Oct 10, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Medical Laboratory Technology, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



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The Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares the student to perform complex laboratory procedures with a limited amount of supervision. This training includes a six-month hospital laboratory assignment.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS, 5600 N. River Road, Ste. 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, info@naacls.org, www.naacls.org).

Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations. Job opportunities are found in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, public health laboratories and industrial laboratories.

Results of background checks will be shared with clinical affiliates. Background checks may also be done by the clinical affiliates themselves. Results may prevent placement for clinical/practicum courses, which will affect successful program completion.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Health Science & Fitness


More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Attend a required information/registration session or obtain the approval of the program chairperson.
  3. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of high school graduation or HiSET (formerly GED), or equivalent prior to enrollment.
  4. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school algebra or the equivalent (MAT 099  or MAT 064  .
  5. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school biology or the equivalent (BIO 104 , BIO 112 , BIO 157  or Academic Achievement Center Biology I and II).
  6. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school chemistry or the equivalent (CHM 122  or Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I and II).
  7. The following assessment scores are required:
    1. Math: a minimum ALEKS Math placement score of 30 or ACT score of 20
    2. Writing: a minimum ACCUPLACER Next Gen Writing score of 254 or ACT score of 19
    3. Reading: a minimum ACCUPLACER Next Gen Reading score of 248 or ACT score of 19. 
  8. Note: BIO 164 - Essentials Anatomy/Physiology   is a required course in the MLT program. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course or an equivalent anatomy and physiology course(s) prior to starting the MLT program. We will accept BIO 733 - Health Science Anatomy  and BIO 734 - Health Science Physiology  or BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I  and BIO 173 - Anatomy & Physiology II  (or equivalent courses) in place of BIO 164 - Essentials Anatomy/Physiology .

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of “C” or better is required in every MLT course.

Semester 1


Semester 2


Total Credits for Semester 3: 8 credits


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 71*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 400 300 120 200  
Registry Exam         200
Background Check/Immunization Tracker (see below)     68       20
Immunizations/Vaccines (est. cost-varies depending on student’s needs) 150        
Materials Fee 100   30  100 100  
Professional Organization Membership           30
State Lab Meeting (optional)           55

(State Lab Meeting changes location each year. Registration fee listed above. Additional costs may include hotel and mileage.)

The Medical Laboratory Technology program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations and health records for each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $68 the first year and $20 to maintain the information the following year).

Approximate total for the program: $15,576**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Work in the laboratory under the direction of a medical technologist or laboratory director.
  • Use a number of instruments in the laboratory for sterilizing, analyzing and testing.
  • Keep the laboratory clean and well organized.
  • Keep records of tests.
  • Use math to make solutions or to record results of tests.
  • Handle test slides and fragile equipment.
  • Handle small supplies, such as test tubes and pipettes.
  • Use hospital-based computer systems.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Excellent manual dexterity.
  • Work under pressure when test results are needed quickly.
  • See well for microscope study and be able to make fine adjustments.
  • Work independently following prescribed procedures.
  • Cooperate and communicate with other hospital staff.
  • Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner.
  • Have self-discipline and take initiative in identifying learning needs.
  • Be able to communicate well in speaking and writing.
  • Work with speed and accuracy.
  • A list of “Essential Functions” for admission and retention to the program are posted on the MLT website.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • Program does not follow regular college calendar during clinical experience.
  • Must provide own transportation to clinical sites, which are not always in Des Moines.
  • You sometimes work nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Sick people are not always pleasant to work with.
  • Possess physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of a rigorous program of study.
  • Average Starting Salary $34,679 (2014-2015 Placement Report).

Program Competencies


In this program, students will:

  1. Collect biological specimens for analysis
  2. Process biological specimens for analysis
  3. Perform analytical testing on blood, body fluids, body tissues, and other products
  4. Take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
  5. Determine factors that affect procedures and results
  6. Monitor quality control within predetermined limits
  7. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments, referring to the appropriate source for repairs when necessary
  8. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public 
  9. Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel, interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care
  10. Relate laboratory findings to common disease processes
  11. Demonstrate effective procedures to prevent the transmission of infectious disease 
  12. Recognize the value of continuing education in order to maintain professional growth and competence
  13. Demonstrate workplace basic skills of listening, writing, leadership, and time management
  14. Demonstrate written and oral communication skills

Competencies revised date


AY2023

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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