Medical Laboratory Technology

Career and Technical

Location: Coeur d'Alene

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Tuition and Fees Cost of Attendance

Program Description

The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program prepares graduates to work as medical lab technicians qualified to perform various laboratory procedures, including low-, medium-, and high-complexity testing. The MLT program includes instruction in the laboratory disciplines of microbiology, hematology, medical chemistry, transfusion medicine, urinalysis, and lab operations. Coursework is closely connected to student laboratory opportunities. After completing the theory for the discipline, clinical internship experiences are arranged offering students opportunities to practice in real-world laboratory environments.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for a national certification examination. The certification of choice for most employers is through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification. An individual must pass this examination to be eligible for most employment opportunities in medical labs in Idaho and Washington.

The Medical Laboratory Technology program is a competitive admissions program. Ten (10) students are admitted to the Professional Component of the program each spring semester. Program requirements other than the Professional Component are open to all students who meet the specific course prerequisites. An AAS degree can be obtained in a 24-month course of study following completion of the Program Requirements. A minimum grade point average of C+/2.3 is required in all MLT courses.

Application to the Medical Laboratory (MLT) Program opens in early August each year for January (spring semester) program admission. The priority application period ends in mid-October; however, applications may be accepted after this date if program space is available. Contact the Health Professions Advisor by calling 208-625-2320 for additional program and application information.

North Idaho College’s MLT Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Address: 5600 N River Road Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 773.714.8800
Fax: 773.714.8886
Email: naaclsinfo@naacls.org
Website: www.naacls.org

  • Pass Rate:
    The pass rates for the ASCP MLT national certification exam were 100% in 2020, 87.5% in 2021, and 100% in 2022.
  • Completion Rate:
    The student completion rates for the final half of the MLT program were 100% in 2020, 100% in 2021 and 100% in 2022.
  • Employment Rate:
    100% of graduates for the year 2020, 100% of the graduates for the year 2021 and 100% of the graduates for the year 2022 are employed in the field or in a closely related field and/or continued their education within one year of graduation.

Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, the student will:

Be deemed clinically competent by:

  • Demonstrating the skills necessary to perform entry-level competencies as a medical lab technician with routine medical laboratory tests in areas such as Chemistry, Hematology and Hemostasis, Immunology, Blood Banking, Microbiology, Urine and Body Fluid Analysis, and Laboratory Operations.
  • Demonstrating appropriate critical decision skills.
  • Demonstrating knowledge in all types of laboratory testing (simple to complex).
  • Recognizing routine and non-routine issues in pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical lab processes.

Exhibit professionalism by:

  • Demonstrating professional and ethical behavior by membership and active participation in laboratory or related professional organizations.
  • Modeling professional conduct by: respecting the feelings and needs of others, protecting the confidence of patient information, and not allowing personal concerns and biases to interfere with the welfare of patients.

Utilize appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to:

  • Effectively demonstrate communication skills to ensure accurate and appropriate information transfer.
  • Professionally and accurately, report laboratory results, adapt communication to their audience and work with all members of the healthcare team.

The description and outcomes were also approved by the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) and Northwest Commission for Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The following is a current list of North Idaho College clinical affiliates for the MLT program:

  • Kootenai Health, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
  • Shoshone Medical Center, Kellogg, Idaho
  • Newport Hospital, Newport, Washington
  • Gritman Medical Center, Moscow, Idaho
  • Palouse Medical Center, Pullman, Washington
  • Interpath Laboratory, Pendleton, Oregon (various locations)
  • East Adams Rural Healthcare, Ritzville, WA
  • Boundary Community Hospital, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 
  • Incyte, Spokane Valley, Washington  
  • St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics, Cottonwood, Idaho  
  • Bonner General Hospital, Sandpoint, Idaho  
  • St. Alphonsus (Member of Trinity Health), Boise, Idaho  
  • Providence Medical Group, Spokane Valley, Washington
  • MultiCare: Tacoma General, Tacoma, Washington
  • MultiCare: Rockwood Clinic, Deaconess Hospital, Valley Hospital, Spokane, Washington
  • Marimn Health, Plummer, Idaho  
  • Benewah Community Hospital, St. Maries, Idaho   

Satisfactory completion of the clinical internship is a program requirement and is offered to those students who have satisfactorily completed all prior MLT course work with a grade of C+ or better. While every attempt is made to place a student at a local or desired clinical location, all students must be prepared to travel to regional sites that may be outside of Northern Idaho. Note: Transportation costs, cost of living accommodations, and any clinical site-specific requirements or costs are the responsibility of the students.

The clinical internship is 360 hours in length. Site staffing and lab routine/workload may vary by site. The program director, student, and clinical site will work out mutually acceptable times.

Competitive Entry

  1. Official high school transcripts or equivalent.
  2. Application to the Medical Laboratory Technology program.
  3. Minimum grades of C/2.0 must be received in each of the prerequisite courses listed below.
    The First Semester prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline.
    The Second Semester prerequisite courses must be completed by the program start.
    Prerequisites:
    First Semester

    • BIOL-175 (Human Biology) or BIOL-227 (Human Anatomy & Physiology I)
    • CHEM-101 (Intro to Essentials of General Chemistry I) or CHEM-111 (Principles of General College Chemistry I)
    • ENGL-101 (English Composition)
    • MATH-143 (College Algebra)*
    Second Semester
    • BACT-250 (General Microbiology)
    • PSYC-101 (Introduction to Psychology)
    • COMM-101 (Intro to Speech Communication)
    • CHEM-112 (Principles of General College Chemistry II) or CHEM-275 (Carbon Compounds)
  4. A criminal background check will be required upon acceptance. Violations may result in denied access to clinical sites and therefore inability to complete the program. For questions regarding specific violations, please contact the program director

*Mathematics requirement includes any math course that is MATH-143 or higher and fulfills the A.A.S. degree requirements as listed in the NIC catalog.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type Duration Path Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree 6 Semesters Full-time 72-75 Degree requirements

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