Medical Laboratory Technician

Two gloved hands working with a microscope
At a Glance

Anticipated start: fall 2025

Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) are crucial members of the health care team, performing laboratory tests which help diagnose, treat and prevent disease. They collect and analyze samples such as blood, urine and tissue. They operate specialized equipment, maintain laboratory records and ensure quality control to guarantee accurate test results. MLTs have strong attention to detail, analytical skills and knowledge of lab safety protocols.

Applications for the class beginning August 2025 will be accepted until May 31, 2025. 

Degrees & Certificates

Beginning with fall semester 2025, LLCC will offer an associate in applied science degree (AAS) for medical laboratory technician .

Job Outlook

Cost

For the 2024-2025 academic year (fall 2024, spring 2025 and summer 2025) MLT classes have a tuition rate of $280 per credit hour for in-district residents. Get more information on tuition and fees. Please note, tuition rates have not yet been set for the 2025-2026 academic year.

There may be separate costs for books, uniform expenses, registry exam fees and other program requirements.

Paying for college

Learn more about cost of attendance.

There are ways to get help paying for college. Learn more about paying for college.

Free training opportunity

PATH (with electrocardiogram lines). Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce

The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program provides financial and other supports for occupations within the health care field. Learn more about PATH, including support services, programs and eligibility.

Start/Info Session

Sixteen students are admitted each fall semester. The application deadline for the August cohort is May 31. If this is a career in which you are interested, be sure to:

  1. View an information session video, available on-demand. The video will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
  2. Make an appointment to speak with a health professions student success advisor, listed below, or call 217-786-2224 during regular business hours. LLCC Student Success is located within the Student Services Hub in Menard Hall on the main campus.
  3. Applicants must complete an MLT admission process in addition to the LLCC admissions process.
     

LearningMedical laboratory science's mission is to focus on developing responsible, ethical and competent medical laboratory professionals who will meaningfully contribute to the field of laboratory medicine adn elevate patient care.

Program Goals

  1. Foster knowledgeable, competent, and adaptable professionals who are committed to quality and conscientious practice within laboratory medicine.
  2. Create spaces and experiences that enhance our students' engagement in their learning while cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills grounded in evidence-based practice.
  3. Identify and revise practices that contribute to equity gaps, and work to improve course completion, course success, and student persistence to shape a diverse, inclusive, and equitable MLT Program.
  4. Educate on advanced practices in laboratory medicine that foster a healthy learning environment and a positive campus culture, promoting lifelong learning and professional engagement.
  5. Strengthen engagement with regional employers and community partners to enhance opportunities in laboratory medicine, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving workforce.  

All MLT courses use the the following standardized grading scale to align with the required passing grade to achieve certification.

 

 Letter GradePercentage
 A92-100
B83-91
C75-82
D68-74
F67 and below

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses in the MLT curriculum. If a student earns a grade below the minimum acceptable grade in any required MLT course, the student must repeat the course within one calendar year or at the next time that the course is scheduled, whichever occurs first.