of safety barriers and isolation techniques. In addition, students gain a working knowledge of statistical concepts used in quality assurance and laboratory operations.3 credits

ML105 > Instrumentation2 credits

MATH103 > Mathematical Reasoning3 credits

CMST101 > Foundations of CommunicationsStudents will develop critical thinking and communication skills through speaking across a variety of genres, with an emphasis on adapting messages to different audiences, purposes, and contexts. Using a process-based approach, students will learn to plan, practice, deliver, and evaluate speeches. They will also develop skills in providing constructive feedback to others and thoughtfully incorporating feedback into their own work. Through these experiences, students will strengthen their ability to communicate ideas effectively and respond confidently in academic, professional, and real-world settings.3 credits

SSS100 > Student SuccessProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success.1 credit

ML130 > Chemistry Core ConceptsIntroduces fundamental chemistry concepts with an emphasis on applications in the clinical laboratory and healthcare environment. Topics include measurement and laboratory mathematics, matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, acids and bases, buffers, and other foundational principles necessary for understanding laboratory science. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills and applying chemical concepts and calculations to situations encountered in Medical Laboratory Technology and related health sciences.3 credits

Total Semester Hours19 credits

Second Semester

ML111 > Hemostasis2 credits

ML112 > HematologyAnatomy, physiology and related pathology of the circulatory system with specific reference to the formation, function and identification of blood cells. Major emphasis is on the related theory and performance of hematological procedures such as sample identification, collection and preparation; automated leukocyte and erythrocyte counts; hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements; WBC differential; leukocyte and erythrocyte morphology; RBC indices; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; platelet count; reticulocyte count; and eosinophil count. Automated hematological equipment is included. Specific methodologies in common use in medical laboratories and quality control standards are followed. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in ML 104 and ML 105.6 credits

ML121 > Urinalysis/Body FluidsAnatomy, physiology and related to pathology of the urinary system. Major emphasis is on the related theory and performance of physical, chemical and microscopic analysis of urine as well as collection, preservation and proper reporting of analysis. Certain renal function tests and occult blood are covered. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, physiology and related pathology of body fluids to include feces, semen, seminal fluid, synovial fluid, serous fluid, spinal fluid and the collection, preparation, preservation and analysis of those fluids. An introduction to cell counts of other body fluids is covered. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in ML 104 and ML 105.3 credits

ML144 > Intro to Laboratory ChemistryGeneral and biological chemistry with applications specific to the medical laboratory. The student will become familiar with chemical terminology, the atomic structure, ionic and molecular compounds, organic chemistry and acid and base balance. The biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes and hormones are presented and their relationship to the medical laboratory is studied. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in this course is required before enrolling in ML 230.3 credits

ML171 > Immunology/SerologyBasic genetics, immunology and serology. The student will acquire an understanding of the immune system including antigen/antibody reactions, origin, stimulation, body response and rejection. A study of the immunoglobulins, complement and classifications of immunity, precipitation and agglutination reactions is included. Serological tests include the related theory and performance of procedures to include hepatitis, rubella, Epstein-Barr virus, AIDS, CRP, RA, FANA, cold agglutinins, pregnancy, streptococcal diseases and autoimmune diseases. Immunoassay principles and practical applications are covered. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in ML 104 and ML 105.3 credits

ENGL101 > English CompositionThis course develops students’ abilities as critical readers, writers, and communicators through the analysis and composition of a variety of texts and genres. Students will explore rhetorical concepts such as audience, purpose, context, voice, tone, structure, design, and medium while practicing writing for academic, professional, and public audiences. The course emphasizes reading, research, inquiry, drafting, revision, collaboration, and reflection as students learn to evaluate and integrate sources, apply citation conventions, and compose effective texts across contexts. Students will also strengthen skills in grammar, mechanics, syntax, and usage appropriate to academic and professional writing situations. 3 credits

Total Semester Hours20 credits

Third Semester

ML230 > Clinical ChemistryBasic clinical chemistry and diagnostic analysis. Included are analytical chemical procedures such as identification, collection, handling, standardization and quality control, carbohydrate tests, renal function tests, proteins including electrophoresis, electrolytes, enzymes, liver function tests, therapeutic drug monitoring, endocrinology and toxicology. Automated instrumentation is emphasized. Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher is required in ML 104, ML 105 and ML 141.4 credits

ML240 > MicrobiologyClassification, identification and pathology of disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, fungus, yeasts, viruses, rickettsiae and parasites. Major emphasis is on the related theory and performance of microbiological procedures such as sterilization, collection and preparation of specimens, culturing methods, media preparation, staining techniques, antibiotic sensitivity testing and identification of commonly cultured bacteria. Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher is required in ML 104 and ML 105.6 credits

ML272 > Immunohematology/Blood BankingBasic immunohematological aspects of blood factors and their relationship to blood transfusion and disease states. Topics include the history, identification, inheritance of blood factors and antigen-antibody relationships involving detection of blood factors. Major emphasis is on the related theory and performance of immunohematological procedures such as ABO grouping, Rh typing, identification of blood factors, direct coombs, antibody screening and identification, compatibility testing, transfusion of blood and blood components, selection, collection, storage of donor blood and quality assurance. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ML 171.3 credits

HS100 > Basic Life Support for Health CareThis course meets CDC, OSHA and NFPA guidelines for basic life support. It focuses on immediate life-threatening situations, demonstrates quick, effective responses and presents perspectives on how frequently these situations occur. It is ideal for professionals such as firefighters, police, paramedics, lifeguards, athletic trainers, medical assistants and other medical professionals. Topics covered include the professional rescuer’s role in emergencies; victim’s condition assessment; basic life support; rescue breathing; cardiac emergencies; airway obstructions; AED use; and resuscitation in special situations. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.0.5 credits

> Behavioral Science Elective3 credits

> Social Science Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours19.5 credits

Fourth Semester

ML214 > Practical Clinical HematologyHematology which includes hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte count; WBC differential; sed rate; erythrocyte count; platelet count; reticulocyte count; eosinophil count; clotting time; prothrombin time; activated partial thromboplastin time; preparation of bone marrow smears. Experience is gained through obtaining blood samples to include venipuncture, capillary puncture and arterial blood gases. Additional hematological procedures may be performed at the option of the affiliated laboratory. This course is included in the clinical practicum semester.4 credits

ML224 > Practical Clinical UrinalysisUrinalysis which includes physical and chemical tests; microscopic identification of formed elements; collection and preparation of 24-hour samples for quantitative tests; pregnancy tests; renal function tests of urine, feces and spinal fluid and other body fluids. Additional urinalysis procedures may be performed at the option of the affiliated laboratory. This course is included in the clinical practicum semester.3 credits

ML244 > Prac Clinic Microbiology/SerologyMicrobiology includes collecting, setting up, plating, incubating, transporting and transferring microbiological cultures; identification of organisms involving common techniques such as gram stain, special stains, biochemical tests, coagulase and catalase tests and antibiotic susceptibility tests. Serological procedures might include RPR, streptococcus antigens and antibodies, infectious mono tests, RA, pregnancy, HIV, hepatitis, FANA, RSO, influenza A and B and C-RP tests. Preparation of samples for parasitology, mycology and virology study are included at the option of the affiliated laboratory. This course is included in the clinical practicum semester.5 credits

ML274 > Practical Clinical-ImmunohematologyImmunohematology: which includes blood banking, ABO grouping, Rh typing, direct and indirect coombs testing, antibody screening and compatibility testing. Selection of blood donors, collection of blood for transfusion, storage of blood and blood components and quality control are included. Additional blood banking procedures may be included at the option of the affiliated medical laboratory. This course is included in the clinical practicum semester.4 credits

ML200 > MLT Comprehensive Board ReviewThis course provides a comprehensive review of major concepts in medical laboratory technology while students are completing their clinical internship experiences. Emphasis is placed on integration of knowledge across laboratory disciplines, clinical correlation, critical thinking, and preparation for national certification examinations. Weekly online seminar meetings include case discussions, content review, practice questions, and interactive review activities.1 credit

Total Semester Hours17 credits

Fifth Semester

ML234 > Practical Clinical ChemistryClinical chemistry which includes specimen procurement, quantitative measurement and clinical significance of glucose, urea, nitrogen, proteins, triglycerides, cardiac markers, toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring, bilirubin, cholesterol, electrolytes, enzymes, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorous, thyroid function test, iron, TIBC, pH and blood gases. Additional chemical procedures may be performed at the option of the affiliated laboratory. This course is included in the clinical practicum semester. Prerequisite: ML 2746 credits

Total Semester Hours6 credits

Requirements

Admission Requirements

It is required that applicants to the program have successfully completed high school algebra, chemistry and biology with a C (2.0) or better to demonstrate proficiency in math and science. In addition, an applicant must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. Some special requirements may have to be met before entrance to the program or to certain clinical sites. See the Program Director or the MLT Student Handbook for details.
All students accepted to the Medical Laboratory Technology program must submit to a criminal background check at the student’s expense. Mitchell Technical College has partnered with CastleBranch to complete your background check. You will need to create a username and password. Details are available from the Admissions office. Please click here to begin the process.

Immunizations

Some immunization requirements may have to be met before entrance to certain clinical sites. See the Instructor for details.

Program Requirements

Students must have earned a grade of C or better in all previous technical courses before enrolling in clinical courses.

After three semesters on campus, the remainder of the program pairs students with an affiliated hospital or clinic lab for a clinical practicum externship. During this time, the student will work under the supervision of the lab personnel, as well as complete class assignments.

Graduation Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all technical courses including the clinical practicum in order to graduate. There is no requirement to pass an external certification or licensure exam in order to graduate from the program.

Computer Requirements

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

Licensure Disclosure

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP) certification exam with the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. South Dakota and many other states do not require additional licensure to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Licensure is currently required in 11 states. The requirements of the law vary from state to state. If you plan to locate in a state with licensure requirements, that state should be contacted for specific information on how to obtain licensure. Generally, you will need to demonstrate that you have graduated from an accredited MLT program (MTC’s program meets this requirement) and have obtained MLT(ASCP) certification. California has its own certification exam.

Licensure is not required in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Mitchell Technical College has determined that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states: Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia.

Mitchell Technical College has made no determination that our program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Florida, New York, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.

For further information regarding practicing as a Medical Laboratory Technician in other states, please visit the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science website: https://www.ascls.org/advocacy-issues/licensure. You may also contact the Vice President for Enrollment Services, Clayton Deuter, at 605.995.7132 for questions regarding licensure.

Active Clinical Sites

For 2025-26 externships, students are assigned to: Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD; Huron Regional Medical Center in Huron, SD; Avera Freeman Regional Health Services in Freeman, SD; Millbank Area Hospital Avera in Millbank, SD; and Avera St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston, SD.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate competency in the clinical setting.

Demonstrate competency in clinical chemistry
Demonstrate competency in clinical hematology / phlebotomy
Demonstrate competency in clinical urinalysis
Demonstrate competency in clinical microbiology
Demonstrate competency in clinical immunology / immunohematology

Think critically.

Demonstrate good judgment and decision-making in the clinical setting
Correlate test results with clinical significance and patient history

Communicate effectively.

Demonstrate effective written communication skills
Demonstrate effective oral communication skills

Demonstrate professional attitudes, behaviors, growth and ethics.

Conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner
Work effectively with supervisory personnel
Know and follow safety rules

Graduate as entry-level technologists who demonstrate professional ethics through their attitudes and behaviors.

Pass the BOC exam
Perform as entry-level medical laboratory technicians
Find employment within 12 months of graduation
Graduate after beginning the final half of the program

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Accreditation and Outcome Data

The Mitchell Tech Medical Laboratory Technology program, offered for the AAS degree, is accredited through October 2036 by:

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773.714.8880

Current length of accreditation: 10 years

3-year average certification exam rate for Medical Laboratory Technology graduates (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
Year Graduated	Candidates	Passing*	Percentage Passing
2026	5	5	100%
2025	2	2	100%
2024	10	10	100%
3-Year Total	17	17	100%

3-year average program completion rate for Medical Laboratory Technology
Year Graduated	Number Beginning Final Half of Program	Number Graduating	Completion Rate
2026	6	6	100%
2025	3	2	67%
2024	10	10	100%
3-Year Total	19	18	95%

3-year average placement rate for Medical Laboratory Technology program graduates
Year Graduated	Number Responding Graduates	Number Employed in MLT or Continuing Ed	Placement Rate
2026	6	6	100%
2025	2	2	100%
2024	10	10	100%
3-Year Total	18	18	100%

*NAACLS has defined the certification examination pass rate as the number of graduates who pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology BOC examination compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within the first year of graduation.

Faculty

Natasha Jennings

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Shirlyce Weisser

Instructor

Lynne Smith

Program Director / Instructor

Cost

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $1,003

Scholarships

Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.

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