The challenges and rewards of medicine and science-the medical laboratory technician has the best of both worlds.
A medical laboratory technician performs general tests in all laboratory areas. Working under the supervision of a medical technologist, a medical laboratory technician hunts for clues to the absence, presence, extent, and causes of diseases. Medical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases as well as monitoring and maintaining patient health. Approximately 75% of all medical diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on the testing performed by Laboratory Science professionals. Medical Laboratory Technicians, also known as MLTs, perform these tests on blood and other body fluids using analytical procedures and state-of-the-art-instrumentation. We perform testing in a variety of specialty areas within the laboratory including testing to identify microorganisms that cause disease, to detect blood cell abnormalities such as anemia and leukemia, blood clotting disorders, blood compatibilities for transfusions and quantifying of chemical constituents such as glucose, protein, cholesterol or specific medications.
Medical laboratory technicians must be accurate, dedicated, and skilled. They must also be self motivated, to take initiative to do what must be done everyday to pitch in to help the healthcare team.
Minimum Degree Required
For an exciting career as a medical laboratory technician, you'll need either a high school diploma or an Associate Degree. The JSCC Medical Laboratory Technician Program is a 24 month Associate Degree program.
Job Opportunities
Today, there are more jobs for laboratory personnel than there are educated people to fill the positions. The need is great every where throughout the country. Our placement in West Tennessee is 100% after 6 months of graduation.
The average salary in West Tennessee ranges from $30,750 to $41,000. This rate varies by facility and the shift you work. The majority of our graduates are employed in our area hospitals and doctors offices.
What It Takes To Be A Medical Laboratory Technician
All medical laboratory technicians have certain common characteristics. They are problem solvers. They like challenge and responsibility. They are accurate, reliable, emotionally stable, work well under pressure, and are able to finish a task once started. They communicate well, both in writing and speaking. They set high standards for themselves and expect quality in the work they do. Above all, they are deeply committed to their profession, and are truly fascinated by all that science has to offer.
For someone who chooses a career as a medical laboratory technician, the exploration never ends.
MLT Program: FAST FACTS
- Our program is the one of the oldest program in the United States. We began in 1969.
- We have had over 500 graduates who work in 17 states and 1 foreign country.
- 80% of our graduates still work in the West Tennessee area.
- For the past 30 years, over 90% of our MLT graduates have passed their licensure/certification exams on the first attempt. Jackson State MLT class averages on exit exams are above state and national averages.
- Our program is accredited by the Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board and NAACLS.
MLT Program Statistics 2019 - 2022
| Year | Graduation Rate Final Half | ASCP Pass Rate | AMT Pass Rate | Employment Rate |
| 2019 | 91% | 90% | 100% | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% | 100% | NA | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% | 86% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% | 100% | NA% | 100% |
Accreditation Data
The Associate of Applied Science Medical Laboratory Technician program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. (5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL, 60018 or (773) 714-8880). Jackson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.