What's Your Goal?

Are you looking for a rewarding career as a vital part of a healthcare team providing clinical information for detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease? Abundant opportunities await you when you complete RACC's Associate in Applied Science Medical Laboratory Technician Degree program!

We Help You Get There With...

• Quality courses integrating classroom and laboratory instruction
• Comprehensive preparation to achieve mastery of competencies required in the field
• Instruction by faculty who currently work in the field.
• Full-time clinical experience at a clinical affiliate during the final semester

Program Description

Medical Laboratory Technician program graduates perform tests on blood and body fluids providing critical information to assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as disease monitoring or prevention. Graduates may seek employment with hospitals, independent laboratories, physicians, clinics, public health agencies, pharmaceutical firms and research institutions. Students who successfully complete all program requirements are eligible to sit for a nationally-recognized certification examination. Medical Laboratory Technicians enjoy a career that is ever-changing and challenging with many opportunities for professional and personal growth.

What You Will Learn

• The skills necessary for collection and processing of biological specimens
• The correlation of disease to laboratory test results
• The ability to perform laboratory tests and report information such as test results, reference ranges and specimen requirements to authorized sources
• How to operate state-of-the art laboratory equipment utilizing established protocols and quality control checks

Career Outlook

The RACC MLT program has an outstanding pass rate for the Board of Certification exam and the majority of students are employed within six months of graduation. The demand for Medical Laboratory Technicians is huge. It is a fast-growing field with many new advances in biotechnology creating new challenges and job opportunities.

• RACC MLT Program: Outcomes - PDF
• Medical Laboratory Technician: Occupational Outlook Handbook - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Transfer Opportunities

An articulation agreement exists with University of Cincinnati (Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science) whereby credits earned as part of the AAS in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program will transfer into the UC MLS program. A Guaranteed Admission Agreement exists between RACC and The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences as a  pathway to GW's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) or the dual degree option, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS/MSHS). Opportunities exist at other institutions for students looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare science.

Clinical Affiliates

Excellent clinical rotations are the backbone of any Med Lab Tech program. Clinical practice allows the student to use classroom learning in a real-world setting. The RACC Med Lab Tech program utilizes a variety of institutions in Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon and Lehigh counties. Students are assigned to a clinical affiliate to gain experience in all aspects of the lab.

• Health Network Laboratories, Allentown
• Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey
• Penn State Health St. Joseph, Reading
• St. Luke’s University Health Network
• UPMC Lititz
• Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital, Ephrata
• Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon

Admission Requirements

• Be a graduate of an approved secondary school or hold a high school equivalency diploma (GED).
• Complete and submit the RACC Application for Admission.
• Take RACC placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics, which may increase the number of courses required to complete the degree if not placed into college-level English Composition or mathematics.
• Refer to the college website for the Selective Admission Process for the Medical Laboratory Technician Program.
• Every student must meet with the Medical Laboratory Technician Program Director to review the clinical selective admission process and review all program policies.
• Fast Track option in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program
• Medical Laboratory Technician Program Map (Check Sheet)

Want To Learn More?

• View the Medical Laboratory Technician curriculum in the catalog.
• View the estimated program costs for this program.
• Contact an enrollment specialist at admissions@racc.edu, 610.607.6224 or 800.626.1665.
• Stop by the Welcome Center in the Berks Hall lobby.
• Get financial aid help at financialaid@racc.edu or 610.607.6225. 
• The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 North River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018. Phone: 773.714.8880.