Medical Laboratory Technology (also known as Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science) is a healthcare profession that combines science and technology to provide the data that physicians use to detect, diagnose and treat disease. More than 70% of medical decisions made by physicians are based on laboratory test results.

Medical laboratory technicians and technologists are the detectives of the healthcare team. They work behind the scenes to analyze blood, body fluids, and tissues using sophisticated electronic equipment and computers. They must work with accuracy and precision to ensure high quality test results that are critical for patient care.

Medical Laboratory Technology is an exciting and rewarding career choice for individuals who enjoy science and technology and who desire a healthcare career that doesn't have a great deal of direct patient contact. There is currently a high demand for certified laboratory professionals due to a nationwide shortage and this trend is projected to continue for the foreseeable future.

To learn more about this high-tech profession and to see if it's the career for you, visit the Career Information page.

CARUTH HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER
7200  66th Street North
Pinellas Park, FL

727-341-3687

Forms & Applications
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• Program requirements are subject to change. Students should check with a counselor, advisor or the program director.

• In order to be successful in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, the student must be able to demonstrate essential student functions.

• View HEC Online Orientation

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, Illinois 60631, (773) 714-8880.

Program Outcomes

Performance on National Certification Exam:

• 2003-2008: 100% pass rate (American Society for Clinical Pathology MLT Examination)

Medical Laboratory Technology At St. Petersburg College

To better meet the needs of our working, adult students, the Medical Laboratory Technology Program is available online. Students take theory courses over the internet when it is most convenient for them. Clinical experiences are provided in a clinical laboratory close to where the student lives, under the direction of college faculty. The online program has the same curriculum and the same amount of "hands-on" experience as a traditional campus-based program. For more details about the program, visit the FAQ for Prospective Students page and download the Student Information Packet.

The programs leads to an Associate in Science degree and eligibility for national certification and state licensure.

Requirements of the Medical Laboratory Technology Program
(College Rule 6Hx23-4.60)

I.  Progression Requirements

Eligibility to start the first specialty course in the program is based upon the following minimum requirements:

1. Requirements for health related programs (6Hx23-4.53) apply to the Medical Laboratory Technology program.

2. Within six months prior to enrolling in the first specialty course   each student must have a physical examination by a licensed physician or advanced RN practitioner verifying satisfactory health status. This must include all immunizations, tests and health verification as specified with contractual agreements with affiliating agencies. This may be required on an annual basis at the discretion of the program director of the health related program to which the student has been admitted.

3. Students transferring from another MLT program must be in good standing in such program. (Exceptions will be handled by the Provost's Office at the Health Education Center).

4. Completion or current enrollment in ENC 1101, Mathematics, BSC 2010-2010L and CHM 1025-1025L and satisfaction of the Computer/Information Literacy Competency Requirement.

5. MLT students are required to make individual arrangements for receiving the Hepatitis B Vaccine prior to beginning in the first specialty course. Students must provide a record of vaccination and/or proof of positive antibody status. Prior to the first laboratory class, documentation of at least the first injection of the series must be submitted to the Program Director. Said immunization series may be waived when medically contraindicated by a physician in writing and a release is signed by the student.

6. MLT students need to obtain a position as a clinical laboratory trainee in one of the College's affiliated clinical laboratories prior to starting the first specialty course.

II. Special Clinical Requirements

1. In order to enroll in courses which have clinical assignment, students must meet the eligibility requirements of a "clinical laboratory trainee," as established in Chapter 483, Florida Statutes, if applicable.

2. In order to enroll in courses that have clinical assignments, students need to obtain and maintain a position as a clinical laboratory trainee in one of the College's affiliated laboratories.

III.  In addition to SPC graduation requirements, students must meet these special graduation requirements

1. A grade of "C" or better in all designated specialty courses in this program.

2. Students must satisfactorily complete and end-of-program competency assessment examination.

Additional Requirements

1. Liability and clinical accidental insurance must be obtained through the College for which a special fee will be charged.

2. Program requirements are subject to change. Students should check with a counselor, advisor or the program director.

3. Prospective students who are in the United States on a visa should contact the College's International center (727) 341-4370 to determine their eligibility in this online program.