The medical laboratory technology program at Laurel Ridge Community College is designed to prepare students to master entry level medical laboratory technology knowledge. The program combines the use of sophisticated instruments and techniques with the application of theoretical knowledge to perform complex procedures on tissue specimens, blood specimens, and other body fluids. The tests and procedures that medical laboratory technologists perform provide critical information enabling physicians to diagnose, treat, and monitor a patient’s condition. Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the student will be eligible to take a national board examination, such as American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Opportunities for the entry level MLT include employment in a myriad of health care settings.

Kayleigh Baylor
Kayleigh Baylor says earning her degree in medical lab technology (MLT) at Laurel Ridge Community College was “life changing.” Now, she is working full time and training future MLTs.
Read StoryProgram Information and Curriculum
Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS
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Program Description/Purpose: The Associate of Applied Sciences Degree program in Medical Laboratory Technology is designed to prepare students to master entry-level knowledge of Medical Laboratory Technology. The program combines the use of sophisticated instruments and techniques with the application of theoretical knowledge to perform complex procedures on tissue specimens, blood specimens, and other body fluids. The tests and procedures that Medical Laboratory Technologists perform provide critical information enabling physicians to diagnose, treat, and monitor a patient's condition.
Accreditation Status: The Medical Laboratory Technology is accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) based on Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), to prevent pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors.
- Students will evaluate analytical outcomes to identify common causes of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors.
- Students will find employment as an MLT upon graduation from the program. Alternatively, students who wish to continue their education will enroll in or transfer to a 4-year program.
- Students will comply with all laboratory safety procedures and use Universal Precautions when handling all patient specimens.
- Students will successfully pass a national registry examination, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) exam.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to adhere to the Security Rule of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Acceptance into the AAS Medical Laboratory Technology program is selective and competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the AAS program. The deadline for submitting completed applications is March 31st for the upcoming academic year. Applicants are responsible for making certain that the following have been submitted to the Medical Technology Program Director:
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (transcripts from Laurel Ridge Community College and other Virginia Community Colleges are not required). Must have applied to Laurel Ridge Community College.
- Official transcript showing completion of a high school diploma or records showing completion of GED with scores.
- A current Medical Laboratory Technology application form.
- One unit of high school Biology or college equivalents (BIO 101).Loading…
- Laurel Ridge Community College placement tests (if required) and completion of any developmental work that may be identified by the placement test.
- Applicants must receive an ENG 111placement test recommendation or have successfully completed all developmental English requirements.Loading…
- Applicants must be eligible for MTH 161.Loading…
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher based on the twelve most recent college credits completed by the end of fall semester, prior to submitting an MLT application. A GPA lower than 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Completion of the pre-requisite courses, or equivalent, noted in the course curriculum. Students who are currently enrolled in the prerequisites may apply; acceptance into the program will be contingent upon passing the courses with a "C" or 70% or better, prior to beginning the MLT program curriculum.
- Two completed reference forms - one personal and one professional reference - must be included in the application packet.
Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.
Prerequisites
Program Curriculum
Fall Semester
Acceptance into the AAS program is required to enroll in MDL courses
Spring Semester
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Completion of all prior MDL courses with a grade of "C" or 75% or better is required to enroll in Clinical Rotation semester of the MLT Program
Program Total: 62 Credits
*The Coordinated Internships (
CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS: During the final semester, students will enter the field for a 14-week clinical rotation. Medical laboratory personnel frequently work with blood and body fluids which may harbor infectious diseases such as bacteria and viruses. Students may likewise be exposed to potentially infectious blood borne disease as well as bacterial and viral cultures in the clinical microbiology laboratory due to time pressures placed on the laboratory personnel.
Prior to admission to the Clinical Rotation:
- Students must be 18 years of age.
- Students must purchase required apparel for the clinical rotation prior to start of the rotations.
- Students must provide their own form of transportation to and from the clinical sites.
- Current immunization record to include Td/Tdap, MMR, Varicella, PPD, Bacterial Meningitis, Polio, Influenza, Hepatitis series and COVID 19.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Results of Criminal Background Check and Urine Drug Screen completed within ninety days and submitted prior to entering Clinical rotation. The cost of the background check and the drug screen are the responsibility of the student.
- Sign an agreement which releases all clinical agencies and their employees, Laurel Ridge Community College, The Virginia Community College System and the Commonwealth of Virginia from any liability for any injury or death to the student or damage to his/her property arising out of agreement of use of facilities associated with the MLT program.
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Accreditation Status
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the:
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 Telephone number 404-679-4501).
The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is accredited by:
- the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 (773-714-8880 and NAACLSinfo@naacls.org).
- Students who graduate with LaurelRidge’s AAS in Medical Laboratory Technology are eligible to sit for some certification exams, such as ASCP’s Board of Certification (ASCP BOC).
Student Learning and Program Outcomes
Number of Students Passing ASCP BOC
The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) is the gold standard in global certification for medical laboratory professionals and has certified more than 590,000 individuals. ASCP is the first and largest certification agency. Since their inception in 1928, the BOC continues to set a high standard for quality and continuing competency.
Year | Number of Students Who Tested | Number of Students Who Passed | Laurel Ridge Pass Rate | ASCP BOC National Pass Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 5 | 4 | 80% | 79% (2023) |
2023 | 6 | 5 | 83% | 71% (2022) |
2022 | 4 | 3 | 75% | 69.1% (2021) |
2021 | 4 | 4 | 100% | 74.6% (2020) |
Program Completion Rates
Students who complete the program within 3 years.
Year of Fall Admission | Number of students enrolled in 2nd half of the program | Number of students who graduate with an AAS degree in MLT | Laurel Ridge Completion Percentage |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | 9 | TBD | |
2023 | 4 | TBD | |
2022 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
2021 | 7 | 6 | 86% |
2020 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
2019 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
Placement Rates
Students who were employed as an MLT after graduation.
Graduation Year | Number of Students Graduated | Number of students employed or continuing education in clinical laboratory related field | Percent Placement Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
2023 | 6 | 6 | 100% |
2022 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
2021 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
Tuition and Funding Options
Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.
Admissions Requirements
Please note: once your online MLT application is complete, we will contact you if more information is needed. References and documentation no longer need to be sent directly to the Program Director, unless specifically requested.
Students must apply for admission to health professions programs (practical nursing, nursing, surgical technology, dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, phlebotomy, emergency medical services, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) emergency medical technician intermediate, paramedic and central services) in addition to applying for admission to the College. Admission requirements and application materials are available through the Health Professions Division. Specific requirements can be found within the catalog pages under the “Program Information” section.
Have a Question?
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