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Printed on 4/30/2025

Medical Laboratory Technician

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10-513-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Full Time 64 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Get the hands-on skills you need to become a medical laboratory technician. You’ll learn to perform routine clinical laboratory testing in hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular and other emerging diagnostics as the primary analyst making specimen oriented decisions on predetermined criteria, including a working knowledge of critical values. Communication is vital in this career and you’ll obtain the skills needed for interaction with team members, external relations, customer service and patient education. Throughout your training you’ll also receive experience in information processing, training others and quality control monitoring.

The state of Wisconsin does not require a professional licensure or certification to be employed in the medical laboratory technician field within the state. Some other states may require professional licensure or certification to be employed. [Learn more about professional licensure](https://www.fvtc.edu/about-us/facts/student-consumer-information/professional-licensure-and-certification-disclosure) for this program.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (40 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Medical Terminology
    10-501-101
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10501101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

  • Blood Bank
    10-513-109
    4Credit
    108
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10513109
    • Credits: 4.00

    Focuses on blood banking concepts and procedures including blood typing, compatibility testing, work ups for adverse reaction to transfusions, disease states and donor activities.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513115 - Basic Immunology Concepts (Grade of C or better required)
  • Basic Lab Skills
    10-513-110
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10513110
    • Credits: 1.00

    Explores laboratory science career options and the fundamental principles and procedures performed in the laboratory. You will utilize medical terminology and basic laboratory equipment. You will follow required safety and infection control procedures and perform simple laboratory tests.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501101 - Medical Terminology (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513111 - Phlebotomy

    • MEDICAL 10513113 - QA Lab Math

    • Student is in progress in Medical Laboratory Technician (10-513-1) Program of Study

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in Phlebotomy (20-513-1) Program of Study
  • Phlebotomy
    10-513-111
    2Credit
    54
    54

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10513111
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides opportunities for learners to perform routine venipuncture, routine capillary puncture and special collection procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills

    • MEDICAL 10513113 - QA Lab Math​

    • Student is in progress in Medical Laboratory Technician (10-513-1) Program of Study

    OR ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills​

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Phlebotomy (20-513-1) OR Medical Laboratory Assistant (20-513-3)
  • QA Lab Math
    10-513-113
    1Credit
    18
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 18
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10513113
    • Credits: 1.00

    Focuses on performing the mathematical calculations routinely used in laboratory settings. You will explore the concepts of quality control and quality assurance in the laboratory.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10501101 - Medical Terminology (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)

    • Student is in progress in Medical Laboratory Technician (10-513-1) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills

    • MEDICAL 10513111 - Phlebotomy
  • Urinalysis
    10-513-114
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10513114
    • Credits: 2.00

    Prepares you to perform a complete urinalysis which includes physical, chemical and microscopic analysis. You will explore renal physiology and correlate urinalysis results with clinical conditions.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513111 - Phlebotomy (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513113 - QA Lab Math (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)
  • Basic Immunology Concepts
    10-513-115
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10513115
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides an overview of the immune system including laboratory testing methods for diagnosis of immune system disorders, viral and bacterial infections.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513111 - Phlebotomy (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)
  • Clinical Chemistry
    10-513-116
    4Credit
    108
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10513116
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces clinical chemistry techniques and procedures for routine analysis using photometric, potentiometric and separation techniques. Topics in this course include pathophysiology and methodologies for carbohydrate, lipids, proteins, renal function and blood gas analysis. Additional topics include hepatic, cardiac markers, tumor markers, endocrine function, miscellaneous body fluids, toxicology, enzymes and electrolytes.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513115 - Basic Immunology Concepts (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro to Biochemistry (Grade of C or better required)
  • Basic Hematology
    10-513-120
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10513120
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers the theory and principles of blood cell production and function, and introduces you to basic practices and procedures in the hematology laboratory.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513111 - Phlebotomy (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)
  • Coagulation
    10-513-121
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10513121
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces the theory and principles of coagulation and explores mechanisms involved in coagulation disorders. Emphasis is placed upon laboratory techniques used to diagnose disease and monitor treatment.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513111 - Phlebotomy (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513120 - Basic Hematology
  • Advanced Hematology
    10-513-130
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10513130
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explores mechanisms involved in the development of hematological disorders. Emphasis is placed upon laboratory techniques used to diagnose disorders and monitor treatment.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513120 - Basic Hematology
  • Clinical Microbiology
    10-513-133
    4Credit
    108
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10513133
    • Credits: 4.00

    Presents the clinical importance of infectious diseases with emphasis upon the appropriate collection, handling and identification of clinically relevant bacteria. Disease states, modes of transmission and methods of prevention and control, including antibiotic susceptibility testing, will also be discussed.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513115 - Basic Immunology Concepts (Grade of C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806197 - Microbiology (Grade of C or better required)
  • Advanced Microbiology
    10-513-140
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10513140
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides an overview of acid fast organisms, fungi, parasites, and anaerobic bacteria. The organisms, their pathophysiology, epidemiology, the diseases and conditions that they cause, laboratory methods of handling, culturing and identification will be discussed.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513133 - Clinical Microbiology (Grade of C or better required)
  • Clinical Experience 1
    10-513-151
    3Credit
    162
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 162
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10513151
    • Credits: 3.00

    Practice the principles and procedures of laboratory medicine as an entry level Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in a clinical laboratory setting. Working alongside laboratory professionals, you will collect and process specimens, operate laboratory analyzers and instruments and report results in a Laboratory Information Systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513109 - Blood Bank (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513116 - Clinical Chemistry (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513130 - Advanced Hematology (Grade of C or better required)

    • MEDICAL 10513133 - Clinical Microbiology (Grade of C or better required)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513152 - Clinical Experience 2

    • MEDICAL 10513170 - Intro to Molecular Diagnostics
  • Clinical Experience 2
    10-513-152
    4Credit
    234
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 234
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10513152
    • Credits: 4.00

    Provides continuing practice for the principles and procedures of laboratory medicine as an entry level Clinical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory setting. You will learn to operate state of the art instruments and report results on Laboratory Information Systems.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513151 - Clinical Experience 1​
  • Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics
    10-513-170
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10513170
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the principles and application of molecular diagnostics in the clinical laboratory.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • MEDICAL 10513110 - Basic Lab Skills (Grade or C or better required)

    • SCIENCE 10806186 - Intro to Biochemistry (Grade of C or better required)

    General Studies (24 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Gen Anatomy & Physiology
    10-806-177
    4Credit
    108
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10806177
    • Credits: 4.00

    Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients. (This course also provides the foundation, and is prerequisite to, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology.)

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Reading 263+ OR ACT Reading 20+ OR PREPLEAR 10836123 - Prep for Anatomy & Physiology OR Reading Level 4 Coursework

    • Accuplacer Sentence 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT English 18+ OR English Level 2 Coursework

    • SCIENCE 10806134 - General Chemistry (Grade of C or better required) OR 1 Year of High School Chemistry
  • Intro to Biochemistry
    10-806-186
    4Credit
    90
    126

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 126
    • Course Number: 10806186
    • Credits: 4.00

    Provides students with skills and knowledge of organic and biological chemistry necessary for application within Nursing and other Allied Health careers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the structure, physical properties and chemical reactions of organic molecules, body fluids, and acids. Additional emphasis is placed on biological functions and their relationships to enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Reading 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Reading 18+ OR Reading Level 3 Coursework

    • Accuplacer Sentence 237+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT English 15+ OR English Level 1 Coursework

    • SCIENCE 10806134 - General Chemistry (Grade of C or better required) OR 1 Year of High School Chemistry
  • Microbiology
    10-806-197
    4Credit
    90
    126

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 126
    • Course Number: 10806197
    • Credits: 4.00

    Examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth and the relationship between humans and microbes. Addresses disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms and the medical impact of microbes. Presents the role of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • SCIENCE 10806134 - General Chemistry (Grade of C or better required) OR 1 Year of High School Chemistry

    • SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology (Grade of C or better required)
  • Intro to Ethics: Theory & App
    10-809-166
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809166
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.