NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Careers

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Once you earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), you will be eligible for credentialing by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) exam

AMT is the credentialing board for all Medical Laboratory Technician’s in the U.S.A. Credentials held from the AMT are valid across the United States. Medical Laboratory Technicians must maintain active credentials with the AMT.

Credentials

Students who graduate from an AMT accredited MLT program are eligible to sit for the AMT MLT certification exam. 
Eligibility requirements can be found on the AMT website.

Licensure

The state of Arkansas does not require licensure for Medical Laboratory Technicians. 
The MLT program is designed for students in Arkansas.  Students living out of State or seeking employment outside the state of Arkansas can find more information here:
https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/healthprofessions/professionallicensure.aspx

Begin Your Career

Now that you've obtained your credential, you'll begin your career as a medical laboratory technician. As a medical laboratory technician, you'll be exposed to a number of health related professions that can provide you with further knowledge and skills to grow your career.

Medical laboratory technicians are high-tech, hands-on medical professionals. They also need to have strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work well with others.

Tasks and skills performed by respiratory therapists:

Tasks

• Collect specimens: Collect body fluids like blood, urine, and tissue samples
• Conduct tests: Perform a variety of tests and assays on specimens
• Analyze results: Interpret the results of the tests
• Operate equipment: Use microscopes, automated cell counters, and other laboratory equipment
• Calibrate equipment: Ensure that the equipment is working properly
• Follow protocols: Follow established procedures for performing tests
• Manage lab operations: Ensure the lab runs smoothly

Skills

• Attention to detail: Notice small details and nuances to perform tasks accurately
• Critical thinking: Analyze information and make decisions
• Communication: Communicate effectively with colleagues and other professionals
• Computer literacy: Use computers and medical software, such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software
• Technical expertise: Know how to use laboratory equipment and perform procedures
• Teamwork: Work well with other people in the lab
• Time management: Manage your time to complete tasks efficiently

Other facilities medical laboratory technicians may work in:

• Hospitals.
• Clinics.
• Laboratories.
• Doctors' offices.
• Blood centers and blood banks.
• Research labs.
• Regulatory agencies.
• Sales in the health care industry.

Local Employment

Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are great places to work as a medical laboratory technician (MLT). Recent conditions within the health care system have created an increased demand for medical laboratory technicians.