Medical Laboratory Technology

The coursework in general education, life sciences, and specific medical laboratory sciences is supplemented by actual clinical experience in a medical laboratory. Upon completion of the MLT Program you will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take national certification examinations. This is a recommended degree for students who intend to use it as a bridge to other medical careers or pathways.

Associate in Applied Science
Medical Laboratory Technology (68 hours - degree map)

View the full list of Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2024) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2024 and after).

Below is a breakdown of additional costs associated with Barton’s MLT program. Please note: all costs are subject to change.

For current tuition and fees, visit the Registration and Enrollment page for Barton's Cost per Credit Hour.

Estimated Program Expenses:

• Books, Lab Manuals & Supplies: Approximately $1,500 (includes CastleBranch account).
• Immunizations: TD/DPT, Polio, MMR, Flu, HBV, and TB skin test are required. Costs vary; check with your local health department for affordable options.
• CPR Certification: Adult CPR training is required. Costs typically range from $5–$45. Training is available through fire departments, county health departments, rec centers, and continuing ed providers.
• Travel, Lodging, & Food: Expenses depend on your location. Consider costs related to clinical internships, including travel and time away from work.
• Online Students: Must account for any required travel and potential income loss related to commitments at a cooperating laboratory.
• Certification Exam: Upon completing the program, you are eligible for the MLT (ASCP) exam. Current cost is $215.

Additional MLT course fees help cover expenses like liability insurance, name tags, lab supplies, and online course delivery technology. Group liability insurance is provided—details available upon request.

You must have a manageable balance of employment, classes and family commitments. You must be able to budget sufficient time to study and complete assignments and exams. If you must work full-time, consider a lighter course load and extend the MLT Program over more than two years.

You will be required to have an online video proctor provided by the MLT Program to monitor you while you are taking your online exams. A reliable computer with webcam and internet access,  capable of supporting the proctoring software, is required for this program. 

General education courses completed with a grade of C or better and Phlebotomy (ASCP) eligibility are required before starting MLT program classes.  

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the number of medical laboratory technicians in the U.S. is expected to increase by 5 percent from 2023 to 2033. In contrast, the number of jobs in all other industries is expected to increase by only 4 percent during the same time frame. While many lab techs work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities, job opportunities are also available in other industries. Possibilities include medical research laboratories, blood banks, universities, and manufacturers of pharmaceutical and medicinal products. 

• Job Outlook https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2012.00
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-6
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm

Barton Community College Medical Laboratory Technology is offered as an online program, however cooperative/clinical lab hours and English language skills are required to complete the program.  For this reason, international students who wish to enroll in the program must meet certain requirements for both Barton Community College and the MLT program.  

Barton Community College International student information can be found on the International student information webpage. Please complete the International Student Checklist found on that page.  

An international student is defined by meeting the following criteria: Enters or is in the US specifically for the purpose of study. Does not have US citizenship or legal permanent resident status but is currently in the US on a non-immigrant visa (F-1, J-1, etc.). Does not hold permanent resident status. 

Transcripts 

Barton Community College MLT program requires applicants to submit official foreign transcripts to an approved foreign transcript evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. Evaluation does not guarantee acceptance of transferred credits.   

TOEFL Scores

A score of high-intermediate must be obtained on all sections of the TOEFL iBT test. This is to ensure students can understand the complex medical content contained in the MLT courses.  

Reading   High-Intermediate (18-23)
Listening High-Intermediate (17-21)
Speaking High-Intermediate (20-24)
Writing    High-Intermediate (17-23)

The Medical Laboratory Technician program at Barton Community College is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
RoseMont, IL 60018-5119
847-939-3597
www.naacls.org

Barton Community College (BCC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges. Barton is also accredited by the Kansas Board of Regents.

The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602
800-621-7440
www.hlcommission.org

Kansas Board of Regents
700 SW Harrison, Suite 1410
Topeka, KS 66603-3760
www.kansasregents.org

**data incomplete

Program Outcome - Certification: MLT graduates will demonstrate an average of at least 75% pass rate on the Board of Certification exam as calculated by the most recent three-year period.
Result: **2022-2025 the average Certification exam pass rate is 88%

Program Outcome - Graduation: At least 70% of students who have begun the final half of the MLT program will successfully graduate from the program as calculated by the most recent three-year period.
Result: ** For 2022-2025, the average graduation rate is 92%

Program Outcome - Placement: MLT graduates will demonstrate an average of at least 70% employment placement rate either through employment in the field or closely related field or continue their education within one year of graduation as calculated by the most recent three-year period.
Result: For 2022-2025, the employment placement rate for Barton Community College MLT graduates within the first year of certification average has been **99%.

Visit the What Can I Do with My Major? webpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!