Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
About the Program
Tarleton State University, member of the Texas A&M University System, offers the Medical Laboratory Technician Certification Program through its Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, & Nutrition Science in Fort Worth, Texas. Faculty members of the Department are Certified Medical Laboratory Scientists with advanced degrees and/or specialty certification and a range of clinical experiences, providing a broad academic perspective. Additionally, the staff is assisted by pathologists and Medical Laboratory Scientists from the affiliated clinical laboratories. Upon completion of required courses from a partnering community college or Tarleton State University, students will complete 37 hours of sophomore level courses offered by the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, & Nutrition Science. These courses will comprise the certification portion of the degree plan. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree from Tarleton State University and will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination, MLT(ASCP).
Read more about the A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology
Employment
The Department actively collects information regarding potential jobs and makes this information available to all students. Services of the University Placement Offices are also available. Graduates of the program are employed throughout the North Central Texas area as well as the state and the nation. The need for Certified Medical Laboratory Technicians is growing. MLT graduates will find employment in a variety of fields including both rural and urban hospital settings, reference laboratories and physician office laboratories.
Admission Requirements
Forms and Applications
After you are accepted into the program, you will then be instructed to apply to Tarleton State University.
Application Deadlines:
- March 15, for Summer Entry
- June 15, for Fall Entry
- October 15, for Spring Entry
MLT program applicants must complete an MLT application and supply three reference letters (with a minimum of one from a science instructor and two from other college instructors or a work supervisor). Applicants must have completed one biology and one math course before applying. The Tarleton MLT program has a minimum requirement of 24 semester hours applicable toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree that must be completed prior to admission. Prerequisite science and math coursework greater than seven years of age must be updated by repeating courses within that content area. Students entering with an associate or baccalaureate degree must have 12 hours of biology including microbiology, 4 hours of chemistry, 3 hours of math (MATH 107 or higher) and 3 hours of English.
Tuition / Scholarships
Tuition and fees are charged in accordance with the fee structure for the University. Tuition and fees may be calculated using the Tuition & Fee Calculator. A semester by semester estimate of tuition and fees will be provided at the Program Preview Session. Additional expenses incurred include room, board, books, liability insurance, physical exam, immunizations, uniforms, drug screen, and background check. As an enrolled student of the University, the MLT student is eligible for scholarships and loans through the Financial Aid office of the University. Additionally, some local scholarships are available for students within the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, & Nutrition Science.
Application Procedures & Deadlines
Three classes per year are accepted, one in January, one in May and one in August. Students are admitted on a competitive basis through an evaluation based on academic performance from transcripts and letters of reference. Official transcripts from all colleges must be submitted prior to scheduling a Program Preview Session. A $35 non-refundable application fee will be charged for all applications. Application deadlines are March 15 for May classes, June 15 for August classes and October 15 for January classes. All transcripts, application, and references must be received prior to deadline dates. All applicants must reapply if they wish to be considered for additional classes.
Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, Phone Number: 773.714.8880. Students are encouraged to develop professional growth by participating as student members in professional societies such as ASCLS and ASCP.
Outcomes for NAACLS Program
Effective July 1st, 2020, we are required to notify you about licensing/certification requirements in other states. The TSU MLT curricula prepare students to sit for the ASCP Board of Certification exam. For details on the ASCP BOC and licensure requirements in other states (Texas does not have licensure requirements), please see ASCP state licensure requirements.
Outcomes
| Academic Year | Graduation Rate* | Certification Pass Rate | Employment/Further Education Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 100% (24/24) | 96% (23/24) | 100% |
| 2019-2020 | 100% (23/23) | 91% (20/22) | 100% |
| 2020-2021 | 100% (13/13) | 73% (11/15) | 100% |
| 2021-2022 | 100% (26/26) | 80% (16/20) | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 100% (18/18) | 94% (15/16) | 100% |
| 2023-2024 (data still being collected) | 100% (10/10) | 60% (6/10) | 100% |
* The Graduation Rate for the MLT program is calculated by comparing the number of students beginning the advanced portion of instruction to the number of students graduating for that year.
Program Information
Degree Requirements
Requirements for receiving the AAS from Tarleton are listed in the most current catalog and can be found on the AAS in MLT degree page.
Students seeking the associate degree from Tarleton State University must complete the following 24 prerequisite hours at the University or other accredited community colleges. Tarleton State University offers the following prerequisite courses:
More information can be found in the Tarleton State University Catalog.
Graduation / Certification
Upon successful completion of the professional program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam, Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCP). Students will receive their Associate of Applied Science degree from Tarleton State University. Awarding of the certificate and degree from Tarleton is not contingent upon passing national certification exams.
Partners
Located in the central hospital district of Fort Worth, at 1501 Enderly Place, the Department has current affiliations with area hospitals.
Medical Laboratory Technology Clinical Sites:
- Texas Health Resources Arlington Memorial Hospital
- Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital
- Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Southwest Hospital
- Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist HEB
- Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Cleburne
- HCA Fort Worth Medical Center
- HCA Las Colinas Medical Center
- HCA Medical Center of Plano
- HCA North Hills Hospital
- HCA Dallas Center
- HCA Weatherford
- Quest Diagnostics
- Laboratory Corporations of America
- John Peter Smith Hospital (TCHD)
- Baylor Scott and White – Plano
- Lake Granbury Medical Center
- Texoma Medical Center
- Glen Rose Medical Center
Contact
Allison Kelly, M.S., MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, CQA(ASQ)
MLT & HPT Program Director
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, and Nutrition Science
Tarleton State University
10850 Texan Rider Drive,
Crowley, TX 76036
[email protected]
Phone: 817-926-1101
Fax: 817-922-8103