Medical Lab Technician
- Associate Degree
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Estimated Total Cost:
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Are you intrigued by biology and chemistry, with a passion for healthcare? Consider turning your interests into a fulfilling career as a medical laboratory technician. In this role, you play a crucial part in the healthcare system by conducting clinical laboratory tests that aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and medical conditions.
Your responsibilities as a medical laboratory technician encompass a wide range of analyses, spanning from waived and point-of-care testing to complex diagnostic procedures covering major medical laboratory areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular diagnostics, and other emerging technologies. As the primary analyst, you'll make specimen-oriented decisions and hold vital responsibilities in information processing, training, and quality control monitoring wherever medical laboratory testing is conducted.
Graduates are eligible to take a national certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists' (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC). It's important to note that passing this exam is not a graduation requirement, but it can significantly enhance your credentials and career prospects in the field of medical laboratory technology.
Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page [1] for specific location information.
To view the Medical Lab Technician program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [2].
NAACLS Outcome Measures
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880
For information about Western’s Medical Lab Technician program’s student outcomes, please click here [3].
Medical Lab Technician 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 18 |
| Graduates Responding | 9 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 9 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 0 |
| Not in Labor Market | 0 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 7 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 32 | 39 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $27.50 | $26.05 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $27.50 | $24.00-$27.73 |
| Average Annual Salary |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Lab Tech Float, Medical Lab Technologist
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Practice laboratory safety and regulatory compliance
- Collect and process biological specimens
- Monitor and evaluate quality control in the laboratory
- Apply modern clinical methodologies including problem solving and troubleshooting according to predetermined criteria
- Correlate laboratory results to diagnosis of clinical conditions and/or diseases
- Perform information processing in the clinical laboratory
- Model professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
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Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Medical Laboratory Technician program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program’s Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. In addition, you must complete Developmental (or College) Biology and Developmental (or College) Chemistry with a grade of “C” or better.
- Medical Laboratory Technician Technical Standards [4]
- Background Check [5]
- Complete one year of High School or one term of Developmental or College Biology
- Complete one year of High School or one term of Developmental or College Chemistry
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [8].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [9].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [10] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [11]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [12].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [13] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [14]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
This program has been awarded continuing accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences [15], 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, phone 773-714-8880.
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:
- Program Handbook [16]
Program Contact
Karen Christenson
Program Chair, Medical Laboratory Technician
608-789-4740
ChristensonK@westerntc.edu [17]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [18] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [19] self-service portal for academic planning.