The Medical Laboratory Technology program is a sequence of courses and clinical practicum experiences that prepares students for technician positions in medical laboratories, related businesses, and industries. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.
The advanced placement sequence is designed for students who have previously completed all the required general education courses of the program. It concentrates on Medical Laboratory Technology courses, allowing students to complete the degree requirements in three semesters (spring, fall, spring).
Program eligibility standards apply; consult a KCC advisor. Each student in this program must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions, and a negative drug screen. The curriculum of record for students applying to, but not yet accepted into, competitive entry health careers programs will be the Associate in General Studies.
Students in health career programs are advised to consult the Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations, section 11.4. This regulation concerns completion of all courses in health career curricula being completed with a grade of C or better.
Classes in the Medical Laboratory Technology program and advanced placement sequence are offered in a hybrid online format. For online hybrid courses in this curriculum, students' only in-person meetings are every two weeks for hands-on laboratory sessions at KCC.
See the program sequences and program requirements for course information and program length.
- Collect and process biological specimens for clinical laboratory testing, understanding all aspects of specimen integrity.
- Have communication skills sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the public, and members of the health care team.
- Understand importance of continuing professional development.
- Perform routine clinical laboratory tests and analyze results.
- Recognize factors that affect procedures and results and take appropriate action within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated.
- Prepare reports, keep accurate records, and communicate results both manually and by utilizing computers.
- Relate laboratory findings to common disease processes.
- Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits, resolving any problems that occur.
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs.
- Comply with safety and governmental regulations.
- Possess knowledge and skills in the principles and practices of professional conduct.
Prospective students should consult Health Careers Requirements for the complete process to apply and enroll in a health program--including deadlines, Medical Laboratory Technology eligibility worksheet, essential physical capabilities and functions.
Competitive entry process
Being accepted to KCC does not mean acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technology program. A competitive entry enrollment process is used because there is a limit to the number of students who may be accepted.
The MLT program accepts 15 new students into the program each fall. For the Advanced Option 1, eligible applicants will be accepted based on whether there are open seats to maintain the 15 seat capacity.
Applicants who meet minimum records and academic eligibility requirements by the deadline must meet with a health careers advisor for clearance to take the A2 Entrance Exam. The A2 Entrance Exam (HESI A2) must be passed with a 70% or higher to maintain eligibility to enter the program. Eligible students who are not offered a seat will be alternates.
Program outcomes
Medical Laboratory Technology program outcomes are based on NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, the program’s accrediting body) criteria.
Courses required prior to acceptance in the program
Program-specific courses
For non-clinical online courses, students must meet for biweekly laboratory sessions at KCC.
In MEDT 2316 and MEDT 2326, the student will spend four consecutive days each week (32 hours/week) in affiliated hospitals in the last semester.
Spring semester
Fall semester
Spring semester
Graduation and placement rates
The program's graduation and placement rates are high and are compared to the NAACLS benchmark of 70% over a three year period. In regards to graduation rates, this is based on those students who begin the second half of the program and complete it. Occasionally, students voluntarily withdraw or do not complete the program for a variety of academic and non-academic reasons. For placement rates, many students are hired immediately upon graduation.
Certification exam pass rates
The program’s pass rate is compared to the national pass rate and to the NAACLS benchmark of 75% over a three year period.
BOC Pass Rate:
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of graduates | 7 | 1 | 8 | 4 |
| No. who sat for BOC within 1 year | 5 | 1 | 7 | TBD |
| No. who passed BOC within 1 year | 5 | 1 | 7 | TBD |
| % passed | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
| National average | 79% | 78% | 78% |
- Three year rolling pass rate 92%
Graduation Rate:
Based on final half of program; in MEDT 2044 and/or MEDT 2214 fall semester.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. who began final half | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| No. who began final half and graduated | 6 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| No. who graduated within 1 1/2 years from the final half | 1 | 0 | 2* | 1 |
| Graduation rate | 100% | 75% | 100% | 100 |
* 2 students from this class graduated in 2024
- Three-year graduation rate 92%
- Three-year attrition rate 8%
Placement Rate:
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. graduates who responded | 5 | 1 | 6 | TBD |
| No. employed in related field | 5 | 1 | 6 | TBD |
| No. continued education | 0 | 0 | 0 | TBD |
| Placement rate | 100% | 88% | 100% |
- Three year placement average 100%
This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; 773-714-8880.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Learn more about this program: Medical Laboratory Technology Advanced Placement Sequence (Option 1), AAS