The mission of the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program is to provide a high quality learning-centered education in medical laboratory theory and practice that maximizes student learning and makes students partners in their education.
The MLT, under the supervision of a physician or medical laboratory scientist, performs many general laboratory tests which aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. MLTs are in demand throughout the nation in clinical, research and public health laboratories.
The goals of the Bismarck State College MLT program are to train competent MLTs with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate entry level proficiency in all areas of medical laboratory science, to provide a two-year associate degree program for students in North Dakota and surrounding states, and to operate a program in which a maximum number of credits will fulfill requirements for four-year Medical Laboratory Science programs in the state. The curriculum outlined below is prescribed to allow a student to meet these employment and transferability goals.
Medical laboratory science is a demanding field of study and career. Success depends on self-discipline, self-motivation, self-reliance, integrity and the ability to work independently to solve problems and produce accurate laboratory results under stressful conditions.
Students receive both theoretical and experiential study, including a 7-month rotation through one of the program's clinical affiliate laboratories at Medcenter One Health Systems or St. Alexius Medical Center. Minimum grade requirements for those enrolled in the program are a 2.00 grade point average in all science and math courses and a 2.00 grade point average overall. Those who complete the requirements earn an associate in science degree and are eligible to write a national board examination to become certified as a MLT.
A strong science background (completion of high school units in chemistry, biology and algebra, or equivalent) is recommended for success in this program. The MLT program is highly selective and has a limited enrollment. Selection depends upon academic preparation as well as early date of application. The deadline for applications is May 1.
An interview and tour of Medcenter One Health Systems laboratory are required prior to acceptance into the program. The purposes of the tour and interview are to assist students in making the right career choice, and to design a semester-by semester curriculum plan for each student, which will afford him/her the greatest opportunity for success.
BSC's MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Phone: 773-714-8880.
Besides being qualified to perform general laboratory tests, medical laboratory scientists are also qualified to supervise a clinical laboratory, specialize in specific areas or go into clinical education.
To become a registered medical laboratory scientist, a student must complete three years of academic studies and one year of professional training at an accredited school of medical laboratory sciences.
Bismarck State College offers the first two years of academic training necessary for a bachelor of science in medical laboratory science from most colleges and universities. Pre-professional courses offered in the first two years of study are designed to give the medical laboratory science student the necessary scientific background to transfer into their junior year.
Students should contact the school they plan to transfer to for the specific prerequisites of that college.
Students majoring in medical laboratory science at Bismarck State College should apply to an accredited medical laboratory science program the second semester of their sophomore year. Those who complete the requirements earn an Associate in Science degree.
