Medical Laboratory Technologists perform complex analyses of specimens such as cells or body fluids using lab equipment like microscopes, cell counters, and centrifuges. Clinical laboratory workers study medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunology. They interpret test results, ensure proper collection of samples, and communicate accurate test results to physicians or nurses.
At Colorado Mesa University, admission into the Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) is competitive and requires a separate application process with selective admission requirements and set application deadlines. Once accepted, the program is completed in three semesters, plus summer phlebotomy courses for any students who aren’t already certified phlebotomists. The final semester is a clinical internship at an affiliated site in western Colorado. The majority of MLT courses are delivered in a hybrid format. Lectures are delivered online with lab sessions held on campus. Graduates are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Technician national certification exam through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
LEARN MORE ABOUT CMU'S Medical Laboratory technology PROGRAM
• Biochemistry Technologist
• Biotechnician
• Blood and Plasma Laboratory Assistant
• Blood Bank Laboratory Technician
• Chemistry Technologist
• Chief Medical Technologist
• Clinical Laboratory Manager
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
• Clinical Laboratory Technologist
• Clinical Medical Technologist
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Cytogenetic Technologist
• Cytotechnologist
• Differential Specialist
• Hematology Technician
• Hemodialysis Technician
• Histology Technician
• Histopathology Technician
• Immunohematologist
• Immunology Technologist
• Laboratory Assistant
• Laboratory Supervisor
• Laboratory Technician
• Laboratory Worker
• Medical Chief Technician
• Medical Lab Assistant
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
• Medical Numerical Control Operator
• Medical Technician
• Medical Technologist
• Microbiology Technician
• Neurology Technician
• Pathologist Assistant
• Pathology Laboratory Technologist
• Pathology Technician
• Pharmaceutical Laboratory Technician
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Phlebotomist
• Research Assistant
• Serology Technician
• Specimen Processor
• Tissue Technician
• Toxicology Laboratory Technician
• Vascular Technician
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Work as an accountant.
• Program robotics designed for various tasks.
• Help develop software for a computer company.
• Teach math to others.
• Help create animated films.
• Aid in medical research.
• Blood Banks
• Clinical/Diagnostic Laboratories
• Fertility Centers
• Government Organizations
• Hospitals
• Manufacturers of diagnostic testing kits and laboratory equipment and supplies
• Medical Laboratories
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
• Physicians’ Offices
• Public Health Agencies
• Research/Forensic Laboratories
• Reference Laboratories
• Transplant and Blood Donor Centers
Skills Needed by Medical Laboratory Technology majors:
- Strong math and science background
- Problem-solving skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledgeable about operating and maintaining equipment
- Math skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to make decisions
- Leadership and decision-making skills
- Ability to collaborate and adapt
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks
- Ability to work well with other members of the healthcare team
Other Medical Laboratory Technology resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
O*NET-Online: http://www.onetonline.org
The U.S. Department of Labor- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- American Association of Bioanalysts
- American Medical Technologists
- Explore Health Careers
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Colorado
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- American Society of Cytopathology
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry Career Center
- American Society for Clinical Pathology Career Center
- Comp Health
- Healthcare Job Connection
- Health Careers Network
- Federal Government Jobs
- American Society of Cytopathology Career Center
Also check specific organizations and associations, such as the ones listed above, for job opportunities.