FAQ

What is a MLT?

A MLT is a Medical Laboratory Technician.

 

What does a MLT do?

A MLT performs clinical laboratory tests on blood and other body fluids such as urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and joint fluid. Tests are performed in clinical laboratory areas including hematology, blood banking, microbiology, chemistry, urinalysis, serology, and coagulation. For example, the clinical chemistry department performs tests for glucose (blood sugar) to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus. The blood bank performs blood typing for patients who need a blood transfusion and matches the patient’s blood type with donor blood for transfusion.

 

What job opportunities are available for MLTs in this area?

Employment opportunities for MLTs are many and varied. Many ACC MLT graduates are employed at Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) in Burlington, a large reference laboratory that performs thousands of routine and specialized clinical tests. ACC MLT graduates are employed at Cone Health and its associated hospitals including Alamance Regional Medical Center, Moses Cone Hospital, Wesley Long Community Hospital, and Annie Penn Hospital, clinic laboratories such as Kernodle Clinic, LeBauer Healthcare and Durham Internal Medicine, area health departments, and Quest Diagnostics. ACC MLTs are also employed at area hospitals including Danville Regional Medical Center, Duke Regional Hospital, Person Memorial Hospital, Chatham Hospital, and High Point Regional Medical Center, UNC Hospitals and Duke University Hospital.

 

What is the approximate salary range for MLTs in this area?

Salary ranges for entry-level MLTs are approximately $17-24/hour, depending on location and shift.

 

How long does it take to become a MLT?

The ACC MLT program is an associate degree in applied science that takes approximately 2½-3 years for fulltime students. The first two semesters include general education courses taught on the ACC Carrington-Scott campus in Graham. In the second year, students take their major MLT courses at the LabCorp facility on Orange Drive in Elon. During the last semester, students complete their clinical practicum at area hospitals, clinics, and reference laboratories.

 

How do I find out more information about the ACC MLT Program?

• Visit the ACC website at www.alamancecc.edu
• Contact Student Services at 336-506-4270
• Contact ACC Faculty

 

Dana Lunday, MPH, MLS(ASCP)SM,  MLT & Histotechnology Department Head

336-506-4197  

dglunday020@alamancecc.edu