Clinical laboratory technicians/medical laboratory technicians are competent in:

1. collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances;
2. performing analytical tests of body fluids, cells and other substances;
3. recognizing factors that affect procedures and results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated;
4. performing and monitoring quality control within predetermined limits;
5. performing preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or referring to appropriate sources for repairs;
6. applying principles of safety;
7. demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public;
8. recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care;
9. applying basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures;
10. relating laboratory findings to common disease processes, and
11. establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
    

(Taken from the Preamble to the Essentials of Accredited Educational Programs for the Clinical Laboratory Technology/Medical Laboratory Technology, published by NAACLS, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences)

The job market for MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS is good around the state and nation. Medical Technology is an expanding health care field, which is adaptable and able to meet the needs and demands of a constantly evolving health care system. The MLT program at KCC teaches general skills which can be applied in a variety of settings as well as in health care. Quality control in manufacturing, food science, pharmaceutical research and production, and other kinds of medical science research are a few of the other possible career paths available to the MLT graduate. In recent years starting salaries for our graduates have ranged from $25,000 to $30,000 per year, with an average of about $27,000 to $29,000. Rates for individuals who work 2nd or 3rd shift could be higher.

There are several levels of educational preparation in clinical laboratory science, from the Associate Degree level to the Ph.D. The Kellogg Community College Medical Laboratory Technology Program provides the student the opportunity to obtain their MLT or CLT certification. This certification and successful completion of their coursework can serve as the first step of a career ladder to the Medical Technologist (Bachelor degree) or a Masters or Ph.D. in clinical laboratory science, forensic science or other scientific specialties.

A small number of our graduates have also increased their responsibilities by going on to earn Bachelor's Degrees in related fields and have accepted administrative positions in health care.