Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
If you are intrigued with science, healthcare, have an investigative mind, want to get a job that is in high demand, get extensive hands-on-training, and obtain skills that lead to a broad range of career options, then the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at CSM is for you.
This two-year program, including one summer session, prepares graduates to work as a member of a diagnostic health care team as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). MLTs perform routine and automated procedures under the supervision of a medical technologist or pathologist.
Tests that MLTs perform include complete blood counts, urinalysis, cross matching blood for transfusion, identifying pathogenic organisms, and chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids.
CSM’s program includes hands-on practice in a clinical laboratory. Graduates can apply to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam to obtain national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
View Program Requirements in the Catalog:
Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS
Download Program Quick Guide (PDF)
The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119.
Transfer Opportunities
CSM has the following transfer agreements for the MLT program:
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Science
- Stevenson University
- University of Arkansas Medical Sciences
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth University
Scholarship Opportunities
The following scholarship opportunities are available for students in the MLT program:
- MLT Scholarship
- Peter Cangelosi Memorial Scholarship
- Charles County Nursing and Allied Health Programs Scholarship
- Chiaramonte Hope Scholarship
- GRPA Scholarship
- McWilliams Family Endowed Scholarship
- Roberta Kieliger Sisters at Heart Annual Scholarship
- Southern Maryland Nursing and Health Alliance Scholarship
ASCP MLS Certification & Career Opportunities
These two graphics illustrate the career opportunities for MLT Program graduates and the routes they can take to achieve them. Graduates should first sit for the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) MLT Exam. The career ladder then progresses with an ASCP MLS, four year degree, Certification. This can be obtained through two routes. MLT graduates are able to work in a clinical laboratory while completing an online or face-to-face bachelor's degree. CSM offers transfer agreements to institutions with MLT to MLS and life science degrees that enable graduates to take the ASCP BOC MLS Certification Exam. This certification opens doors to opportunities in and outside the medical laboratory.
CSM MLT in the News
- "CSM places third in Cell Bowl competition, Accokeek student featured" - The Enquirer Gazette
- "Kayla Carlyle: Blood Donor for Life" - American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region
Clinical Experience Locations
MLT students get hands-on experience at the following locations:
- Calvert County: CalvertHealth Medical Center
- St Mary's County: MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
- Prince George's County: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center; Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center
- District of Columbia: Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Highlights
Graduation, Certification, and Placement Rates
Graduation Year |
Graduation Rate |
Attrition Rate |
Graduate ASCP Certification Rate |
Graduation Placement Rate |
2013 |
100% |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2014 |
100% |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2015 |
100% |
0% |
83% |
100% |
2016 |
100% |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2017 |
100% |
50% (1 out of 2 students) |
100% |
100% |
2018 |
50% (1 out of 2 students) |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2019 |
100% |
17% (1 out of 6 students) |
100% |
100% |
2020 |
83% |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2021 |
100% |
25% (1 out of 4 students) |
100% |
100% |
2022 |
75% (3 out of 4 students) |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2023 |
100% |
0% |
100% |
100% |
2024 |
100% |
0% |
100% |
100% |
Essential Functions
Admission Criteria (Technical Standards/Essential Functions): Student must be free of contagion and possess sufficient stamina and mental stability, with or without reasonable accommodations as may be required by law, to fulfill the requirements of the program and the customary requirements of the profession:
- Work for 8-12 hours performing physical tasks requiring sufficient strength and motor coordination without jeopardy to patient and student safety as, for example, walking, sitting, bending, lifting, turning
- Perform fine motor movements and be able to manipulate instruments and wide variety of equipment according to established procedure and standards of speed and accuracy.
- Establish and work toward goals in a consistently responsible, realistic manner.
- Have auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. (For example: communicate verbally, in an effective manner, with patients and other personnel)
- Have visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for patient care. (For example: use a microscope, read and process patient related information like patient charts and requisitions, visually assess patient response to interventions)