(Please see the Undergraduate Program Offerings by Campus  chart in the catalog or on the Herzing Website at www.herzing.edu/career-programs/downloads for a list of Herzing campuses offering this program.) 

Program Description

This program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to function in the medical/hospital lab setting. Laboratory tests play an important part in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. Medical laboratory technicians perform a wide variety of tests and laboratory procedures that require a high level of skill. The medical laboratory technician analyzes the blood, tissues, and fluids in the human body by using precision instruments such as microscopes and automated analyzers. Technicians assist in performing complicated chemical, microscopic, and bacteriological tests, which may include blood cholesterol level, microscopic examination of the blood to detect the presence of diseases, and cultures of body fluid or tissue samples to determine the presence of bacteria, parasites, or other microorganisms. Technicians may also type and cross-match blood samples. Each student will be prepared for entry-level medical laboratory positions in the medical lab and hospital setting.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the student should be able to:

1. Exhibit safety and government regulations compliance
2. Perform all analytical stages of laboratory testing
3. Demonstrate competency in laboratory testing
4. Articulate role and responsibility of the medical laboratory technician

Potential Job Position Titles

Potential entry-level job titles include, but are not limited to, medical laboratory technicians and clinical laboratory technicians.

Essential Functions for Medical Laboratory Technicians

The Herzing University Medical Laboratory Technician program has a responsibility for the welfare of patients treated or otherwise affected by students enrolled in this program, as well as for the welfare of students in the program. To fulfill this responsibility, the program has established minimum essential requirements that must be met, with or without reasonable accommodation, in order to participate in the program and graduate. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, or veteran status.

• Visual skills: Students must be able to effectively read written material, utilize a medical microscope, read instrument displays, and perform procedures that require eye-hand coordination. Students must be able to discriminate color reactions.
• Auditory skills: Students must be able to hear alarms that are used to signal instrument malfunction, fire, or other emergencies.
• Communication skills: Students must be able to effectively communicate with other medical personnel and with patients.
• Motor skills: Students must be able to perform procedures that require eye-hand coordination. Students must be able to effectively manipulate medical laboratory equipment such as microscopes and spectrophotometers as well as the devices used to collect specimens. Students must be able to feel for veins when performing venipuncture and develop the skill to collect such specimens without undue trauma to the patient. Students must be able to tolerate wearing personal protective equipment. Students must be able to write legibly.
• General physical health: A student’s general health must be such that he/she can perform light to moderate physical activity. Heavy lifting is generally not required.
• General mental health: A student’s general mental health must be such that he/she can maintain attention to detail and interact effectively with other personnel and with patients.

Program Content

A minimum of 70.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.