Associate in Science

Program Description:

The Medical Laboratory Technician Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare the student for entry into the clinical laboratory setting as a medical laboratory technician. As a member of the health care team, the medical laboratory technician plays a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease by developing data on blood and other human body fluids using highly computerized and automated instrumentation. Medical laboratory technicians work under the supervision of medical technologists or physicians in all areas of the laboratory, including chemistry, hematology, immunology, serology, immunohematology and microbiology. The student will become proficient in these disciplines of the laboratory through didactic and laboratory sessions at the college, and clinical practicums at affiliated sites. Students who complete the program are then eligible to sit for the board of certification exam with the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

• Visit the Department Website for this program

Career and Transfer Outlook:

The continued growth of the laboratory science profession is producing an increased demand for educated and motivated laboratory professionals. Employment opportunities for graduates of a medical laboratory technician program include hospital and reference laboratories, physician-office laboratories, clinics, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and research facilities. In the design of this program articulating to a B.S. program was also considered when mapping courses.

Helpful Hints:

Most general education credits taken to complete the Associate in Science degree will transfer to other colleges.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technician degree program are prepared to:

• Perform routine laboratory procedures encompassing all major areas of the clinical laboratory, including hematology, chemistry, immunology, serology, microbiology, urinalysis and transfusion services at the career-entry level;
• Procure laboratory test samples in an efficient and timely manner;
• Recognize unexpected results and instrument malfunctions, and take appropriate action;
• Produce accurate laboratory test results within acceptable limits of quality control;
• Correlate laboratory findings to common disease processes;
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills with patients, coworkers and physicians;
• Comply with safety procedures and ethical standards of practice;
• Demonstrate the importance of continuing education and life-long learning.

Admission to Medical Laboratory Technician

Required Course Prerequisites

• Completion of General Biology (BIO 131) within the last 5 years, with a grade of C or higher and previous high school or college chemistry (CHE 121 recommended) within the last 5 years.  Applicants with previous college coursework in Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry may be eligible for a waiver of the required course prerequisites, upon review of official transcripts.

  Required Testing

• Eligibility for ENG 101 and MAT 100 and a reading score of 76. Testing must be completed prior to admission and within one year of application. Eligibility for English and Math may be demonstrated through the College Placement Test or previous coursework. 

Required Documents

• A signed Admission Requirements Certification Form
• A completed Middlesex Community College Application 
• Official college transcripts (required from all colleges attended, except Middlesex Community College)

Admission Notes

• Admission to the program is competitive.
• The Admission Committee will review applications in their entirety. In addition to the admission requirements listed above, successful applicants will have documented success in science courses. Academic history will also be considered and students are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
• Non-Massachusetts residents will be admitted on a space-available basis only