Occupational Description

A new classification of laboratory worker, the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), has recently emerged in California. MLTs use laboratory equipment to perform tests on samples; in some ways, this work is very similar to that of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist. The occupations differ in that MLTs are considered mid-level laboratory workers and are only licensed to perform certain tests. The types of tests that MLTs are trained and licensed to perform fall under the categories of "waived" and "moderately complex." Examples of waived tests include dipstick urinalysis, fecal occult blood, pregnancy, ovulation and blood glucose tests. Examples of moderately complex tests include tests that determine bleeding, clotting, and platelet aggregation times. Because MLTs also complete training as phlebotomists (training and licensure is required locally at DeAnza College and Hartnell College), in some job settings it may be possible for the MLT to procure specimens as well as test them; however, this would probably not be the norm due to the lack of individuals qualified to perform testing.

MLTs would typically be supervised by a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Laboratory Director. It is unclear at this time whether there would be opportunities for MLTs to supervise other MLTs, or phlebotomy or lab assistant staff.

Significant Points

• The process of the MLT occupation being recognized in California has been long, but as of December 19, 2007, MLTs can apply for California licensure online. The processing time is 10 weeks, so the first MLTs could potentially be working by early March 2008.

• MLTs were first rumored to be joining the California laboratory workforce four years ago, but there have been numerous delays related to establishing licensure and education standards and recognizing an official licensing exam that have previously prevented MLTs from becoming licensed.

• The need for MLTs in the healthcare setting is predicted to be significant in the Bay Area by some employers, in large part due to the CLS shortage. It has also been suggested that demand could be low for MLTs due to a limited scope of practice.

• According to individuals interviewed in November 2007, the demand for laboratory has increased markedly in the last six months--this may increase employer interest in the MLT role as licensed MLTs can perform some tests that CLSs currently do. Because MLTs must also be licensed phlebotomists, they might also be attractive to employers because of their ability to perform more than one function in the lab.

• There is also considerable speculation that MLTs and CLSs will be utilized in the biotech/biomedical sector in the near future, which is expected to dramatically increase the need for these laboratory professionals locally and in hotspots around the country.

• Because Phlebotomy certification is required for admission to local MLT training programs and CLS training builds off of a baccalaureate degree, MLT is considered to be the second step in the laboratory career ladder.

• The MLT scope of practice is limited and though MLTs can never replace CLSs in the clinical laboratory, there is much controversy within the laboratory community about the role of MLTs in the California laboratory workforce.

• Because MLTs are not yet part of the California laboratory workforce, not much is known about occupational duties, employment patterns and demand. Individuals interviewed for the Healthcare Navigator project have suggested that employers in the Bay Area are eager to hire MLTs once the individuals are licensed;

• MLTs have been essential, established members of the laboratory workforce in other states for many years; California has been slow in adopting the the MLT role in the lab.

• MLT training programs are located at De Anza College and Hartnell College.

Education

Training programs are offered at the community college level and are located at Hartnell College and DeAnza College. Admission is not considered competitive. Both the Hartnell and DeAnza MLT programs admit new students twice per school year (Spring and Fall terms). The DeAnza College program graduated its first class in 2007; these individuals have not been able to work as MLTs in the state of California due to the licensing issue.

MLT training programs are two years long and graduates earn an AA degree in Medical Laboratory Technology; part-time scheduling is available and it may be possible for individuals to complete the program quicker depending on educational background. MLT curriculum includes chemistry, microbiology, hematology and coursework specific to specimen processing. MLT students also participate in clinical rotations.

In order to be eligible for California MLT licensure, applicants must graduate from a NAACLS accredited training program; the MLT programs at Hartnell and DeAnza are the only NAACLS approved programs in California. The California Department of Laboratory Field Services established the standards for education and licensure of MLTs in 2005; these standards can be viewed here.

Licensure

The process of the MLT occupation being recognized in California has been long, but as of December 19, 2007, MLTs can apply for California licensure online. The processing time is 10 weeks, so the first MLTs could potentially be working by March 2008.

MLTs are to be licensed through the California Department of Health and Human Services-Department of Laboratory Field Services (DLFS). To be eligible for licensure, an individual must graduate from an accredited MLT training program and submit an application through the DLFS. Once the applicants transcripts and application are reviewed and approved, the applicant is able to sit for the licensure exam. As of January 2007, the DLFS adopted the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) exam as the official examination for MLT licensure; the AAB exam is not California specific, though the content of the examination is specific to standard MLT curriculum. Upon successful completion of the AAB examination, the applicant takes an online quiz covering the California State Laboratory policies. Examination passage rates are not available at this time.

The MLT occupation was established as a licensed occupation in California in 2002. However, the reason for the delay in licensing was the lack of a licensing exam, but then the DLFS experienced a staffing crisis in personnel licensing. Click here to read the memo about licensure delay.

Demand

It is impossible to predict demand for this occupation simply because MLTs have not been working in the health care setting. Responses from individuals who contributed information to the Healthcare Navigator project varied widely--several said that MLTs would be in great demand and some indicated that because of the limited scope of practice and increased focus on the role of the CLS and the trend in healthcare of workers taking on more tasks, labs may employ strategies to hire/retain CLSs rather than seeking out MLTs.

Wages

Training providers estimate that MLTs will earn approximately $20-26/hr in the health care setting. Again, because MLTs are not currently part of the laboratory workforce, it is difficult to predict wages.

Potential Employers

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (Currently hires MLT graduates as lab assistants out of internships through Hartnell)

Qwest Diagnostics (Hires MLTs outside of California)

Kelly Scientific CLS Staffing

Aureus Medical Laboratory Staffing

Visit the Employers page for a comprehensive list of hospitals and large health organizations in Silicon Valley

Additional Information

www.ChooseLab.com

State of California-Division of Laboratory Science Laboratory Field Services Branch

UCSF Report on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce

ADVANCE Magazine for Medical Laboratory Professionals

Professional Associations

American Society for Clinical Pathology

California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology

Accrediting Agencies

National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

MLT Training Providers

De Anza College MLT Program

Hartnell College MLT Program