Medical Laboratory Technician

The Medical Laboratory Technician program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a vital role in the healthcare industry by equipping them with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to perform laboratory tests that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. This comprehensive curriculum combines classroom instruction with laboratory practice, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the scientific principles underlying laboratory procedures, as well as proficient in using modern laboratory equipment. Students will study topics such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and blood banking, gaining a broad understanding of the different laboratory disciplines.

The program emphasizes quality assurance, safety protocols, and ethics in laboratory practice, preparing students to operate effectively in clinical settings. Practical experience is a key component, with students participating in supervised clinical rotations at local hospitals, diagnostic labs, and healthcare facilities. This exposure enables students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills necessary for accurate specimen analysis and reporting.

Graduates of the program are prepared to take the Medical Laboratory Technician certification exam, such as the one offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), which enhances employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and private laboratories. The program’s faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to mentoring students and ensuring they stay current with advancements in laboratory science.

Harrisburg Area Community College’s Medical Laboratory Technician program is committed to fostering a rigorous educational environment that combines scientific expertise with practical application, ultimately contributing to the healthcare system by providing skilled laboratory personnel. This program is ideal for students interested in science, detail-oriented work, and making a tangible difference in patient care through laboratory analysis. By completing this program, graduates will be well-positioned for entry-level positions in medical laboratories and related healthcare environments, supporting clinicians and improving patient outcomes.

Major Requirements   
MLT 100 Orientation to MLT  2 
MLT 120 Hematology and Coagulation  4 
MLT 122 Immunology  2 
MLT 124 Immunohematology  3 
MLT 220 Clinical Microbiology  4 
MLT 222 Clinical Chemistry  4 
MLT 224 Urinalysis  2 
MLT 226 Clinical Experience I  5 
MLT 228 Clinical Experience II  5 
MLT 230 Parasitology and Mycology  2 
MLT 236 Clinical Laboratory Management  2 

Other Required Courses   
PBT 100 Intro Phlebotomy – Allied Health  2 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Work effectively with other hospital personnel

Demonstrate the skills prescribed by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Take the national entry-level credentialing examination administered by certifying agencies of the profession

Recognize how specialized training fits into the health care delivery system

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Medical Laboratory Technician program at Harrisburg Area Community College provides students with the essential skills and knowledge required to become a vital part of the healthcare sector. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in medical laboratories where they will perform diagnostic tests, analyze laboratory specimens, and support physicians in patient care. The curriculum typically includes coursework in microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, and laboratory procedures. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical practicums, which are conducted in affiliated healthcare facilities to ensure they are well-prepared for real-world laboratory environments.

The program emphasizes the development of technical competencies, including specimen collection, processing, and analysis, as well as quality control and safety procedures essential for laboratory operations. Students learn to operate complex laboratory equipment and utilize computer systems for data management and reporting. In addition to technical skills, the program fosters communication skills, as students must effectively report their findings to physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technician program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Certification enhances employment prospects and demonstrates proficiency in laboratory techniques. Career opportunities for graduates include employment in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, clinics, and research institutions. The program also offers a pathway for students interested in further education, such as pursuing a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related fields.

Harrisburg Area Community College is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that combines classroom instruction with practical laboratory skills, ensuring students are equipped to meet the demands of the healthcare sector. The program typically takes two years to complete for full-time students and may be available in a flexible format to accommodate working professionals. Skills development, adherence to safety standards, and a thorough understanding of laboratory medicine are integral to the success of students in this field. Overall, this program aims to prepare competent and confident Medical Laboratory Technicians ready to contribute effectively to healthcare teams and improve patient outcomes through accurate and timely laboratory analysis.