Medical Laboratory Technician
Become the Detective Behind the Diagnosis
Every diagnosis. Every treatment plan. Every life-saving decision a doctor makes, Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are behind it. As an MLT, you'll be the expert who turns blood, tissue, and body fluids into the answers physicians need to care for their patients. It's a hands-on, science-driven career where precision matters and every test you run helps someone get better.
Career Opportunities
MLT Graduates go on to become:
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Quality Control Lab Technician
- Laboratory Scientist (Bachelor's Degree)
Earning Potential
Medical Laboratory Technician: $18-27/hr
Quality Control Lab Technician: $20hr
Laboratory Scientist: $60-100k/yr
For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.
What You'll Do
MLTs are the science detectives of healthcare. You'll use a mix of hands-on techniques and advanced instrumentation to:
- Examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells.
- Identify infections and the microorganisms that cause them.
- Test for chemical and hormonal levels in the body.
- Detect blood clotting abnormalities.
- Cross-match donor blood for safe transfusions.
- Measure drug levels to track how well treatments are working.
What You'll Learn
MCC's Medical Laboratory Technician program is a two-year associate degree that combines classroom learning, lab work, and clinical hours at real hospitals and laboratories.* You'll build expertise in:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Coagulation
- Immunohematology
- Microbiology
- Clinical chemistry
- Urinalysis and body fluids
When you graduate, you'll be eligible to take the national certification exam to become a credentialed Medical Laboratory Technician.
Where This Can Take You
Want to keep going? MCC graduates can continue straight into a bachelor's degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) through our University Center — no transfer headaches, just a clear path forward.
Looking for a Shorter Path? Try Phlebotomy.
If you want to break into healthcare faster, MCC also offers an Occupational Skills Award in Phlebotomy. You'll learn to collect, transport, and process blood samples for analysis — all in just one semester. No prerequisites required.
Sign up for an upcoming information session
Ready to Learn More?
Contact Alisa Petree at 254-299-8406 or apetree@mclennan.edu.
*To participate in clinical rotations, you'll need a completed immunization record and CPR certification approved by the American Heart Association.
For students in this program who may have a criminal background: a background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas. If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or program director. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
Contact
apetree@mclennan.edu
