Jumpstart a rewarding career in healthcare at Penn State’s medical laboratory technology associate program. Join us and become a vital member of the healthcare team, playing a crucial role in patient care through diagnostic testing and disease detection.
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In this fast-paced degree, you will dive into coursework covering chemistry, microbiology, hematology, and immunology while gaining practical experience in our labs equipped with the latest technology.
Learn from experienced faculty who provide personalized mentorship, and clinical experiences in leading healthcare facilities. In just six semesters, you'll graduate ready to excel in this vital profession.
Graduate from Penn State’s Accredited Medical Laboratory Technology Degree
Penn State Hazleton’s Medical Laboratory Technology program has full accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Graduates of this accredited MLT program are eligible to take national certification examinations such as the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam to become certified as an MLT.
The size of each entering class is limited for individualized attention and optimal clinical experiences, resulting in graduating classes that average a 100% certification pass rate.
Medical Laboratory Technology Program Coordinator Lori Yeager teaches a group of students during a lab course.
Hands-On MLT Experience in the Real World
Our medical laboratory technology program offers you the chance to work with cutting-edge equipment in our campus labs.
After gaining a foundational education on campus, second-year students enter clinical experiences at renowned healthcare facilities to ensure the latest techniques are gained in real-world settings.
Medical Laboratory Technology Courses
The medical laboratory technology program includes comprehensive courses in biology, general education, microbiology, and medical terminology to prepare for clinical experiences.
Second-year classes offer supervised clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities, providing hands-on experience.
Here are a sample of courses in the medical laboratory technology program:
Chemistry
Learn how to measure chemical components of body fluids.
Hematology
Study red and white cell identification and procedures for diagnosing normal and disease states.
Immunohematology and Serology
Gain understanding of immune system function and tests used to diagnose infection and disorders.
Clinical Microbiology and Body Fluids Analysis
Identify normal and abnormal microbial flora.
See the full schedule of courses for the medical laboratory technology degree program on the Undergraduate Bulletin website.
Medical Laboratory Technician Careers
Medical laboratory technology graduates can pursue careers in a variety of settings. Whether you prefer a medical or non-medical environment, you'll have numerous opportunities and most students have multiple job offers before graduation.
Now is the perfect time to launch your career as a medical laboratory technician. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this rapidly growing field offers a high median salary of $60,000, with a projected 5% growth rate, and 16,000 new jobs by 2032.
This industry demand results in a 100% employment rate for Penn State medical laboratory technology graduates.
Career opportunities
- Hospital laboratories
- Food processing industry
- Veterinary labs
- State police or federal forensics labs
- Public health labs
- Cancer clinics
- Chemical companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
As a medical laboratory technician, you'll work alongside pathologists, technologists, and technicians to analyze patient samples, helping physicians diagnose and treat illnesses.
MLTs operate in all areas of the lab, including microbiology, chemistry, hematology, and transfusion services. They perform routine tests and complex procedures, analyze blood, type blood for safe transfusions, identify microorganisms, prepare specimens, count cells, and detect abnormalities.
Medical laboratory technicians use a variety of equipment to test samples in the laboratory.
Opportunities to Continue Your Studies
For students looking to further their education, the first-year courses can transfer to majors in microbiology, medical laboratory science, biology, or related disciplines. Plus, many hospitals and companies that hire MLTs offer financial support for bachelor’s or advanced degrees.
Penn State’s associate degree in medical laboratory technology can also open the door to becoming a medical laboratory scientist, with opportunities that include becoming an educator, laboratory manager, and specialist positions.
Once an MLT graduate passes a national certification exam and is certified as MLT, earns a bachelor’s degree in any major, and works in a hospital laboratory for two years, they can qualify to take a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam. Bachelor's degrees earned prior to MLT certification count toward the MLS qualification.
Accreditation information
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Penn State Hazleton is fully accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
847-939-3597
https://www.naacls.org
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
