Program Overview

Program Overview

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in a clinical laboratory environment, such as hospitals, physicians' offices, commercial laboratories, biotechnology, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, technical services and sales, or veterinary laboratories. At entry level, the medical laboratory technician will possess the entry-level competencies necessary to perform routine testing in the areas of:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology/Hemostasis
• Immunology
• Immunohematology/Transfusion medicine
• Microbiology
• Urine and Body Fluid Analysis
• Laboratory Operations

Pathway

The University of Montana Bitterroot offers a Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS degree through a partnership with Flathead Valley Community College. Students complete prerequisite coursework at UM Bitterroot and then apply for MLT program admission at Flathead Valley CC. FVCC provides all MLT classroom instruction remotely, while MLT clinical instruction is provided in Ravalli County. The FVCC MLT program is a three-semester program resulting in an Associate's of Applied Science (AAS).

Employment Outcomes

Medical Laboratory Technicians have a median salary of $65,040 annually in the state of Montana (2020 data). The MLT program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in a clinical laboratory environment. After completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam and apply for state licensure.

Accreditation

The MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

Application Process

Applications for the MLT program are due each year in the spring for enrollment in the program the next academic year. Students can begin taking prerequisite coursework at UM Bitterroot fall semester 2023 with application submission spring of 2024 to start their professional year of coursework at FVCC fall semester of 2024.

Program Details

The MLT program includes coursework and clinical instruction in various areas of medical laboratory technology. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform routine testing and procedures in a clinical laboratory environment.