Medical Laboratory Technician Associate Degree Program
ABHES Accredited
On Campus | Hybrid*
At a Glance
~19 Months
Course length
65
Total credits
465
Lab hours
615
Class hours
400
Externship hours
About the Medical Laboratory Technician Program
This medical laboratory technician program prepares you for an entry-level career analyzing body fluids, tissue and other specimens that help physicians diagnose and treat disease. Over approximately 19 months at our Colorado Springs campus, you’ll build hands-on laboratory skills across chemistry, hematology, microbiology and blood banking, working directly in real lab settings throughout your training.
Where the Medical Laboratory Technician Associate Degree Program Can Take You
Certification
Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician certification examination.*
Entry-level roles
Medical laboratory technician, clinical laboratory technician, phlebotomy-certified lab technician or research lab technician.
Career advancement
A bachelor's degree, such as Pima Medical's online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, can open the door to laboratory management or supervisory roles beyond this associate degree.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
PHLEBOTOMY
HEMATOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
IMMUNOLOGY
SAFETY
Program Objective
To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level medical laboratory technicians through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are fundamental testing procedures for various body fluids, evaluation of test results, lab safety, personal protective equipment and other topics necessary to be effective members of the medical laboratory team.
Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are eligible to apply to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification examination.
Hybrid Learning Options
For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Learn More About Externships→Continuing Education
Job Outlook
What careers can you pursue with a Medical Laboratory Technician associate degree?
The Medical Laboratory Technician associate degree prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Laboratory Assistant
- Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing Technician
These careers exist in a variety of environments, including but not limited to hospitals, physician offices, urgent care facilities, health department labs, drug screen labs and research or independent labs.
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
View Career Services→Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
View Student Services→Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Medical Laboratory Technician Program Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Medical Laboratory Technician Program
What is a medical laboratory technician?
What does a medical laboratory technician do day to day?
What will I learn in this program?
How do I get certified as a medical laboratory technician after graduation?
Successfully completing this program makes you eligible to apply to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician certification examination. After successfully passing the exam, you’ll be a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician.
How does Pima Medical prepare me for the ASCP certification exam?
Do I need a state license to work as a medical laboratory technician in Colorado?
Is there a clinical component to this program?
Is this program accredited?
Pima Medical Institute is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which is one of the accreditation pathways recognized by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for Medical Laboratory Technician certification eligibility.
Is financial aid available?
Eligible students may be able to fund their education through federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans and scholarships. Speak with our financial services team or visit our Financial Aid page to learn more.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Semester l
Semester lI
Semester III
Semester IV
Semester V
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Accreditations and Disclosures
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Medical Laboratory Technician program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Colorado. The state of Colorado does not require licensure or credentialing to obtain employment as a medical laboratory technician. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the Colorado Springs campus and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of Colorado may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of Colorado he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Associate Degree
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.