Those looking to launch a career in a life-saving healthcare field now have the opportunity to begin a journey to a successful future through Chattanooga State Community College’s new Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program. 

An essential part of the healthcare process, Medical Laboratory Technologists influence important healthcare decisions from behind the scenes, helping diagnose and treat diseases and giving patients the tools to remain healthy. 

What Does a Medical Laboratory Technologist Do? 

Medical Laboratory Technologists use high-tech tools to analyze blood, tissue, and other samples. They rely on microscopes, precision instruments, and complex electronic equipment to gather critical data for diagnosing and treating patients. 

Upon completion of the five-semester program, graduates will be prepared for entry-level jobs in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, body fluid analysis, and more.  

Graduates of Chattanooga State’s MLT program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam and apply for state licensure. After that, they will be prepared for a wide range of healthcare roles that don’t require direct patient contact.  

How to Apply to the Medical Laboratory Technology Program 

To get started in the MLT Program at ChattState, students must be admitted to the College and attend a required information session. They must complete—or be finishing up—a selection of prerequisite classes before applying: anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, and math. MLT program applications must be submitted by February 15 each year (or the next business day if it falls on a weekend). 

Program admission is competitive, and students are selected based on a point system that considers their grades in the required courses, along with a few other general education classes. Accepted students will hear back in March, and they will have two weeks to confirm their place in that year’s cohort. The MLT Admission Process webpage provides a step-by-step application and admission guide. 

MLT students at ChattState may qualify for financial aid, including TN Promise, TN Reconnect, and institutional scholarships. After students submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), one simple online application can open doors to multiple scholarships and other forms of financial aid. 

What Experts Have to Say 

Medical Laboratory Technology is an ideal career for anyone looking to start a health care career that directly impacts health outcomes while limiting patient contact, said Program Director Nicole Wilkins. 

The skills that Medical Laboratory Technicians possess make students employable in several environments including hospital laboratories, private clinics, research labs, vet labs, forensic studies, and public health facilities, she said. 

“MLT professionals in Tennessee and beyond are critical to patient care, working behind the scenes to provide accurate test results that guide medical decisions,” Wilkins said. “This program offers students a direct pathway into a high-demand career with family-sustaining wages.” 

Dr. Martina Harris, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, said she looks forward to seeing students excel both while in the program and after graduation. 

“We at ChattState are proud to provide another pathway to a family-sustaining wage,” Dr. Harris said. “I know our students will thrive under Nicole Wilkins’ diligent instruction, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this program will have on our community.”