A. Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are vital members of the healthcare team of clinical laboratory science professionals. MLTs are also referred to as CLTs, Clinical Laboratory Technicians, and work in conjunction with Medical Technologists/Clinical Laboratory Scientists in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of disease. MLTs are healthcare detectives who use sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology to perform laboratory testing on blood and body fluids. Laboratory testing encompasses such disciplines as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Clinical laboratory science professionals generate accurate laboratory data that are needed to aid in detecting cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, infectious mononucleosis, and identification of bacteria or viruses that cause infections, as well as in detecting drugs of abuse. Medical Laboratory Technicians also monitor testing quality and consult with other members of the healthcare team.

Q.How do I become an MLT?

A. Students who have a solid background in high school biology, chemistry, and math and who are interested in a service-oriented healthcare profession are encouraged to consider a career in laboratory medicine. Applications for admission into the program are accepted from January 15th to April 15th. Upon successful completion of the MLT Program students are awarded an Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology and are eligible to take a national certification exam.

Q. Do I have the “right stuff” to become an MLT?

Does finding solutions to problems intrigue you?

Do you like biology and science and do well in those courses?
Are you methodical and pay attention to detail?
Do you wish to help save lives?
Does the field of medicine interest you but not necessarily patient contact?
Can you work independently and under pressure?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you should consider joining over half a million laboratory practitioners in the U.S who are proud of their many roles in healthcare, research, and industry!

** Students must also be able to perform Essential Functions, a list of non-academic requirements, for admission into the Program.

Q. How many students are accepted into the Program?

A. Generally, twelve (12) full time students are accepted into the Program. Student slots are limited by the number of clinical affiliates available to the Program. Part time students may be accepted into the Program. Contact the Program Director for more information: cspargo@npcc.edu

Q. What is the cost of the MLT Program?

A. The MLT Program abides by the tuition rates established by National Park Community College. For the current tuition rates, click HERE (link to web site tuition fee). There are 68 credit hours required for the Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology degree. There are additional expenses related to the program that can be found in the MLT Student Handbook, page 22. LINK???

Q. How long is the MLT Program?

A. Students can complete all courses required for the Program in two years, consisting of four regular semesters and six weeks of summer courses. After completing all prerequisite courses the MLT coursework consists of the following:

Summer I:Six weeks of MLT courses (6 credit hours), on campus, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Semester (2nd year) MLT courses, (15 credit hours), on campus, Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11:50 p.m.

Clinical Semester (2nd year): Clinical applications courses, (15 credit hours), off campus at clinical affiliates, clinical hours vary, eight hours/day, five days/week

Q What prerequisite courses are required for the Medical Laboratory Technology Program?

A. These courses are required:

Introduction to Health Sciences
English Composition I & II
Anatomy & Physiology I & II
College Algebra
General Chemistry I
Microbiology
General Psychology
Introduction to MLT

Q.Are the MLT courses presented on-line or in a traditional, face-to-face lecture format?

A. All NPCC MLT courses are traditional, face-to-face lecture.

Q.Are evening MLT courses offered?

A.No, all MLT courses are day courses. Many of the prerequisite courses are offered in the evenings and on-line.

Q What are the requirements before attending clinicals?

A.
1 TB skin test
2. Documentation of Immunizations (as required by the college)
3. Drug Screen
4 Criminal Background Check

Q. What clinical sites are offered?

A. The MLT Program continually seeks new clinical sites as warranted and, at times, drops sites. Therefore, the clinical affiliate list is fluid. Currently the Program utilizes:

St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center National Park Medical Center
St. Joseph’s Mercy Clinics St. Vincent Medical Center
Howard Memorial Hospital
Hot Spring County Medical Center
Ouachita County Medical Center

Q.What is the job outlook and current salaries for Medical Laboratory Technicians?

A. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor projects that the employment of clinical laboratory technicians and scientists (MLTs & MTs) will increase by 14% throughout the year 2016. According to Jobs Rated Almanac, clinical laboratory science has 25% job growth and good job security. Among health related professions, it currently ranks #3. In 2008, the median salary for medical laboratory technicians was about $38,400 annually, based on geographic location. Starting salaries in the Hot Springs area are approximately $30,000 annually. Graduates can earn considerably more working shifts with differential pay. Currently there is a shortage of laboratory professionals in many parts of the country. While local employment is not guaranteed, more than 90% of NPCC MLT graduates find employment well within six months of graduation.

Q. What kinds of career opportunities exist for clinical laboratory science professionals?

A. — Hospitals — Physician’s Offices — Clinic Laboratories

If a hospital, physician’s office, or clinic laboratory is not the environment you may choose, clinical laboratory science professionals find challenging employment in a variety of areas such as:

Consulting
Sales
Technical Support
Quality assurance/Total Quality Improvement
Marketing Public
Health/Infection Control
Laboratory Information Systems
Forensic Biological Sciences

Q. How can I further my education in the field of laboratory medicine?

A.Individuals who have graduated from the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at National Park Community College and who have successfully passed the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) exam can apply to programs across the nation to complete their BS degrees and become certified as Clinical Laboratory Scientists/Medical Technologists. NPCC MLT graduates often choose to apply and are accepted into the University of Arkansas College of Health Related Professions Medical Technology Program. The College of Health Related Professions can be contacted at www.uams.edu/chrp/medtech

Q.Where can I get more information about the NPCC Medical Laboratory Technology Program?

A.Contact the Health Sciences secretary at 501-760-4269
or the MLT Program Director at 501-760-4130 or by e-mail at: cspargo@npcc.edu.

If you have questions about this program, please contact Debra Wilson at 501-760-4285.