Online Medical Lab Tech Classes and Schools

<p>In a medical lab tech program, you'll learn how to perform clinical lab procedures, cross match blood, operate lab equipment and more. You'll also study topics like safety practices and standards, anatomy and pathophysiology. Programs are available at the associate's degree level, or as part of continuing education. You can also pursue an online bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science. While some programs are available online, most include a percentage of hands-on learning opportunities to best prepare you for a career as a medical lab tech. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>
<b>Online</b>
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Hybrid programs are available</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Programs</b>
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Associate's and bachelor's degrees and standalone continuing education courses</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Schools</b>
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Look for a school accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences or another approved accreditation group</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $57,800 for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b></td><td> 7% growth (faster than average)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfMedicalLabTechProgramsAreAvailableOnline">What Types of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Lab_Technician_Become_a_Medical_Lab_Technician_in_5_Steps.html">Medical Lab</a> Tech Programs are Available Online?</h3> <p>Online degree programs are typically available at the associate's level. Online refresher courses for Continuing Medical Laboratory Education (CMLE) credit are available too. Most programs are in hybrid format, meaning that you'll complete some of your coursework online and the rest in a classroom. </p> <p>A few schools that offer online 2- and 4-year degree studies in medical laboratory technology include: </p> <ul><li>Old Dominion University </li><li>University of Cincinnati </li><li>Marshall University </li><li>Weber State University </li><li>Barton Community College </li><li>Hibbing Community College </li><li>Louisiana State University at Alexandria </li><li>Minnesota State Community and Technical College </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>In an associate's degree program, you can expect to take introductory and basic coursework focusing on lab processes and techniques for various types of specimens. You'll take such classes as: </p> <ul><li>Immunology </li><li>Hematology </li><li>Immunohematology </li><li>Human parasitology </li><li>Clinical microbiology </li><li>Medical laboratory operations </li></ul><p>As a bachelor's degree student, you will take advanced coursework in many of these topics. Required coursework for a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science often includes: </p> <ul><li>Advanced clinical chemistry </li><li>Medical bacteriology </li><li>Advanced pathogenic microbiology </li><li>Diagnostic molecular biology </li></ul><h3 id="section---WillIGetToParticipateInAnyHandsOnActivities">Will I Get to Participate in Any Hands-On Activities?</h3> <p>You'll definitely get plenty of hands-on experience. You'll get the chance to work, under supervision, in a medical lab at a hospital or some other healthcare facility. If you're working on an online degree, you'll most likely arrange clinical training at a facility near you. Depending on the program, you might participate in clinical rotations in several areas, including chemistry, hemostasis, urinalysis, hematology, serology, blood bank, phlebotomy and microbiology. You'll also need to complete laboratory courses. This can be done on campus or at a pre-approved healthcare facility in your hometown. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatPrerequisitesWillINeedToMeet">What Prerequisites Will I Need to Meet?</h3> <p>Make sure you've been immunized and that you have the paperwork to prove it. You might also need to undergo a physical exam, an eye exam, a drug screening and a background check. Additionally, you might need to purchase liability and clinical accidental insurance. </p> <p>Also, check the school's website to see what technical requirements need to be met. Some programs may only function in a specific browser, such as Firefox 3.0. You'll probably need a recent Windows or Mac-based operating system. Other software and hardware you might need, includes Microsoft Office, Acrobat Reader, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, USB slots and a CD-RW drive. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForWhenSelectingASchool">What Should I Look for When Selecting a School?</h3> <p>Make sure it's accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or some other approved accrediting body. The NAACLS accredits close to 500 programs for medical lab techs and related professions. Accreditation ensures employers that they are hiring qualified medical lab techs. Programs should prepare you for certification as a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Physician Office Laboratory Technician (POLT) or Medical Technologist (MT).</p>