Program Details
Degrees and Certificates
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Welcome to the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program, a comprehensive and dynamic pathway designed to equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to excel in laboratory science.
This program is your gateway to a career that plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Throughout your journey, you will build a solid foundation in medical laboratory science by studying theory in the classroom, applying those concepts in campus labs, and gaining real-world experience through clinical placements in healthcare facilities.
Discover MLT program outcomes, like placement rates, student retention, and more, to see how this program sets you up for success. By the time you complete the program, you will be ready to sit for national certification exams, opening doors to career opportunities in hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centers.
Medical Laboratory Technician, AAS Degree
Our Medical Laboratory Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program prepares you to perform clinical laboratory testing. As a Medical Laboratory Technician, your expertise will aid physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases, making you a vital member of the healthcare team. The MLT program begins each Fall, offering a structured curriculum designed to develop your skills progressively.
There is no separate application for the MLT program; however, you must ensure that all prerequisite courses are completed before registering for MLT courses. At the time of registration, you will be required to enroll in all co-requisite courses for that term. Failing to do so will result in registration errors.
The coursework in the MLT program is divided into theory and laboratory components. You will study theory online via Brightspace, allowing for flexibility in learning. Meanwhile, the lab portion is hands-on, conducted in-person at our laboratory on the South Valley Campus.
Over two terms, you will focus on subject-specific coursework, followed by a third term dedicated to clinical experience. These clinical placements are integral to the program, offering you the opportunity to apply classroom and lab knowledge in real-world settings.
Upon successful completion of the MLT program, you will be eligible to sit for national certification exams, which are a key step toward employment as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician.
Phlebotomy Technician, Certificate of Achievement
The Phlebotomy Technician Certificate is designed for students who are interested in specializing in blood specimen collection and processing. As a Phlebotomy Technician, you will be trained in the essential techniques of venipuncture and capillary puncture, ensuring that blood samples are collected safely and accurately.
This certificate program is offered every term:
- Classes at the South Valley Campus meet Monday through Friday during the day. With this option, you will complete five weeks of theory and lab, followed by five weeks of clinical experience, all within a 10-week period.
- For those who prefer an evening schedule, classes at the Westside Campus meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With this option, theory and lab are spread out over 10 weeks, followed by 5 weeks of clinicals. These courses are paired to ensure completion of theory and lab before clinicals. You can see the pairings on the Learning Communities website.
- Please keep in mind that clinicals are scheduled during the day, typically 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinical schedule is independent of class time and designed to maximize skills and experience. Clinicals include experience in out-patient draw sites and in-patient hospital settings.
It is important to note that MLT 1001 is a prerequisite or co-requisite for PHLB 1010. Ensuring you are enrolled in the correct pairings of phlebotomy courses is crucial to avoid registration errors. If you plan to complete clinicals in a semester different from when you completed your theory and lab work, departmental approval will be required. Please verify that your course CRNs match the required pairings found on the Learning Communities website to prevent any issues with registration.
Whether you are pursuing the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate or the MLT program, you are stepping into a profession that is vital to modern healthcare.
Paying for School
Financial barriers shouldn't hinder your education, which is why CNM provides a range of resources, including financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Our dedicated Financial Aid and Scholarship staff is here to guide you through the process, helping you secure the funding you need for your degree or certificate.
With competitive tuition rates and support in navigating financial aid options, we’re committed to making your educational goals achievable, without the stress of financial constraints.
Additional Information for Medical Laboratory Technician Students
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) saves students time and money on their degree or certificate program at CNM. If you have a valid American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ACSP) Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certificate, you can receive credit for courses in the Medical Laboratory Technician program by filling out the Medical Laboratory Sciences for Industry Credentials Form.
- The CNM Medical Laboratory Technician program prepares you for transfer to four-year institutions, providing a pathway to further study the MLT program or related fields.
- Learn more about Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at CNM, which prepare students for work in all advanced healthcare fields and more.
Accreditation Information
The Medical Laboratory Technician program is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773) 714-8880
NAACLS Website
End Accreditation Date: April 30, 2024