Medical Laboratory Technician Program

11-Month Accelerated Online MLT Program

Medical laboratory professionals are vital members of the health care team. In fact, some research indicates that at least 70% of all medical decisions rely on data from the laboratory. Medical laboratory professionals use sophisticated computer-driven instruments and advanced technology combined with delicate and complex manual procedures to perform laboratory analyses on blood and body fluids.

What does an MLT do?

An MLT, or Medical Laboratory Technician, performs critical tests in clinical labs to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. They analyze bodily fluids, tissues, and cells, operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, and ensure the accuracy of test results. This role also involves maintaining lab safety and quality control standards. Essentially, they're the unsung heroes behind many medical diagnoses.

Why become a medical laboratory technician?

Despite changes in the field, including technological advances and automation, the need for medical laboratory professionals is expected to grow in the coming years. With population growth and aging, increased coverage of screening tests and development of new tests, the volume of laboratory tests is expected to increase, making this the perfect time to begin your career as a medical laboratory technician.

MLT Program Overview

The SSM Health Medical Laboratory Technician Program will prepare students to become qualified and responsible medical laboratory technicians. Our 11-month accelerated curriculum includes both didactic and clinical components. The online didactic segment of the program guides students through each theory component via lectures, demonstrations, virtual laboratory studies, and hands-on practice at their clinical facility.

Clinical sections completed in accredited laboratories.

Once students have learned basic laboratory techniques and skills, they rotate through the clinical sections one to two days per week at the affiliated laboratory. During clinical rotations, our students further develop their lab skills and gain clinical experience in each laboratory discipline, including phlebotomy, urinalysis, chemistry, hematology and coagulation, immunohematology, microbiology and serology.

Sites for Labs & Clinicals

All students must come into the SSM Health MLT Program with their own clinical site in place for labs and clinicals. Most students utilize their places of employment to perform these. The program has an affiliation agreement in place with:

• SSM Health – all locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma
• Salem Township Hospital, Salem IL
• Artesia General Hospital, Artesia, NM
• Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay, WI
• Genesis Health System, Davenport, IA

SSM Health will work with all students to obtain affiliation agreements with their clinical site if outside of these locations. This process takes time so should be started early. All clinical affiliation agreements must be completed by August 1 in order for the student to begin our program.

Program completion and the certification process.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are awarded a certificate from SSM Health School of Medical Laboratory Technician as a graduate MLT. Granting the certificate is NOT contingent upon passing an external certification examination.

Application Requirements & Process

What are the requirements for the SSM Health MLT program?

Applicants must possess an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college prior to entering the MLT program. In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of:

• 8 semester hours of chemistry (with appropriate prerequisite mathematics)
• 8 semester hours of Biology to include Anatomy and Physiology (complete system) and Microbiology

A GPA of 2.5 or better on a scale of 4.0 overall and in science courses is preferred.

What does the application process look like?

The application materials listed below must be submitted by April 15:

• Complete the application and send in
• Official transcripts from all attended colleges
• Three completed reference forms, preferably by a biology instructor, a chemistry instructor, and a work supervisor, sent directly by the references.
• Completed Program Skills and Abilities Relating to Essential Job Functions form.

The following requirements listed below must be submitted by August 1:

• Proof of the following Vaccinations or immunity
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Influenza (current season)
  • Covid 19
• TB (QuantiFERON Gold preferred)
• Physical Exam withing 6 months of starting program
• Completed background check

Late applications will be considered if seats are still available.

All application materials should be submitted emailed to Leah.Narans@ssmhealth.com with the subject line "application", or students can mail their application to:

SSM Health School of Medical Laboratory Technician
Attn: Leah Narans
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison
700 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715

Virtual Interview Requirement

Qualified applicants must also complete a virtual interview with the program personnel in May. A list of available interview dates will be sent following receipt of application materials. An interview date will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Consistent with our core value of respect and our commitment to providing a just and diverse work environment, SSM Health maintains a workplace free from discrimination. Discrimination against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.

Program Costs

*Certification Exam Fee subject to change by ASCP-BOC

Program Accreditation

SSM Health Southern Illinois School of Medical Laboratory Technician is accredited by the:

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773-714-8880
www.naacls.org

The School graduates are eligible to sit for the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Exam.

The School is not accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting body.

Program Outcomes

NAACLS requires the publishing of program outcomes for the last three consecutive years. The benchmarks which must be met to retain accreditations are:

Graduation Rates - NAACLS requires that 70% of students who begin the final half of the program successfully graduate.

ASCP Board of Certification Exam Pass Rates - NAACLS requires that 75% or greater pass rate required.

Graduate Placement Rates - NAACLS requires that 70% of graduates either find employment in the field or closely related field (for those who seek employment) or continue their education within one year.

Graduation Rate (based on final half of the program)

ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Exam Pass Rate

Graduate Placement Rate

Contact the SSM Health MLT Program

For more information, contact our program director:

Leah Narans, MBA, MLS (ASCP)
Director, School of Medical Laboratory Technician
Leah.Narans@ssmhealth.com
608-505-5351