Medical Laboratory Technology (AAS at PCC)
TBCC has developed a partnership with Portland Community College (PCC) and Tillamook Regional Medical Center to provide training for medical laboratory technicians in Tillamook County. This degree is granted by PCC. TBCC offers program prerequisites, general education, and related coursework. All Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) courses are offered by Portland Community College and require admission to their program as detailed below. The cost of the program is subject to change but is estimated at $12,500.00 total for both years for residents.
Career & Program Description
A medical laboratory technician performs routine clinical laboratory testing procedures to provide scientific information needed in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease. Technicians use sophisticated instrumentation for these evaluations, which encompass quantitative and qualitative chemical and biological analyses of body specimens. Technicians function under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The Portland metropolitan area offers very good employment opportunities and jobs are readily available in smaller communities throughout the country. Opportunities are available in hospitals, independent laboratories, research and industry for graduates of the program.
To successfully participate in the MLT Program and become employable, the student must be able to perform essential functions expected of the profession. Examples of essential functions for the MLT are communication, vision, manual dexterity, physical activity, analytical skills and technical aptitude.
Because of limited laboratory space and clinical facilities as well as the delicate balance of job opportunities in medical laboratory science, the MLT Program has a limited enrollment. Admission to the first year of the program is based on placement test scores in Algebra and English, and achievement examinations in chemistry and biology, or equivalent courses.
It is strongly recommended that applicants have completed high school chemistry, biology, Algebra and English or their equivalents. Students should not interpret acceptance into the first year of the program as automatic eligibility for entrance to the second year of the program. Continuation into the second year is contingent upon performance during the first year. Each student entering into the second year is required to complete the health physical examination form provided by the MLT Department. Contact the department for any additional requirements.
The Medical laboratory technology is one of the most rapidly expanding health care fields. As a medical laboratory technician, you will play an increasingly important role in health care delivery. The MLT Program provides extensive training, including a clinical internship with supervised work experience. This qualifies graduates to run clinical tests required by physicians to make life-affecting decisions in patient care.
In the distance option, students can complete the program pre- requisites, general education requirements, and first year co-requisites at their local college or university, and MLT program requirements through PCC’s distance education option. MLT courses are delivered online, but periodic, hands-on, campus based laboratory activities are required as part of the program. Clinical laboratory practicums, which are part of the second year of the program, are provided at local hospitals and clinical laboratories.
The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, Il 60631, 773-714-8880.
AAS Degree Requirements
All degree candidates must comply with Comprehensive Requirements, Specific Requirements, and General Education Requirements for the AAS degree as specified.