More information: Medical Laboratory Technology AAS
PURPOSE
The Medical Laboratory Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares students for certification and employment as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Graduates are eligible to apply for national certification examinations and pursue a bachelor of science degree in Medical Laboratory Science with either Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) or Old Dominion University (ODU).
Positions for Medical Laboratory Technicians are available in hospitals, private laboratories, physicians’ offices, health departments, and industrial medical laboratories.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Medical Laboratory Technology AAS prepares graduates to:
- Distinguish acceptable versus non-acceptable samples using established industry criteria
- Demonstrate job entry-level precision and accuracy in performing procedures
- Demonstrate consistent safe practice within industry level safety standards
- Exhibit patient confidentiality within HIPAA parameters
- Demonstrate professional habits including timeliness, efficiency, proper hygiene, and appropriate dress
- Perform routine testing of adult, infant, and geriatric patient samples in specified rotations
- Troubleshoot non-reportable test results
- Discuss laboratory testing in terms of theory, technique, quality control, and interpretations
- Record accurate reports within industry level reporting parameters
- Analyze and record test and quality control data within industry accuracy standards
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) describes entry-level competencies for the medical laboratory technician:
The medical laboratory technician will possess the entry-level competencies necessary to perform routine clinical laboratory tests in areas, such as clinical chemistry, hematology/hemostasis, immunology, immunohematology/transfusion medicine, microbiology, urine and body fluid analysis, and laboratory operations.
The level of analysis ranges from waived and point of care testing to complex testing encompassing all major areas of the clinical laboratory. The medical laboratory technician will have diverse functions in areas of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. The medical laboratory technician will have responsibilities for information processing, training, and quality control monitoring wherever clinical laboratory testing is performed.
National Certification and Transfer to VCU, ODU
Upon satisfactory completion of the five-semester AAS degree, graduates are eligible to:
- Take Medical Laboratory Technology examinations (e.g., ASCP, AMT, or equivalent) for national certification
- National certification is not a graduation requirement for graduation, but is strongly recommended and may be required for employment, depending upon the employer
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science with either VCU or ODU, upon satisfactory completion of the national certification exam
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- General college curricular admission
- Program-specific criteria
Application Requirements
Program admission is competitive and limited, and students must be accepted to this program to enroll in professional-level MDL major/clinical courses (MDL 110 and higher). Typically, 15 students are accepted in both the fall and spring semesters and completion of application requirements does not guarantee admission.
Eligible applicants must:
Completion of application requirements does not guarantee admission. Fully qualified students will be ranked according to GPA, prior degrees achieved, and a completed application packet. (See the Program Application Packet for more details.)
Application Deadlines
- May 15 for fall start (June notification)
- October 1 for spring start (November notification)
Medical Laboratory Technology Application Packet, Medical Laboratory Technology AAS Fillable Application
Medical Laboratory Technology Student Handbook, Medical Laboratory Technology Student Handbook 2026-2027
ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
Program applications should have sufficient:
- Eyesight, including color vision, to observe microscopic cells and features within cells, read records, manipulate equipment, and visually read procedures, graphs, and test results
- Hearing to communicate with patients and members of the healthcare delivery team, monitor patients using electronic equipment, and hear necessary sounds during operation of equipment
- Speaking, reading, and writing skills to effectively communicate in English in a timely manner
- Gross and fine motor coordination to exhibit excellent eye-hand coordination and dexterity to manipulate equipment
- Ability to lift, stoop, or bend in the delivery of safe laboratory testing
- Physical strength and endurance to be on feet for extended periods and to move heavy equipment and supplies; sitting, walking, bending, and reaching motions are also requirements of most positions
- Intellectual, emotional, and psychological health and functioning to ensure patient safety and to exercise independent judgment and discretion in performing assigned tasks
- Time management skills to handle multiple priorities and stimuli, and operate in fast-paced environments
- Analysis, synthesis, and comprehension skills to follow detailed instructions and effectively operate in a laboratory setting
PROGRAM NOTES
- Students are responsible for medical care costs they may require while in the clinical setting, and should maintain appropriate health insurance
- Certified technologists who have been out of the field for a period of time may take MDL courses for retraining; program admission is not required, but students must obtain permission from the program chair
- Courses may be offered via in-person, online, or hybrid format
- Laboratory courses are offered at college-designated sites and students may be required to come to campus for labs
- Tests may be taken at an approved testing center as determined by the faculty member and the department chair
PROGRAM PROGRESSION
- Students who have a break in their enrollment must meet with the department chair to review current enrollment requirements; in some cases, students may be required to retake MDL courses
- All students must successfully pass a comprehensive clinical readiness assessment prior to placement in clinical rotations
- Attendance during summer sessions may be required
- Students must earn a course grade of C or better in all courses within the curriculum
- Any student who receives a final grade lower than C in any course must repeat the course
- Students failing to obtain C or better in any two MDL-prefix courses will not be able to progress in the program
- Courses with the MDL prefix must be completed successfully prior to entering the final coordinated internship courses
CLINICAL PROGRESSION
Reynolds offers this program in affiliation with the healthcare agencies and practitioners in the communities the college serves. Reynolds relies on its community affiliates to provide clinical education opportunities for its students, expert clinical preceptors, and course instructors for many courses. The often-rapid changes in healthcare law, standards of practice, technology, and content of credentialing examinations increasingly necessitate sudden changes in the program’s course content, policies, procedures, and course scheduling. As a result, Reynolds cannot guarantee every student continuous and uninterrupted clinical and course instruction as outlined in the printed catalog curriculum for this program. Circumstances beyond the control of the college may necessitate the postponement of course offerings or changes in the sequencing and/or location of scheduled courses or clinical assignments. Additionally, Reynolds may have to change the instructor for courses after instruction has started.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the regular college tuition and fees, the Medical Laboratory Technology program requires the items listed below (fees are approximate and subject to change):
Medical Laboratory Technology: Additional Costs
| Books and supplies (varies) |
$2000 |
| Scrubs and shoes |
$200 |
| Lab tests and immunizations (varies) |
$300 |
| Background check (varies) |
$45 |
| Drug screening (varies) |
$50 |
| Travel to clinical affiliates |
Variable |
Note: An additional fee for the national certification examination is not a requirement for graduation and is not included above. The fee is approximately $250.00.
COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT
- Students meet Reynolds’ computer competency requirement with successful completion of SDV 100 or SDV 101
PROGRAM ACCREDITATION AND ADMINISTRATION
The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
773-714-8880, NAACLSINFO@naacle.org
Dereje Tekle, MPH, MLS (ASCP)CM, Program Director
