Homepage
Medical laboratory technicians perform test procedures to help diagnose and treat diseases. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts job growth for medical laboratory technicians in the Portland area will be 12.8% through 2027.
Why choose Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) at PCC?
Salary
The Oregon Employment Department reports medical lab technicians in the Portland area earn from $19.79 to $49.95 per hour. The average annual salary is $71,982.
More information
- In the news: Medical lab techs play a hidden but crucial role in healthcare as PCC trains future workers
- Program overview (includes frequently asked questions, program costs, partner labs, and Advisory Committee)
- Essential functions of working in this field
- Resources for success
- Careers
Facilities
The campus-based courses are taught in modern and well-equipped laboratories. You will also practice in a simulated laboratory setting (SimLab) at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Finally, you will continue to develop your professional skills in affiliate laboratories.
Student outcomes
Graduation rates
- 2021 academic year: 91%
- 2022 academic year: N/A*
- 2023 academic year: 100%
*Due to COVID restrictions, the program did not have a cohort graduate in the 2022 academic year.
ASCP certification pass rates
- 2020 academic year: N/A*
- 2021 academic year: 100%
- 2022 academic year: 100%
*Due to COVID delays.
Placement rates
- 2020 academic year: N/A*
- 2021 academic year: 100%
- 2022 academic year: N/A*
*Due to COVID restrictions, the program did not have a cohort graduate these years.
Attrition rate in the final half of the program
- 2021 academic year: 9%
- 2022 academic year: N/A*
- 2023 academic year: 0%
*Due to COVID restrictions, the program did not have a cohort graduate in the 2022 academic year.
Accreditation
The Portland Community College Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program maintains accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). Only MLT programs accredited by the NAACLS qualify to have their graduates sit for national certification exams.
Degrees and certificates
| Award | Length | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree: Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 years | Limited entry, see how to get into this program |
Locations
CascadeWhat will you learn?
Class information
The MLT Program provides extensive training, including a clinical internship with supervised work experience.
What will you do?
As a medical lab technician, you will know how to use sophisticated instruments to perform hundreds of critical tests including:
- Identifying normal and abnormal blood cells to assist with the diagnosis of anemias and leukemias
- Chemistry tests to measure blood glucose, heart enzymes, and drug levels
- Procedures to ensure that trauma patients receive safe units of blood
- Identify bacteria, fungi, and parasites which cause infections
Who will hire you?
You will find job opportunities in a variety of settings:
- Blood banks
- Clinical laboratories
- Consulting firms
- Education institutions
- Government health agencies
- Hospital laboratories
- Physician office laboratories
- Sales and service companies
- Veterinary clinics and hospitals
- Volunteer organizations
Next steps
See how to get into this program.Get started now
Not quite ready to apply?
We can help you get the info you need.