Medical Laboratory Technology

Train for a Rewarding Career in Medical Laboratory Technology

A new Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum will start with the Fall 2026 cohort.

Prepare for a fulfilling career as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) with our program. Learn essential laboratory testing for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. MLTs collaborate with a skilled healthcare team to assess disease presence and treatment effectiveness. Our hands-on program at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield, featuring a state-of-the-art lab and clinical experience, readies you for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification and national technician-level certifications. Develop communication skills, foster cultural awareness, and engage in a team-based approach to patient care. Start your rewarding healthcare journey with us.Start your rewarding healthcare journey with us.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology

The curriculum is designed to prepare students to perform essential laboratory testing on blood and body fluids that is critical to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. In a medical laboratory, the medical laboratory technician (MLT) is part of a team of highly skilled pathologists, technologists, and phlebotomists working together to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease, and helping to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. This program emphasizes "hands-on" practice of laboratory methods in a state-of-the-art laboratory at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield, followed by clinical experience at various affiliating healthcare organizations.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination and other national certification examinations offered at the technician level.

Length:: Two Years
Credits:: 71
Locations:: Medical Education

Curriculum Details

Why Medical Laboratory Technology at NOVA?

Comprehensive MLT Training

This program equips students with essential skills in laboratory testing crucial for disease detection and treatment.

Hands-On Experience

With a state-of-the-art lab at the Medical Education Campus and clinical exposure, students gain practical expertise in various laboratory methods.

Certification Preparation

Graduates are prepared for national certifications, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification, ensuring readiness for a rewarding career as Medical Laboratory Technicians.

Program Details

Students will develop communication skills for effective interaction with other healthcare professionals and with patients and their families. MLTs demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor and effective skills in areas of clinical chemistry, hematology/hemostasis, immunology, immunohematology/transfusion medicine, microbiology, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory operations. The program emphasizes the hands-on practice of laboratory methods in a state-of-the-art on-campus student laboratory, followed by clinical experience at various affiliating healthcare organizations. The program promotes social responsibility, embraces cultural diversity, fosters critical thinking and provides a team approach to learning, problem-solving and patient care. The NVCC MLT program uses several computerized course components in the curriculum, including, but not limited to: Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).

Program Outcomes

MLT AAS Degree Program - Student Success Statistics	2022	2023	2024	2025
Graduation Rates: Students starting 2nd year who graduate	95%	100%	100%	100%
ASCP Certification Pass Rates: Graduates passing credentialing exam within one year of graduation. Updates for current year will be posted for changes recorded by end of one year after graduation.	95%	75%	80%	92%
Employment Rate: Students employed who are actively seeking employment	100%	100%	100%	100%

Information Session

The first step to beginning health career training at NOVA/MEC is to attend a mandatory Information Session.

More Program Details and Resources

Accreditations

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018; Phone: 773-714-8880; Fax: 773-714-8886; www.naacls.org.

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

Transfer Information