Working behind the scenes as an integral part of a health care team, the Medical Lab Tech provides valuable information to physicians as they diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. The A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at LSSC is a six-semester program with coursework that includes clinical hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry and serology, and microbiology. Two semesters of clinical internships round out this comprehensive program preparing you for certification.
Successful completion of this program qualifies students to apply for a Medical Laboratory Technician License in the state of Florida and to take the national certification examinations (ASCP, AAB, and/or AMT). The program is committed to producing well-qualified, committed, ethical technicians to serve Central Florida and beyond.
Degree Information
Lake-Sumter State College does not currently require COVID-19 vaccinations. However, the State of Florida and national accreditation agencies require instruction and skills validation in clinical healthcare settings. The individual clinical facilities set the vaccination rules for their institutions. These clinical facilities set the compliance rules (i.e., immunizations, drug screenings, background checks, etc.) that students must meet to be eligible for instruction at these sites. If a student decides not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or meet other eligibility requirements defined by the clinical facility, they may not be allowed to participate at those sites and may not be able to complete the requirements of the program and obtain the diploma/certification. If there are any questions about these requirements, please speak to the program manager or academic advisor.
In order to participate in the clinical portion of the program, students will be required to meet additional criteria. Healthcare professionals must keep ALL immunizations current. OSHA requires immunization against Hepatitis B for all individuals in a workplace environment where the potential exposure to blood exists. Students admitted to the program must have an immunization record on file and a current TB test before they can enter practicum.
- ANNUAL FLU SHOT: Have documentation of annual flu shot administered during the current flu season. If a student chooses not to have the flu shot, a signed declination/waiver form is required.
- HEPATITIS B: Begin the Hepatitis B series. The vaccine for Hepatitis B is highly recommended. There must be documentation of 3 vaccinations or positive antibody titer (lab report required). If a student chooses not to have the vaccine, a signed declination/waiver form is required.
- TB TEST: Complete a 1 Step TB Skin Test or Chest X-ray. There must be documentation of one of the following: a) negative 1 step test in the past 6 weeks; OR b) negative Quantiferon Gold Blood Test (lab report required) in the past 6 weeks. If either test is positive, a clear chest x-ray (with lab report) is required.
- TETANUS: Provide proof of a Tetanus booster within the past 10 years.
- VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX): Provide documentation of one of the following: a) 2 vaccinations; OR b) positive antibody titer (lab reports required).
- MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA (MMR): Provide documentation of one of the following: a) 2 vaccinations; OR b) positive antibody titers for all 3 components.
- CORONAVIRUS DISEASE SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19): Have documentation of the COVID-19 vaccine. If a student chooses not to have the vaccine, a signed declination/waiver form is required.
A student must have a high school diploma or GED to apply to Lake-Sumter State College. Students should apply to the AA MLT Transfer plan upon initial application to LSSC.
The AS Medical Lab Technology is a limited access program. Once enrolled, students will apply separately to the program. Students must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older by the program start date
- Complete all prerequisite courses with a C or better
- Have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions are submitted to LSSC
- Complete drug screen and criminal background check
Program Length
Credit Hours: 76
Estimated Time to Completion: 2-3 years (full-time)
Degree Planning
- View Full-Time Schedule Plan
Course Types Offered
General education pre-requisite courses will be offered online, hybrid, and/or on-campus. Technical education courses in MLT will be offered on-campus at the South Lake Campus.
Learn more about course types offered at LSSC.
Additional Resources
- Browse for Classes
- View Course Catalog
- Check Degree Progress in DegreeWorks (current students)
Program Costs
Total tuition costs for the MLT program are currently under $9,000 for the program. This does not include course/lab fees and textbooks. For more information, visit our current Tuition & Fee information page.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to all eligible students each semester from the LSSC Foundation. Visit the Foundation Scholarships page to learn more.
Students graduating from high school and enrolling at LSSC may qualify for other scholarships offered through the State of Florida. You will be notified of your eligibility after you apply to the College.
Financial Aid
There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. For more information and how to apply, please visit the Financial Aid page.
Jobs/Careers
- Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Job Outlook (Florida)
Statewide, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO) predicts 4% job growth in Clinical Laboratory Technicians through 2023. This includes all 67 of Florida's counties.
In Central Florida, FLDEO predicts a 20.4% growth rate in Clinical Laboratory Technicians through 2029. For this data, Central Florida includes Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter Counties.
Salary Data (Florida)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 wage data, the median salary for Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technicians is $47,650 in Central Florida. Across Florida, the median salary is $48,450. For this data, Central Florida includes Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
Career Report
To learn more about this career, visit the My Next Move career site. My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options. My Next Move has tasks, skills, salary information, and more for over 900 different careers. My Next Move is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
For additional assistance with choosing a career, make an appointment with LSSC's Career Development Services office.
Upon successful completion of the AS Medical Laboratory Technology program, a student is eligible for national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician:
- MLT certification from ASCP Board of Certification
- MLT certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT)
You must also get a technician license from the Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel to work as a Medical Lab Tech in the state of Florida.
MLT Mission
The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science program is to transform students to become competent medical laboratory technicians that assist the community while demonstrating high ethical, moral and technical standards.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Technician program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Accurately perform analytical testing on identified samples using appropriate reagents, method calibrators, controls, instruments, and diagnostic analyzers.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal cells and results, determine necessary follow up testing, carry out additional testing, as needed.
- Adhere to strict safety and privacy requirements in the academic and professional setting.
- Demonstrate professionalism in the classroom and workplace and qualify for potential employment as a technician or technologist in a medical laboratory facility.
- Be eligible for a National Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Program Outcomes Goals
- ASCP-BOC or AMT Certification (within one year of graduation)
- 75% (three years consecutive average)
- Graduates placement in the field or related field
- 70% (three years consecutive average)
- Graduation
- 70% (three years consecutive average)
College Accreditation
Lake-Sumter State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Learn more on our Accreditation page.
This program is pending approval from LSSC’s regional accrediting agency, SACSCOC. This is a standard part of the process for new academic programs.
Program Accreditation
The MLT Program is seeking accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
The State of Florida requires students entering a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by the time they graduate, pursuant to s. 1007.25(5), Florida Statutes. Beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, newly enrolled students must demonstrate competency through completion of a civic literacy course and by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE).
Check your DegreeWorks or the Florida Civic Literacy Requirement page for more information.