Medical Laboratory Technician is a Certificate program offered by Regan Career Institute in El Monte, CA. The program takes 1 year to complete, with a total tuition of $20,865.
Program Overview
Medical Laboratory Technician Program
Duration:
1 year
Schedule:
Hybrid Options
Didactic:
375
hours
Lab:
200
hours
Externship:
650
hours
Prerequisites:
Yes
Average
Median Salary:
$59,130**
All in
Cost:
$27,500
| Duration | 1 year |
| Didactic | 375 hours |
| Lab | 200 hours |
| Externship | 650 hours |
| Prerequisites | Yes |
| Average Median Salary | $59,130** |
| All-in Cost | $27,500 |
What is a Medical Laboratory Technician AAS Degree Option?
Upon successful completion of our standard MLT program, you’ll be eligible to seek California MLT licensure. This program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, and you can take the MLT board exam after course completion. With our MLT degree option, you also have the choice to earn your Associate’s degree in MLT with an additional 4-6 months of schooling. (Please call for AAS Degree Program availability)
What sets this Program apart
MEDICAL LAB TECH CERTIFICATION INFO
Firstly, you need to graduate from a Medical Laboratory Technician course approved by the California Department of Public Health. Once you have successfully completed our course, you can apply for your state MLT license. RCI is committed to guiding you through each step of this procedure. Further details can be found on the official CA Medical Laboratory Technician webpage here. Upon finishing the course, you will be eligible to take the MLT board exams administered by ASCP and/or AAB.
$97. The license application fee is non refundable and paid directly to the state of California. Please note, RCI has no control of this fee and it may change without notice.
Go directly to the official state website here and apply online.
Licensing process is 150 days based upon received of completed application and official documents.
You need to show documentation of work experience performing moderate complexity tests in the specialties of chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology, signed by the physician.
You need to show documentation of six-months work experience performing moderate complexity tests or completion of phase I and phase II (basic and advanced) training in the specialties of chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology.
Yes, You need to apply for the MLT license and pass MLT Cert. Org. exam administered by the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) or American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
If you are certified by AAB prior to January 1, 2003 or ASCP prior to June 1, 2003, you need to re-take the MLT AAB or ASCP exam after submitting an online electronic application and fee to State of California – Department of Public Health – Laboratory Field Services (LFS).
No, contact the AAB or ASCP certifying organizations for information regarding the examination for MLT California licensure. The AAB and ASCP contact information can be located on the internet.
School Information
Campus Location
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the El Monte Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Admission Requirements and Process
Additional Prerequisites
All prerequisites must be completed before applying to the MLT program. Courses in progress or not completed will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and left to the Program Director’s discretion of acceptance.
- CPR Certification (Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association or American Red Cross) (MUST be current and kept current during MLT program enrollment)
Demonstrate level of reading proficiency by means of one of the following:
- “Proficient” score on the Regan Career Institute Reading Assessment test.
- Earn a “C” or better in English 158, English 115 or equivalent reading/English courses.
- The equivalent as demonstrated by an approved petition (petition forms available from the Regan Career Institute Assessment Office).
- A transcript indicating an earned associate or baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution
Demonstrate requisite math proficiency by means of one of the following:
- Eligibility for Math 70 from the Elementary Algebra assessment.
- Earn a “C” or better in Math 60 or higher numbered math course.
- The equivalent as demonstrated by an approved petition (petition forms available from the Regan Career Institute Assessment Office).
- A transcript indicating an earned associate or baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution
Demonstrate level of computer literacy by means of one of the following:
- Using a word processing program for writing assignments (e.g. Microsoft Word)
- Accessing assigned websites through the internet
- Creating power point presentation
- Be able to paraphrase without plagiarizing
All prospective students must hold an AA degree OR have completed at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units from an accredited college or university prior to entry into the MLT program at RCI. Transferable coursework shall consist of at least 36 semester units of physical and biological sciences with an emphasis on applied clinical science. Coursework shall include 6 semester units of chemistry and 6 semester units of biology appropriate for transfer to a baccalaureate program in science, taken prior to, or concurrently with, training or experience; please send us your transcripts for evaluation. (See question above)
36 semester units of physical and biological sciences, including 6 semester units of chemistry and 6 semester units in biology.
You have to obtain a copy of your officially evaluated transcript from an evaluation service approved by either NACES or AICE. They will provide an evaluation report which converts your international transcript to a format RCI can evaluate. Once your evaluation report is complete you can contact us at [email protected] or call 213-398-8838 for next steps.
You may find the list of approved evaluation agencies here:
https://www.naces.org/members
https://aice-eval.org/members/
We evaluate new students regularly but enroll on a quarterly basis. An updated MLT course schedule for the Medical Laboratory Technician program may be found on the schedule page here.
General Requirements
- CPR Certification (Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association or American Red Cross) (MUST be current and kept current during MLT program enrollment)
- “Proficient” score on the Regan Career Institute Reading Assessment test.
- Earn a “C” or better in English 158, English 115 or equivalent reading/English courses.
- The equivalent as demonstrated by an approved petition (petition forms available from the Regan Career Institute Assessment Office).
- A transcript indicating an earned associate or baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution
- Eligibility for Math 70 from the Elementary Algebra assessment.
- Earn a “C” or better in Math 60 or higher numbered math course.
- The equivalent as demonstrated by an approved petition (petition forms available from the Regan Career Institute Assessment Office).
- A transcript indicating an earned associate or baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution
- Using a word processing program for writing assignments (e.g. Microsoft Word)
- Accessing assigned websites through the internet
- Creating power point presentation
- Be able to paraphrase without plagiarizing
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Curriculum
Why Take Our Medical Lab Tech Course
- Financial Stability – According to the BLS, the average salary for MLTs in CA is $73,560.**
- Path to Licensure – Complete our MLT program and qualify for the national MLT examination with ASCP and/or AAB, leading to your California MLT state license.
- Comprehensive Training – Learn to perform routine clinical laboratory testing procedures, including specimen collection (phlebotomy) and analyzing patient samples using sophisticated instrumentation.
- Flexible Hybrid Learning– Our program combines both online (asynchronous and synchronous) lectures and in-person lab sessions, allowing you to balance your studies with other responsibilities.
- FAFSA – This course is eligible for Financial Aid if you qualify, and our Financial Aid department is available for support every step of the way.
- Approved Program – Our Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program is approved by the CDPH and nationally accredited, ensuring the high standards towards quality education and training.
- Simple Admissions Process – Getting started is easy! Contact our admissions office, participate in the admissions process, and have your transcripts evaluated based on admissions standards.
Key Course Features and Benefits
- Quick Completion – Our program can be completed in approximately 12 months, allowing you to enter the job market sooner and begin your rewarding career as a Medical Lab Technician.
- California Licensure Eligibility – Our MLT program is approved by the California Department of Public Health.
- AAS Degree Option – Pursue an Associate’s degree in MLT with an additional 4-6 months of schooling, further enhancing your qualifications. (Call for availability)
- Clinical Emphasis – Emphasizing clinical practice in laboratory medicine, our program prepares you for a successful career in Medical Laboratory Technology.
- Nationally Recognized Certification – Graduates are eligible to take a nationally recognized certification examination with ASCP and/or AAB, boosting your credentials in the field.
- Flexible Scheduling – Choose from daytime, weeknight, and weekend schedules, accommodating your busy life while pursuing your medical lab technician career.
- Hybrid Classes – Our program offers the flexibility of both online lectures and in-person labs, so students can manage their time more effectively.
- Prerequisite Requirements – To be enrolled in the MLT course, prospective students must hold an AA degree or have completed at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units from an accredited college or university, including specified coursework in physical and biological sciences.
Who is the Course for?
This program prepares students for a Medical Laboratory Technology career through studies in humanities, social and natural sciences, and the broader field of Medical Laboratory Technology. Emphasis is placed on clinical practice within laboratory medicine. Graduates can take a nationally recognized certification examination. For more insights on getting into the medical field, check out this helpful article.
The hybrid format provides flexibility, making it ideal for working professionals and those with busy schedules. Here’s how it works:
- Online lectures are held on a mix of your own time (Asynchronous) and live sessions (Synchronous), with occasional office hours for extra help. These take place Monday-Thursday between 5:30 PM and 10 PM, depending on the course schedule.
- All hands-on labs are held in-person on Saturdays at our El Monte campus.
- Externships are completed in-person at designated clinical sites, giving you valuable real-world experience.
MEDICAL LAB TECH COURSE INFO
The MLT program typically spans around 1 year, while it takes approximately 14 months to complete the optional AAS Degree. Both pathways make you eligible for your California MLT license. For a detailed explanation of the distinctions between these options and the various scheduling possibilities, please reach out to us via phone at 213-398-8838 or email at [email protected].
Yes, this MLT program is approved by the California Department of Public Health. You will be eligible to take the MLT board exam after course completion. You can find more information about this course through the official CDPH LFS webpage here.
Yes, this MLT program is accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (abhes.org). This course meets the standards set forth by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE.ca.gov) and is eligible for US Dept. of Education Title IV Financial Aid.
No, transcripts must be sent directly from the office of RCI’s registrar. You can start by emailing [email protected]. In some occasions, when applying for your license after graduating the MLT training course, you may be asked by LFS for transcripts and other documentation required by them.
A class is limited to no more than 25 students each class
Firstly, contact the RCI admissions office by calling 213-398-8838 or email [email protected]. You will participate in the RCI admissions process and your transcript will be evaluated based on the standards below. Applications are considered in the order in which they are received AND after all official transcripts have been received. Those individuals accepted into the program will be notified. You must meet the prerequisites to be enrolled into this course.
All prospective students must hold an AA degree or have completed at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units from an accredited college or university prior to entry into the MLT program at RCI. Transferable coursework shall consist of at least 36 semester units of physical and biological sciences with an emphasis on applied clinical science. Coursework shall include 6 semester units of chemistry and 6 semester units of biology appropriate for transfer to a baccalaureate program in science, taken prior to, or concurrently with, training or experience; please send us your transcripts for evaluation.
Career Outcomes
Discover Top-Tier Job Opportunities for Medical Lab Technicians
*Clinical/Medical laboratory technologists and technicians held about 343,000 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of medical laboratory technicians and technologists were as follows:
- General Medical & Surgical Hospitals (State, Local, and Private) – 45%
- Medical & Diagnostical Labs – 22%
- Physician Offices – 10%
- Colleges / Universities & Professional Schools – 5%
- Outpatient Care Centers – 5%
What to expect as a Regan Career Institute student
Stats & Income Expectations
In 2023, the national average annual wages for medical laboratory technicians and technologists (U.S. median) in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- General Medical & Surgical Hospitals (State, Local, and Private) – $66,680
- Medical & Diagnostic Labs – $61,100
- Colleges / Universities & Professional Schools – $60,900
- Physician Offices – $56,440
Employment for Medical Lab Techs is projected to grow at 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
- The metropolitan area with the 3rd highest employment level is the Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim area, with a mean salary of $68,740.
- Roughly 25,600 openings for medical lab techs are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
*All stats above from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm
**CA Median Salary: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292010.htm#st
What Does a Medical Lab Technician do?
A Medical Laboratory Technician performs essential clinical laboratory testing procedures, providing crucial scientific information for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. From specimen collection (phlebotomy) to analyzing patient samples, MLTs use advanced instruments for quantitative and qualitative chemical and biological analyses of body specimens. They are also trained to operate and troubleshoot medical equipment, working under qualified supervision.
School Information
Campus Location
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the El Monte Campus (IPEDS, 2024).