Associate's Degree in Medical Technology

What Is an Associate's Degree in Medical Technology?

Since medical technology training extends beyond the associate's degree level, there are specific terminologies assigned to programs. While universities confer baccalaureate degrees as a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, you may earn an Associate of Arts in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). The MLT associate's degree program is a 2-year program in which you will learn how to perform clinical tasks, such as collecting or analyzing bodily fluid or blood cell specimens for diagnostic testing or screening, in a medical laboratory setting.

Associate degree programs are typically available in community or technical colleges and are accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Completion of a degree program will prepare you for national certification exams in clinical lab technology, such as those offered through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Can I Earn This Degree Online?

Due to the clinical requirement, you may not complete this degree in its entirety online. While there are accredited programs that allow you to complete the entire classroom and lecture component through an online learning platform, your clinical requirements must be completed in a clinical setting. Depending on your school, if you are already employed at an accredited laboratory, you may be able to use your employer for your clinical experience.

What Courses Will I Take?

In your first year of the program, you will complete your general education requirements and your introductory science courses. Throughout the program, your studies will be broken up between campus-based lectures, laboratory hours and clinical rotations. Typical classes may include organic chemistry, clinical microbiology, computer science, anatomy, health technologies, immunology and bodily fluids.

What Is The Clinical Requirement?

The clinical phase extends your training to include hands-on training in a professional clinical site, such as a hospital or diagnostic laboratory. You will perform tasks and operate laboratory equipment under the supervision of a licensed clinical laboratory scientist. This rotation, which can average 21 weeks, gives you the opportunities to apply the techniques, theories and procedures you learned during your classroom instruction. You will be educated in performing procedures in phlebotomy, hematology, urinalysis and blood banking, as well as properly handling and maintaining clinical lab equipment.