Medical Lab Tech Programs Online: Top Schools & More

What are the different types of online MLT programs?

Before launching your medical lab technician career, you need to understand the varied educational programs available to you. Whether you’re looking to get into the field quickly or take your time, plenty of options exist. These include:

• Certificate/Diploma:
  Community colleges and vocational schools provide these qualifications, which typically take 6-12 months to complete. These don’t qualify you to work as an MLT, but you can find work as a medical lab assistant after finishing all requirements.
• Associate Degree:
  Associate degrees usually take two years to complete and qualify you to work as a medical lab technician after graduating. Community colleges frequently offer these programs with both in-person and online learning options.
• Bachelor’s Degree:
  A bachelor’s degree takes four years for full-time learners with no previous credits and two years if you already have an associate degree. After graduating, you can find work as a medical lab scientist and earn a higher salary than those with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

What do you learn in an online MLT program?

While each online medical laboratory technician program is different, they all contain similarities in terms of learning outcomes and course offerings. Here is what you can expect from an online MLT program.

Learning outcomes:

• Comprehensive Knowledge:
  A full understanding of how principles in hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, phlebotomy, and coagulation work together in laboratory settings.
• Maintaining Standards:
  Follow all local, state, and facility-specific protocols and regulations around best practices, handling of specimens, and cleaning of the facility.
• Proper Storage:
  An understanding of how specimens must be stored, transported, shipped, and maintained when in the laboratory or shipped to a different facility.
• Professionalism:
  The interpersonal skills needed to work with a variety of individuals in a cohesive manner and to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Tech Awareness:
  The ability to use laboratory assessment and testing equipment according to safety standards and a full understanding of how these should be cleaned and maintained.

Courses:

• Medical Lab Fundamentals
  Taken as an introductory course, this class familiarizes you with the techniques, tools, and procedures commonly used in a medical lab setting. Students learn about best practices, expectations, and the roles they will play in these environments and how to maintain professional standards.
• Medical Lab Chemistry
  Designed to help you build the skills needed to conduct analytical and biochemical testing, this course instills foundational chemistry skills and helps students develop knowledge around the analysis and processing of collected specimens.
• Phlebotomy
  Much of the work medical lab technicians do revolves around handling human fluids, including blood. The class reviews the tools and procedures used in safely collecting, storing, transporting, and testing blood, with emphasis on quality control techniques and safe processing at each step of the way.
• Clinical Immunology
  This course supports students looking to work in medical laboratories focused on infectious diseases. Topics covered include immunology theory, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, serological techniques, and methods of containing infectious specimens.
• Urinalysis
  Taking this course familiarizes you with how urine is formed and what its physical and chemical makeup entails. Students learn how to identify both normal and abnormal urinalysis results, with emphasis on the tools and techniques available when conducting analyses.

Can you earn a medical lab technician degree completely online?

Many schools allow you to complete all the coursework components of a medical lab technician degree without ever setting foot on campus.

However, clinical requirements must be done in person. You will work with a practicum placement specialist to find a location near your place of residence.

How long does it take to earn a medical lab technician degree online?

Timelines for completing your medical lab technician training depends on the level of education you undertake. For example:

• Diploma: 9-12 months
• Associate degree: two years
• Bachelor’s degree: four years

It also depends whether you enroll on a full- or part-time basis, though some schools now provide accelerated options for learners looking to graduate as quickly as possible.

Speak with program directors of potential schools to learn about available timelines.

How much does an online medical lab technician degree cost?

The cost of medical lab technician schools online varies by institution, but there are ways to save money as a cost-conscious student.

Associate degrees, for instance, tend to cost less in tuition than a four-year program. Public schools in your state almost always cost less than private institutions.

Before enrolling in any program, make sure you understand how much it will cost. We look at tuition rates for three programs below to give you an idea of what to expect.

Weber State
University

B.S. in Medical Lab
Scientist

Total Credits: 120 credits

$278/credit

Seward County
Community College

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory
Technology

Total Credits: 68 Credits

$171/credit

State University of New
York – Open

A.A.S. in Clinical Laboratory
Technician

Total Credits: 64 credits

$193/credit

How do I get into an online medical lab technician school?

Admission requirements for online medical lab technician programs vary by school but typically hold some similarities between institutions. They also vary based on degree level.

Some of the more common requirements include:

• Completed application and fee
• Transcripts
• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of goals/purpose
• Interview (required for some competitive programs)

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants offer free many for college so long as you meet the terms of the award. Because of this, they’re perennially popular with students.

You can find scholarships and grants offered by colleges, government agencies, professional associations, and healthcare organizations.

Student Loans

After exhausting other funding options, student loans can help you pay any remaining balance. Both state and federal governments offer student loans with fixed interest rates. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn how much funding you are eligible to receive.

Work Study

In addition to student loans, filling out the FAFSA also lets you know whether you qualify for work-study funds. If so, you can take on a part-time, remote job at your university and receive an hourly wage.

These funds can be used to pay for expenses both related and unrelated to school.

Continuing Education

Continuing education can take different forms. Medical lab technologists who hold certification must complete a certain number of continuing education credits to renew their qualifications. Continuing education can also take the form of advanced degrees.

After working as a medical technologist for a time, some professionals may decide to upgrade their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree. Others may decide to pursue a master’s degree to prepare themselves for leadership positions.

Let’s look at a couple options below.

• MLT to MLS Designed for professionals who already possess an associate degree but want to advance to the next level, MLT-to-MLS online programs help them take that next step. These bridge programs take approximately two years to complete and allow you to work as a medical lab scientist after graduating.
• Master’s of Clinical Laboratory Science If your goal is to continue climbing the ranks of laboratory science, a master’s degree can help make that attainable. Pursuing one of these two-year degrees will provide the education and skills needed to manage clinical and medical laboratories, oversee other staff, and set research goals.

Related Degrees to Consider

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

If you have an interest in supporting surgeons and operating room staff during procedures, this degree can be a smart choice. It can typically be pursed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Earning your Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology will equip you with the knowledge to deliver patient safety by properly applying sterile techniques and aseptic principles. You’ll also learn best practices when providing support to surgeons.

Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician

Another degree designed to prepare you for a healthcare support role, the Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician is a great choice for students interested in pharmacology.

This degree will prepare students for the workforce by introducing them to both administrative and clinical components and typically takes two years to complete.

Most programs can be completed online but typically require an in-person externship.

Medical Transcriptionist Certification

If you’ve decided that working in the lab just isn’t for you, making the move to the front of the office can be an ideal pivot. Earning your medical transcriptionist certification online can position you to work from nearly anywhere with a computer and internet connection.

This certification can be a good option if you decide to pursue a more advanced medical degree.