Medical Laboratory Science

Are you fascinated by science, have an inquisitive nature, and would love to work in healthcare? Our Medical Laboratory Science program can train you for a career as a medical lab technician assisting physicians in detecting and investigating diseases by collecting, analyzing, and processing biological samples.

The program will teach you how to perform the various duties required of a lab tech, including how to collect, process, and analyze biological specimens and other substances and report the results. You’ll learn how to conduct a range of tests on various samples following precise laboratory procedures in compliance with regulatory guidelines to ensure quality results, proper patient care, and work safety. You’ll also learn other essential skills and techniques, including how to use laboratory information systems software and lab instruments.

Take the first step toward an exciting new career as a lab tech and enroll in the Medical Laboratory Science program today.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Associate Degrees and University Transfer
Medical Laboratory Science
Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

Why Phoenix College?

The program has an ongoing application process to be placed on the program waitlist. You can view a SAMPLE application in the “Medical Laboratory Science Downloads” section of the website.

Students in the Medical Laboratory Science Program are trained to become Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT's) and provide clinical information to physicians, pathologists, researchers, and other healthcare providers by conducting a variety of tests on various specimens submitted to clinical laboratories.

Responsibilities of a medical laboratory technician may include:

  • Conducting analyses of bodily fluids
  • Maintaining medical laboratory equipment
  • Analyzing test results
  • Collecting fluid or tissue samples from patients

Medical laboratory technicians perform general tests in all laboratory areas such as blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology. MLT's may perform laboratory testing in many clinical settings such as hospitals, reference laboratories, clinics, and bioscience industry.

Virtual Information Sessions for the Medical Lab Science Program from 5pm - 6pm.

Information Sessions will be conducted online through WebEx online. To join, please email rochelle.helminski@phoenixcollege.edu. You'll receive an invitation via email.

  • February 27, 2024
  • April 23, 2024
  • May 21, 2024
  • September 3, 2024
  • October 1, 2024
  • November 26, 2024

Program Certificate

In this program you can earn the following:

*The Certificate program is only an option for an applicant who has completed an Associate in Applied Science.

The certificate and associate degree programs will articulate to many state and national universities as transferable university-level courses. Students interested in earning a Bachelor's (BAS) Degree in Medical Laboratory Science can learn more about PC's innovative partnership with Arizona State University. See the MLS University Transfer page for more information on these options.

Program Accreditation

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredits the Histologic Technology and Medical Laboratory Science programs offered by Phoenix College. 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720 Rosemont, IL 60018, (773) 714-8880, www.naacls.org

Certifications

Graduates from the associate degree program are eligible to apply for national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Graduates of both the certificate and associate degree program may be eligible to sit for national certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Graduates of the certificate program may also be eligible for national certification if they meet the other requirements specified by the respective certification agency. American Medical Technologists (AMT) is another national certification agency.  

Program Outcomes

The program outcomes as defined by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) can be found here: MLT Program Outcomes

Clinical Affiliates of the Medical Laboratory Science program include:

  • Banner Baywood, Boswell, Del Webb, Desert, Estrella, Gateway, University, and Thunderbird Medical Centers
  • Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  • Dignity Healthcare- St. Joseph's Medical Centers
  • ValleyWise
  • Sonora Quest Laboratories
  • Abrazo Health - Abrazo Central Campus and Arizona Heart Hospital

Is there a cooler sounding job than lab technician? The Medical Laboratory Science Program at Phoenix College offers classes covering human anatomy, fundamental chemistry, clinical hematology and hemostasis, and clinical microbiology — all designed for future lab techs.

PC offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Medical Laboratory Science. Graduates may go on to work as Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) — the crucial bridge between clinical information and physicians, pathologists, researchers, and health care specialists.

Next Steps

Discuss your course load with an academic advisor inside the Hannelly Enrollment Center (HC) at our historic, centrally located campus. Future students may contact the program director, Rochelle Helminski, for more information.