The two calendar year MLT associate degree (four semesters, two summer sessions) requires a minimum of 70 credits for graduation. The first year of coursework is taken at the Hazleton campus and includes science and non-science courses to prepare for the clinical experience. The student is also introduced to the clinical laboratory through lectures and a brief observation at a clinical site. The second year consists of clinical lectures and "hands-on" experience (practicum), divided between the campus and the clinical site. Approximately 30 hours per week are spent in clinical instruction, class lectures, and student labs.  

Part-time schedules are also an option.

Credit may be obtained for prior clinical work experience.

Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded an associate degree in science and is eligible to take nationally recognized certification exams (such as ASCP Board of Certification) to become registered as an MLT.

The program begins fall semester.

Biology

  • Biology 161 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture (3 credits)  Structure and function of the human body.  First lecture course of a 2-semester series.
  • Biology 162 -  Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lab (1 credit)  Structure and function of the human body.  First laboratory course of a 2-semester series.
  • Biology 163 -  Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture (3 credits)  Structure and function of the human body.  Second lecture course of a 2-semester series.  
  • Biology 164 -  Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lab (1 credit)  Structure and function of the human body.  Second laboratory course of a 2-semester series.      (Note:  Biology 110 and Biology 240W may be taken in place of Biol 161-164.)

Chemistry

  • Chemistry 110 - Chemical Principles  (3 credits)  Basic concepts and quantitative relations.   (Students who score low on chemistry placement exam should also take Chem 108.)
  • Chemistry 108 - Problem Solving in Chemistry  (1 credit)   Techniques, strategies and skills for solving problems in general chemistry.   Concurrent: Chem 110.
  • Chemistry 111 - Experimental chemistry  (1 credit)    Introduction to quantitative experimentation in chemistry.  Prerequisite or concurrent: Chem 110.
  • Chemistry 202 - Organic Chemistry  (3 credits)   Introduction to organic compounds of biochemical importance.   Prerequisite: Chem 110 or Chem 106.

English

  • English 15 - Composition and Rhetoric  (3 credits)   Instruction and practice in writing expository prose.

First-Year Seminar

  • PSU 008 - PSU First-Year Seminar University College  (1 credit)  Facilitate student's adjustment to the high expectations, demanding workload, increased academic liberties, and other aspects of the transition to college life.

Speech

  • Communication Arts and Sciences 100 - Effective Speech  (3 credits)  Introduction to speech communication: formal speaking, group discussion, analysis, and evaluation of messages.

Microbiology

  • Microbiology 201 - Introductory Microbiology  (3 credits)   Elementary principles of microbial and viral interrelationships, morphology, and physiology; relation to food, water, soil, industry and disease processes.  Prerequisite: Chem 110.   
  • Microbiology 202 - Introductory Microbiology Laboratory  (2 credits)   Qualitative and quantitative techniques with regard to recognition of bacteria and their processes on a microscopic, colonial, and physiological basis.   Prerequisite: Chem 110.   Prerequisite or concurrent: Micrb 201.

Quantification

  • Mathematics 21 - College Algebra  (3 credits)   Relations and functions; roots of polynomials and matrices; determinants; analytical geometry.   Prerequisite: Math 4 or satisfactory performance on proficiency exam.
  • Student may substitute one of the following for Math 21: Math 22, 81, 110, 111, 140; Stat 200, 250.

Computer Science

  • Management Information Systems 103 - Microcomputer Applications in Business  (3 credits) Introduction to current business uses of the microcomputer, including spreadsheets, database management, word processing, and decision-making models.

Electives (9 credits total)
Student chooses 3 credits from a list of approved courses in each of the following areas:

  • Humanities (designated GH)
  • Arts (designated GA)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (designated GS)

NOTE: Students must take 3 credits of U.S. Culture or International Culture courses. (One of the above electives must be designated US, IL or US/IL.)

MLT CLINICAL COURSES: Offered in conjunction with the practicum sites at Penn State Hazleton only.

First Year - Summer Session

Microbiology 150 - Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology  (4 credits)   Introduction to basic principles and procedures of clinical laboratory work.  Basics of laboratory math and statistics.  Proper collection of blood samples.  Laboratory safety.  Includes a 2 hour observation in a local hospital laboratory.   Prerequisite: Admission to 2 MLT Program.

Second Year - Fall Session

  • Microbiology 151 A - Clinical Chemistry  (5 credits)   Basic principles and procedures for measuring chemical components of blood and other body fluids. *
  • Microbiology 151 B - Hematology  (5 credits)   Red and white cell identification and enumeration and related procedures for diagnosing normal or disease states.  Principles of coagulation. *
  • Microbiology 151 D - Clinical Chemistry Practicum  (2 credits)   Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory.  Focus is on the practical application of clinical chemistry procedures.  Phlebotomy.  Prerequisite or concurrent:  Microbiology 151 A
  • Microbiology 151 E - Hematology Practicum  (2 credits)  Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory.  Focus is on the practical application of hematology and coagulation procedures.  Prerequisite or concurrent:  Microbiology 151 B

Second Year - Spring Session

  • Microbiology 151 C - Immunohematology and Serology  (4 credits)  Antigen-Antibody interactions of diagnostic importance.  Immunologic principles and procedures necessary for the transfusion of blood products. *
  • Microbiology 151 W - Clinical Microbiology  and Body Fluids Analysis  (5 credits)   Properties of normal and abnormal microbial flora and procedures for their identification.  Analysis of urine and other body fluids.  This course is writing intensive. *
  • Microbiology 151 F - Immunohematology Practicum  (2 credits)  Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory.  Focus is on the practical application of immunohematology procedures.  Prerequisite or concurrent:  Microbiology 151 C
  • Microbiology 151 G - Clinical Microbiology  and Body Fluids Practicum  (2 credits)   Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory.  Focus is on the practical application of microbiology procedures and body fluid analysis.   Prerequisite or concurrent:  Microbiology 151 W

* Includes lectures at Penn State Hazleton and student lab sessions. 

Microbiology 150 and 151 courses:  Must earn grade of C or better.

Prerequisites for all Micrb151 courses:  Micrb 150, 201, 202;  Chem 202;  Biol 163 and 164 or Biol 141. 

Can Prior Lab Experience Count Toward this Degree?

For students with qualifying clinical laboratory training or experience, credit for part or all of the Micrb 150 and Micrb 151 courses may be obtained by taking a comprehensive exam for each course. More information may be obtained about "Credit by examination" by contacting the MLT Program Director at Penn State Hazleton.