If you want to become a medical lab technician or want to advance, certification programs online are the fastest way to go. In this article, I will walk you through the best medical lab technician certification programs online.
Due to how rapidly the healthcare sector is evolving, the need for medical lab technicians is on a steady rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics projects a 5% growth in clinical lab technician jobs over the present decade. There was never a better time to become a medical lab technician than now!
As someone in the medical laboratory field, I will course through diverse programs, exploring their unique features, accreditation, and curriculum highlights with you. Let us begin!
If you stay in California, you can check out the Top 5 CLS Programs in California.
15 Medical Lab Technician Certification Programs Online
Medical Lab Assistant/Technician Diploma Program
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: the program runs for 10 months.
- Program cost: the information was not provided.
- Program provider: it is a program from Trillium College.
Medical Lab Assistant/Technician Diploma Program offers you a chance to learn from physicians, medical lab technologists, and other healthcare professionals. These professionals will impact in you the knowledge and practical skills demanded of medical lab technicians.
In the course, you will learn the ethical and administrative responsibilities of a medical lab technician. You will also learn medical terminology, documentation, and specimen procurement.
The program is approved by the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario. Once you complete the program, you can apply to take the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) certification exam.
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it takes about 1.5–3 hours to complete.
- Program cost: it is free.
- Program provider: it is an Edukators London Ltd. Course published on Alison.
Microbiology Laboratory Technician is a free online Alison course where you can learn the Microbiology aspect of medical lab technology.
In this course, you learn about several microorganisms and their unique cell structures. You will also understand how these structures control how they infect humans.
Further modules in the course delve into medical laboratory equipment used in microbiology labs. You will also learn about vaccines — and this is my favorite part of the course.
You can earn a diploma certificate when you complete the purchase.
For more information about the program, see Microbiology Laboratory Technician.
Theory of Clinical Lab Technician
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it lasts 1.5–3 hours.
- Program cost: it is free.
- Program provider: it is a Training Facility UK course published on Alison.
Theory of Clinical Lab Technician is a CPD-accredited course consisting of two modules. The second module is assessment.
In this course, you learn about clinical hematology and clinical chemistry principles. You will also become familiar with laboratory equipment.
One topic I find most interesting in this course is the Laboratory Solution Preparation. Here, you learn to prepare lab solutions. This is a skill you can eventually monetize.
Theory of Clinical Lab Technician is a basic course, so concepts were not explained in detail. However, it is worth your time, as you will gain a solid foundation for much deeper studies.
For more information about the program, see Theory of Clinical Lab Technician.
A Guide to Becoming a Laboratory Technician
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it takes about 1.5–3 hours.
- Program cost: it is free.
- Program provider: it is an Alison course published by John Academy.
As the course title suggests, this course is a basic guide to foundational concepts in medical laboratory technology. The course teaches the roles of a medical laboratory technician.
You will learn how to gather, categorize, and assess various specimens before creating and implementing established protocols to test them in specific environments. You will also learn how to use laboratory equipment.
There are several laboratory approaches to lab investigations. Several of these approaches and procedures are included in this course.
From my research, I discovered that the course is more valuable for microbiologists. It is a good way to start your medical lab career, especially as a microbiologist.
For more information about the program, see Theory of Clinical Lab Technician.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Online
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it runs for 2 years.
- Program cost: it costs $291 per credit hour.
- Program provider: Weber State University offers this course.
This AAS medical lab technician certification program is an online degree option offering flexible course schedules. In this program, you will learn the accepted professional and ethical behavior of medical lab technicians.
Before going into medical laboratory procedures properly, the course instructors will also teach you effective communication and patient safety.
Although the program is online, you must complete laboratory training in an affiliated lab. Once you complete it, you can apply for a Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory Scientist. The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Medical Laboratory Sciences Online Certificate
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it runs for about 7–16 weeks.
- Program cost: it costs $218.98.
- Program provider: it is a program offered by Wiley University.
This is a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. You can enroll in this program whether you are a student, non-degree seeking student or working professional.
The program offers certificates for the following laboratory settings:
- Technologist in Clinical Chemistry Online Certificate Program.
- Technologist in Hematology Online Certificate Program.
- Categorical Concentration in Core Lab (Hematology and Chemistry) Online Certificate Program.
- Technologist in Microbiology Online Certificate Program.
In the program, you will learn about the principles of quality assurance in the clinical laboratory. You will also understand how to evaluate patients’ results and recognize abnormal results. You can learn more about evaluation of results from Medical Technologist Programs.
Medical Lab Technician Associate’s Degree Program
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: you can complete it in 21 months. However, the completion time depends on how much credit you accept and the number of courses you take per semester.
- Program cost: Rasmussen University did not display information on tuition and costs openly.
- Program provider: Rasmussen University offers this program.
Medical Lab Technician Associate’s Degree Program is a hybrid on-campus and online MLT program. It consists of online tutorials and live laboratory sessions afterward.
The courses included in this course are clinical chemistry and microbiology, hematology, transfusion medicine, and phlebotomy. These courses prepare you to take the MLT (ASCP) certification exam.
The University caters for the first sitting of the exam. If you need to retake the exam, you must pay your exam bills.
Medical Laboratory Technology
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: I did not find any information concerning the program duration
- Program cost: the online program costs $160.
- Program provider: Barton Community College offers this program.
Medical Laboratory Technology is all about the procedures involved in performing laboratory tests. This is your primary role as a lab technician and what this program centers on.
The Medical Laboratory Technology program at Barton offers online learning at your convenience. However, you must complete specific laboratory hours on campus or in a supporting cooperative clinic lab in your area.
It is a program that meets the licensure requirements of most states in the USA. However, 11 states including Florida and Hawaii seem to have different requirements.
The program is also not approved for California and New York students. If you stay in those states, I advise you not to apply.
Medical Laboratory Technology Program — Northark
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it takes 2 years to complete this program.
- Program cost: the college did not provide information on tuition and other fees.
- Program provider: it is a program by North Arkansas College.
The online MLT program by Northark offers you an Associate of Applied Science degree. In this program, you gain the knowledge and practical skills to run laboratory tests and analyze results.
The program includes courses covering topics, such as clinical laboratory procedures, medical terminology, and laboratory safety. Additionally, you have opportunities for hands-on experience through virtual labs and clinical placements arranged locally.
The learning outcomes for this program look good. It equips you with knowledge of immunology, which is a vital aspect of medical laboratory technology and my favorite specialization. The program receives accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Medical Laboratory Technology Course
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: the certificate program runs for 3 months.
- Program cost: the three month-certificate costs $450.
- Program provider: The Global Institute of Health Science (GIHS) offers this program.
The GIHS Medical Laboratory Technology Program is a management program that focuses on providing concise knowledge in the crucial area of Medical Laboratory Management. Its goal is to prepare you for leadership positions within the healthcare industry, including hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research centers.
The program also aims to equip you with the skills needed for professional advancement in various specializations.
GIHS offers online and distance learning methods. The institute holds the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification.
One thing I like about the program is the employment assistance graduates of this program receive. GIHS submits your CV to several organizations upon completion of the program.
Clinical Laboratory Technician: A.A.S.
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it runs for 2 years.
- Program cost: it costs $2,736 for New York residents with residency certificates and $5,472 for residents without residency certificates. Out-of-state and international students also pay $5,472.
- Program provider: it is a program by SUNY Broome Community College.
Clinical Laboratory Technician is a program offering an Associate of Applied Science degree. In the program, you will learn several areas of clinical laboratory including hematology, immunology, microbiology, body fluids, blood banking, clinical chemistry, and histology.
The program also offers you the opportunity to learn how to operate complex laboratory equipment.
This program is 100% online. However, you have to complete 360 hours of clinical training in an affiliated hospital laboratory.
Once you graduate from the program, you are automatically eligible to take the New York State Licensure and national certification examinations.
Washington State Community College
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it runs for 2 years.
- Program cost: it costs $18,200.
- Program provider: it is a program by Washington State College of Ohio.
Washington State College of Ohio offers an online Medical Laboratory Technology Program designed to train you in the skills needed to work in clinical laboratories. The program covers essential topics such as hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and immunology.
The training prepares you for a career as a medical laboratory technician. It provides a flexible learning environment, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.
However, the profession requires hands-on experience so you have to complete clinical hours at a nearby hospital. From my research, I discovered that the training offered in this program is more beneficial for those employed in hospital settings.
Medical Laboratory Technology Program
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it takes 2 years to complete the program.
- Program cost: it costs $95 per credit for residents and $359 for non-residents.
- Program provider: it is offered by the Darton College of Health Professions, Albany State University.
This is a program offering 70-credit online Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology. The program receives accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
In this program, you will take courses in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, medical laboratory technology, parasitology, mycology, and virology. You will also learn the professional ethics required of medical lab technicians.
Unlike some other programs I listed, this one has specific course requirements you must have completed before applying. Competition for admission is high. I advise you to take the prerequisite courses seriously to score very high.
Henry Harvin Medical Lab Technician Course
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: it runs for 12 months.
- Program cost: it costs $1,999 for the live virtual classroom option and $1,799.10 for the self-paced course.
- Program provider: Henry Harving Healthcare Academy offers this program.
Henry Harvin Medical Lab Technician Course is a self-paced program you can complete entirely online. The program curriculum consists of major topics, including immunology, hematology, serology, and microbiology.
In this course, you will learn from top medical laboratory technicians with years of experience in the field. You will also receive employment placement after graduation.
Although this is not a program organized by a college or university. The program outcomes and reviews from other learners tell well of the program.
From my research, I also discovered that the academy utilizes the NSDC (National Skill Development Curriculum) curriculum. The NSDC standardizes curricula in India. The program is approved by the ISO and UKAF (UK Akkreditering Forum).
For more information about the program, see Medical Laboratory Technician Course Online.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Here is an overview of the program:
- Program duration: you can complete it in 1 or 2 years, and an additional year for clinical practice.
- Program cost: it costs $4,947.86 for Canadians and $22,422.86 for international students.
- Program provider: it is a program by Centennial College.
Medical Laboratory Technician is a hybrid program offered by Centennial College. Having done thorough research, I consider this program one of the best medical lab technician certification programs in Canada.
Areas of focus include blood sample collection, performing ECGs, operating laboratory equipment, medical terminology, and laboratory computers. You will also learn the professional ethics of the medical laboratory profession.
The curriculum agrees with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and the MLPAO standards. EQual Accreditation Canada accredits the program.
For more information about the program, see Centennial College – Medical Laboratory Technician.
FAQs on Medical Lab Technician Certification Programs Online
Can I Study Medical Laboratory Online?
Yes. You can study medical laboratory science online through various accredited programs and universities offering distance learning options.
How Do I Get My MLT License?
You must complete a medical lab technician certification program accredited by a recognized organization, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). After completing your education, you must pass a certification exam, such as the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam, to obtain your MLT license.
How Do I Become a Lab Technician?
To become a lab technician, complete an associate degree or certificate program, gain practical experience through internships, and consider obtaining certification and licensure. Then, pursue job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, or other healthcare settings.
Which is Better MLT or MLS?
The choice between MLT and MLS depends on your career goals and aspirations. It is important to note that medical laboratory scientists have more education, responsibilities, and higher earnings. As someone in the field, I advise that you go for MLS if you have the time and resources.
How Many Years is a Medical Lab Course?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science takes four years to complete. Contrarily, an online medical lab technician certification program will take you between one to three years to complete.
Is Nursing Better Than Lab Technician?
I cannot say which is better between the two. However, nurses have more job opportunities than lab technicians and advancement options. Ultimately, your individual preferences, career goals, and strengths should guide you.
Conclusion on Medical Laboratory Technician Certification Programs
As I said when we started, offering medical lab technician certification programs online is the fastest way to enter the medical lab field. I believe you now agree with me. More importantly, I hope you found the program that best suits you.
Embracing these programs opens doors to a fulfilling journey of lifelong learning and professional growth in medical laboratory technology. Brace up for an adventurous future!
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