Medical Laboratory Technician

About the MLT Program

The MLT program is a two-year curriculum leading to the Associates in Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technician. Completion of prerequisite courses will be required prior to entering the program. The program course of study is a combination of instruction in principles of laboratory theory and techniques as well as clinical experience at affiliated medical laboratories.

Students learn to perform routine laboratory procedures in phlebotomy, microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, immunology, and urinalysis. They also will learn to operate and maintain clinical laboratory equipment.

Graduates of the program qualify for state licensure examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification to become state licensed medical laboratory technicians. Once licensed, MLTs can work in both private and public diagnostic laboratories, forensic labs, veterinary labs, and biomedical research laboratories.

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Associate of Science

Medical Laboratory Technician

Certificate of Achievement

Medical Laboratory Technician

View MLT Classes in the Class Schedule

View Phlebotomy Classes in the Class Schedule

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MLT Program Eligibility

MLT Program Applicant Pre-Admission Requirements:

Earned at least a High School Diploma, HiSET, or a GED.
Be 18 years or older.
Possess a social security number or ITIN number to enable a background check and be eligible to apply for the MLT licensure upon program completion.
Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better:
- BIO 15 - Microbiology
- BIO 113 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
- CHEM 108 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
Successful completion of the following MLT courses with a grade “C” or better:
- MLT 210 - Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory Profession
- MLT 211 - Basic Laboratory Procedures
- MLT 230 - Clinical Chemistry
- MLT 236 - Clinical Hematology & Coagulation
o Current enrollment or successful completion of the following MLT courses with a grade “C” or better:
- MLT 232 - Clinical Microbiology
- MLT 235 - Clinical Urinalysis
- MLT 243 - Clinical Immunology – Immunohematology

NOTE: Students may apply to the MLT Program while enrolled in these courses. Indicate on the application that these courses are IP (in progress) and will be completed by the end of the Spring semester for the academic year that they intend to apply.

We encourage all students interested in applying to the MLT program, to make an appointment with counselor, Elizabeth Weiss, ahead of time to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements to apply. Schedule an appointment with Counseling by calling (949) 582-4572.

Information Sessions & Application Dates

Information Sessions

December 6, 2024
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

In-person: HS 207
Zoom: Join Meeting
Passcode: 001072

Lab Tour following the session in rooms 206 & 208.

Application Dates

For a Clinical Training Start Date of:

Summer 2025

January 15th - February 15th
NOTE: Students must already possess a valid CPT-1 license.

Fall 2025

March 1st - April 15th

Students must apply during the application window using the Submittable MLT Application.

Students apply to the MLT Program during the Spring semester. Any in progress classes (IP) are indicated on the application. All courses must be completed by the end of the Spring semester for Fall entry into the program.

We encourage all students interested in applying to the MLT program, to make an appointment with counselor, Elizabeth Weiss, ahead of time to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements to apply. Schedule an appointment with Counseling by calling (949) 582-4572.

Steps to Enroll in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program

MLT applications are accepted once a year during the Spring semester for Fall entry. Students must apply during the application window using the Submittable MLT Application link. Students should apply when they are ready to begin their clinical training.

A Saddleback College student ID is required to fill out the MLT program application.

Set up a Submittable MLT Application account and complete the online application during the application window. Application related communications will be sent via Submittable, so check emails regularly.
- The number of students admitted to MLT Program is related to the number of available clinical training sites. Students will be placed at one of Saddleback College’s contracted clinical facilities.
- To participate in clinical training, students will be expected to obtain the required clearances for both Saddleback College and the training site.
Submit official transcripts to Admissions and Records for coursework completed at another regionally accredited college/university. This includes high school AP scores being used for course credit. International transcripts must be evaluated by an acceptable third party: https://www.naces.org/member.
Meet with a counselor to:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the MLT program.
- Discuss the courses you may need to take to earn a Certificate of Completion or the Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Medical Laboratory Technician.
- Verify course equivalencies for any relevant coursework taken outside of Saddleback College, and file petitions for any course substitutions or waivers.
- Schedule an appointment with Elizabeth Weiss in the Counseling Office by calling (949) 582-4572.

Clinical Requirements

Once invited into the program, the student must accept or decline admission during the required response time as indicated in the acceptance email.

Students are expected to abide by the program requirements as stated on page 14 of the MLT Program Handbook.

Students enrolling in MLT 242, MLT 244, MLT 252, and MLT 253 are required to obtain the following clearances before participation in the Clinical Training Experience. Any findings may affect the student’s ability to progress through or complete the program.

Students must complete the clearance process by:

Summer 2025 Start: MLT Practicum or Phlebotomy courses

March 7, 2025 - initial titer results due to Student Health Center
April 25, 2025 - due date to submit all required medical documents to the Student Health Center
May 1, 2025 - deadline to submit all required clinical documents to CastleBranch
May 2, 2025 - deadline to submit all required training site paperwork

Fall 2025 Start: MLT Practicum courses

May 9, 2025 - initial titer results due to Student Health Center
July 3, 2025 - due date to submit all required medical documents to the Student Health Center
July 10, 2025 - deadline to submit all required clinical documents to CastleBranch
July 11, 2025 - deadline to submit all required training site paperwork

Students are required to register with CastleBranch and purchase the CastleBranch (CB) Compliance Tracker by June 10th. Click on this link to go to the CastleBranch portal.

Please select “Medical Laboratory Technician” from the menu.
Enter package code: SJ35

Mandatory Health Assessment Requirements
- Verified by the Student Health Center
- Students will be required to obtain the following titers/immunizations/vaccines:
  - Measles
  - Mumps
  - Rubella
  - Varicella
  - TDAP
  - Hepatitis B
  - TB Skin test
  - COVID-19 (full immunity)
  - Annual Physical
  - Annual Seasonal Flu shot
Physical Advisory Statement and Instructions
Background Check / Drug Screening
- Students are required to use CastleBranch for the background check and drug screen.
Professional Behaviors Release
Liability Insurance - HPSO
- Select “Get a quote”
- Select “Student”
- At the drop down program menu, type in “Medical Laboratory Technician”
FERPA Release
Basic Life Support (BLS) Card:
- Must be through the American Heart Association (No other Providers).
- We offer a class at Saddleback College titled HSC 222- Basic Life Support/CPR for Health Care Providers.
- You may also take it at a 3rd party site. We suggest lifelinecpr.com.
Medical Insurance

Tuition and Fees

**Tuition, Fees, and Program Costs**
Description	Cost
Tuition at $46 per unit (CA resident)	$2,300
Books (Average $100 per course)	$1,600
Health Fee ($25 per semester x 5)	$130
Uniform: Shoes, Lab Coat, Etc. (approximately)	$30-$150
Professional Practice Experience (PPE) Expenses
Medical Clearance and Immunizations	$150 - $1000
Student Medical Liability Insurance	$28
Background Investigation, Drug Test, and Tracker	$140
CPR (BLS)	$60
Total (estimated) Program Costs	$4,438 - $5,408

NOTE: Costs should not deter you from completing this program. Students in need of financial assistance should immediately contact the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office.

**Exam Application and License Fees**
Description	Cost
California MLT Exam Application Fee	$225
California MLT License Fee	$230

MLT Road Map

Medical Laboratory Technician Road Map
Course	Title	Units
	MLT Program Prerequisite Courses*
BIO 15	General Microbiology (prereq for General Microbiology is either BIO 20: Intro to Bio, or 1 year of High School Biology <"C")	5
BIO 113	Human Anatomy and Physiology	4
CHEM 108	Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry	4
	Semester 1 - Fall
MLT 210	Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory Profession	1
MLT 211	Basic Laboratory Procedures	1
MLT 230	Clinical Chemistry (CHEM 108 or equivalent)	5
MLT 236	Clinical Hematology and Coagulation (CHEM 108 or equivalent) Clinical Hematology and Coagulation (BIO 113 or equivalent)	3
	Semester 2 - Spring
MLT 232	Clinical Microbiology (BIO 15 or equivalent)	3
MLT 235	Clinical Urinalysis (BIO 113 or equivalent)	1
MLT 243	Clinical Immunology - Immunohematology (MLT 236)	3
	Apply to MLT Program during the last month of Semester 2 - Spring. Students must be officially admitted to the MLT Program to proceed to Semester 3 - Summer, Semester 4 - Fall, Semester 5 - Spring.
	Semester 3 - Summer
PHLB 240	Phlebotomy	4
CWE 180	Cooperative Work Experience - Phlebotomy (120 hours)	2
	Semester 4 - Fall
	Limitations: Completion of all required didactic courses and acceptance into a clinical site. Prerequisite (see below) and official admission into the MLT program.
MLT 242	Clinical Chemistry Practicum (200 hours) (Prereq MLT 230)	4
MLT 244	Clinical Hematology, Coagulation & Urinalysis Practicum (200 hours)	4
	Semester 5 - Spring
	Limitations: Completion of all required didactic courses and acceptance into a clinical site. Prerequisite (see below) and official admission into the MLT Program
MLT 252	Clinical Microbiology Practicum (200 hours) (prereq MLT 232)	4
MLT 253	Clinical Immunology - Immunohematology Practicum (160 hours) (prereq MLT 236; MLT 243)	3

2024-2025 Estimated Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance at Saddleback College includes an estimate for tuition and fees, books
and supplies as well as basic living expenses like food and housing, and personal and miscellaneous
expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than the amounts listed below.

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Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 (9-months)

Expenses	Living With Parents (2 Semesters)	Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
Tuition & Fees	$1,432	$1,432
Books & Supplies	$1,062	$1,062
Living Expenses: Food & Housing	$14,480	$25,916
Personal & Misc.	$4,059	$4,968
Transportation	$1,791	$1,962
Total Resident	$22,824	$35,340
Total Non-Resident	$35,124	$47,640

Summer 2025 (3-months)

Expenses	Living with Parents	Living Away from Parents
Tuition & Fees	$712	$712
Books & Supplies	$354	$354
Living Expenses: Food & Housing	$4,827	$9,276
Personal & Misc.	$1,353	$1,656
Transportation	$597	$654
Total Resident	$7,843	$12,652
Total Non-Resident	$13,993	$18,802

Less Than Half-Time (less than 6 units)

Expenses	Living With Parents		Living Away from Parents
	Fall & Spring	Summer	Fall & Spring	Summer
Tuition & Fees	$1,432	$712	$1,432	$712
Books & Supplies	$1,062	$354	$1,062	$354
Transportation	$1,791	$597	$1,962	$654
Total Resident	$4,291	$1,666	$4,462	$1,723
Total Non-Resident	$16,591	$7,816	$16,762	$7,873

Additional Factors in Calculating the Estimated Cost of Attendance

Enrollment Fee: $46 per unit
- Based on 15-units for Fall, Spring and Summer
Health Fee $26 for Fall and Spring, $22 for Summer
Non-Resident Tuition (in addition to the $46 per unit enrollment fee): $446 per unit ($376 non-resident tuition fee + $70 capital outlay fee)
Estimated cost of attendance may be adjusted for documented circumstances such as dependent care expenses, purchase of a computer, and other special circumstances (except for students enrolled less than half-time)
- A Cost of Attendance Appeal may be requested by emailing scfinaid@saddleback.edu.