Medical Laboratory Assistant

The coursework in general education, life sciences, and specific medical laboratory sciences is supplemented by actual clinical experience in a medical laboratory. 

Certificate
Medical Laboratory Assistant (28 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).

Find information below on the MLA program's additional costs per class.
* Please note: all costs are subject to change.

Review Barton's Cost per Credit Hour information. 

• Upon completion of the Barton MLT Program you will take one or more certification examinations. At the time of compilation of information for this document, the additional cost of MLT (ASCP) certification examination is $215.

• Please note: additional MLT costs are used to defray the cost of a number of items, including but not limited to liability insurance, name tags, laboratory supplies and technology for delivery of the course materials. The liability insurance is obtained through a group policy and more information is available upon request.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the number of medical laboratory professionals 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. 

• onetonline.org
• bls.gov/clinical-laboratory-technologists
• bls.gov/phlebotomists

Medical Lab Assistants typically work in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities, but many also find employment in public health labs, private diagnostic centers, or research institutions. Some go on to specialize in areas such as:

Biochemistry
Cytology
Hematology
Histopathology
Immunology
Microbiology

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 MLA 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 MLA 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 MLA courses.  

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

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