MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
 
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT’s) also known as Clinical Laboratory Technicians (CLT’s) play a critical role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. MLT’s and CLT’s work in all areas of the lab including blood bank, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. The MLT/CLT uses analytical skills to operate sophisticated laboratory equipment and computer technology.
 
The continued growth of the laboratory science profession is producing an increased demand for educated and motivated laboratory professionals. Employment opportunities for graduates of Harcum’s MLT Program include hospital and reference laboratories, physician offices, clinics, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and research facilities
 
MLT ON-LINE
 
The Medical Laboratory Technician Program at Harcum College offers an on-line curriculum to suit the needs of the working student, students who have obligations that prevent them  from participating in a traditional classroom schedule, and students at a distance from the college. All of the required MLT courses are available on-line, as well as a majority of the required general education courses. MLT student labs are offered on five Saturdays throughout the semester from 9am-3pm. Students also attend a clinical practicum in a CLIA approved hospital laboratory where they gain experience in every aspect of laboratory testing. Distance students who are unable to attend student labs held on campus may complete lab activities at a hospital convenient to them.
Harcum courses required in the MLT curriculum, that are not currently offered on-line include:
 
BIO  101 General Biology 1
CHE 111 General Chemistry 1
BIO 205  Microbiology
 
These courses can be taken at any accredited college/university convenient to the student and transferred into the MLT Program at Harcum College provided a minimum grade of “C” is earned 
  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The MLT Program at Harcum College offers academic and clinical training to qualified students who wish to pursue a laboratory career and meet the following entrance requirements:

• Official high school transcript
•  Letter of Recommendation
•  Minimum SAT score of 900 (required for students under age 24 only)
•  Official college transcript(s), if applicable
• Completion of high school Biology (with lab), Chemistry, Algebra I, and Algebra II with a grade of C or higher
• Personal essay
• Physical examination
• Competency in the spoken English language. TOEFL scores are required for students for whom English is a second language
• An interview is recommended 
   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR STUDENTS IN THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

Essential Functions represent the essential non-academic requirements of the program that students must master to participate successfully in the program and become employable. The following is a list of the technical abilities and skills applicants for admission into Medical Laboratory Technology courses must possess:

•  Manual Dexterity: ability to use hand(s) or prosthetic devices with coordination
• Fine Motor: ability to manipulate small objects with fingertip or adaptive devices
• Vision: ability to distinguish red, yellow, and blue colors; distinguish clear from cloudy and distinguish objects through a microscope
• Hearing: ability to adapt with assistive devices (i.e., phone receivers, hearing aid, etc.)
• Speech: ability to effectively communicate verbally in English
• Writing: ability to communicate effectively in the written form in English
• Reading : ability to read, understand, and follow directions printed in English 
                                      

MLT FAQ’S
 
Is the MLT Program accredited?
 
Harcum’s MLT program holds a 7-year accreditation status from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) located at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 670 Chicago, IL60631
 
Do I have to come to campus?
 
On-line distance students do not have to come to campus. All courses and labs can be completed off-site at a location convenient for the student. However, we encourage students to participate in the graduation  commencement ceremony to celebrate your success!
 
Can I transfer credits if I have taken courses at another college?
 
Yes, as long as a grade of  “C” is earned from an accredited college or university. Students with phlebotomy or laboratory work experience may also be able to earn college credit.
 
How long does it take to complete the MLT on-line program?
 
The MLT curriculum is designed to be completed in  2 years for students attending full time with no previous college credits or work experience. The MLT Program Director can assist you in planning a timeline for completion if you want to be part-time, or have courses/work experience to transfer into the program.
 
Are there advantages in taking an on-line program?
 
Students who want to become a laboratory professional or increase their status at their present job, but do not have time for a traditional weekday course and lab schedule can complete their degree on-line. Harcum has current students from across the nation attending the program and has graduates employed as MLT’s nationwide.
 
How can I get help with on-line courses if I need it?
 
On-line instructors are available for consultation through course discussion forums and email. Instructors communicate with students in this manner routinely throughout the course. Instructors are also available for phone consultation or in-person consultation (for area students) upon request. Academic and student life counselors are available to students if you simply need advice or someone to talk to concerning an issue.
 
What is the MLT Program admissions criteria?
 
Refer to the Application Requirements listed above to review the criteria for admission to the MLT Program. There is no difference in application requirements for campus and distance students. An application is available on-line at      http://www.harcum.edu/ApplyOnline.htm
 
When do classes start?
 
MLT courses run spring, summer and fall semesters so there is always a convenient time to begin the program
 
When should I apply?
 
Apply early so there is no delay in processing paperwork (waiting for transcripts, letter of recommendations, applying for financial aid etc). Harcum offers rolling admissions, accepting students year round. It is advised to apply 3 months before the start of the semester you are planning to attend.
 
To contact the office of admissions go to: http://www.harcum.edu/PS_ACD_Request_Information.aspx
 
 For information on financial aid go to: http://www.educationplanner.com/education_planner/default.asp?sponsor=2859
 
Will I become certified after attending Harcum’s MLT Program?
 
All students who successfully complete the MLT program requirements are eligible to sit for the certification exams offered  by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists (ASCLS). Graduation is not contingent upon passing the certification exam, but students are highly encouraged by faculty and clinical staff to become a certified MLT. Harcum currently holds a 100% passing rate among MLT graduates. 

COURSE SEQUENCE

Completion of the courses listed below is required for your degree.  Please refer to
the current HarcumCollege catalog or MLT Handbook  for course descriptions as well as course pre-requisites and/or co-requisites. 

First Semester

ENG 101	Composition I	3 cr.
MLS 101	Introduction to MLT	3 cr.
MLS 140	Applied Lab Techniques	1 cr.
MTH 113	College Math	3 cr.
CIS   106	Worldwide Web	1 cr.
IDS   101	Harcum 101	1 cr.
SOC 109	Principles of Sociology	3 cr.
BIO 101	Gen. Biology I & Lab	4 cr.
		19 cr.

Second Semester

ENG 102	Composition II	3 cr.
CHE 111	General Chemistry I & Lab	4 cr.
BIO  205	Microbiology & Lab	4 cr.
MLS 113	Basic Hematology & Microscopy	3 cr.
MLS 114	Applied Hematology & Micro Skills	1 cr.
MLS 130	Immunology	3 cr.
		18 cr.

Summer Session

HUM	Humanities Elective	3 cr.
PSY 111	Introduction to Psychology	3 cr.
		6 cr.

Third Semester

MLS 210	Phlebotomy	3 cr.
MLS 211	Clinical Chemistry	3 cr.
MLS 212	Clinical Hematology & Coag.	3 cr.
MLS 213	Clinical Immunology	3 cr.
MLS 214	Clinical Microbiology	3 cr.
MLS 240	Applied Lab Techniques	3 cr.
		18 cr.

Fourth Semester-Spring

Practicum Experience: MLS 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225,226,227		17 cr.