Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS)

Medical lab technicians are in high demand. Prepare for this rewarding career with Saint Francis’ hybrid medical laboratory technician program.

Available as
Major
Degrees/Options
Associate of Applied Science
Length
2 years
Locations
Crown Point

Why Become a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Medical lab technicians are vital: their work directly contributes to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and medical conditions. You’ll find them on the front lines of patient care, collecting, preparing, and analyzing samples — giving healthcare providers what they need to make important decisions. This field is in high demand and pays well.

Many healthcare employers prefer to hire certified medical lab technicians (MLTs). Saint Francis provides a 2-year, NAACLS-accredited program designed to prepare you for the American Society of Clinical Pathology certification exam. Upon graduation, you will not only be eligible to sit for the exam, but you will have acquired the skills and knowledge to feel confident in the workforce.

100%

Career success rate for our Class of 2021 medical laboratory technician graduates

342,900

Number of jobs for clinical technologists and technicians in 2022

BLS.gov

$60,780

Median national annual salary for clinical technologists and technicians in 2023

BLS.gov

Why Saint Francis for Medical Laboratory Technician?

Our lab programs get results.

It’s clear why 100% of Saint Francis medical laboratory technician graduates find employment in their chosen field. Led by an expert, service-driven faculty, our accredited MLT program gives you a strong foundation in science, hands-on lab experience, and academic and career support along the way. Renowned for its values-based healthcare education, Saint Francis not only prepares you to do your job well but to do it with care and compassion.

Hands-On Learning: Real-World Clinical Experience

Along with your foundational courses, you’ll learn your way around a lab, how to use the equipment and practice techniques. Your path toward MLT certification culminates with hands-on training in a variety of real-world lab settings. Our medical lab tech students complete their rotations at sites such as Alverno Core Laboratories and Franciscan Health locations in:

  • Crown Point
  • Dyer
  • Michigan City

What You Can Do With a Degree to be a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Graduates of a medical laboratory technician program can find positions in a range of healthcare facilities, from hospitals and outpatient care centers to blood banks and independent labs.

Many MLTs work as generalists, especially at first. As you gain experience, you might discover an area you particularly enjoy and choose to specialize in immunology, hematology, or microbiology, for instance.

Opportunities for Career Advancement

With continued demand for qualified lab workers, there’s considerable room for growth techs with MLT certification. As you gain experience and additional credentials, you could be eligible for specialized lab roles or even supervisory positions.

For many, the associate degree is a stepping stone. Our accredited MLT program is excellent preparation for a related bachelor’s degree.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about the Medical Laboratory Technician program or would like to request a copy of the MLT student handbook, please contact Grace McIlroy, program director, at gmcilroy@sf.edu or 219-488-8888 ext. 5463.

Accreditation and Outcomes

The MLT Program is accredited by the: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119

Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for certification through American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Graduation Rate

  • Graduation Rate: 2020: 100%, 2021: 80%, 2022: 0%**, 2023: 100%, 2024: 100%
  • Most Recent 3-Year Average (2022, 2023 and 2024): 100%

Job Placement Rate:

  • Job Placement Rate: 2020: 100%, 2021: 100%, 2022: 0%**, 2023: 100%, 2024: 100%
  • Most Recent 3-Year Average (2022, 2023, and 2024): 100%

ASCP Certification Pass Rates

  • ASCP Certification Pass Rates: 2020: 100%, 2021: 33%*, 2022: 0%**, 2023: 0%***, 2024: 0%***
  • Most Recent 3-Year Average (2022, 2023, and 2024): 0%****

*This cohort had class and clinical disruptions due to the COVID pandemic.
**This cohort was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.
***2024 ASCP Certification Pass Rates data is pending for August 2024 graduates.
**** 2022 Cohort cancelled, 2023 cohort did not attempt certification within one year of graduation, 2024 cohort results pending from August graduates.

Learn more about what makes life at Saint Francis so special.