The Medical Laboratory Technician application cycle will open in Spring 2027 for the initial cohort beginning Fall 2027. Learn more about the program by attending an information session.
Medical laboratory technicians perform laboratory tests essential to the detection,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Our program will prepare you for entry-level
practice performing specimen collection, processing, testing, and result interpretation
across all major laboratory disciplines. Through hands-on coursework in hematology,
clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunohematology, urinalysis, coagulation, immunology,
and molecular diagnostics, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel
in this fast-growing profession.
This is a new program pursuing NAACLS Accreditation, National Accrediting Agency for
Clinical Laboratory Science. The Medical Laboratory Technician application cycle will
open in Spring of 2027 for the initial cohort beginning Fall 2027
Email Us to Learn More
Graduates are in high demand across a wide range of clinical settings,
including hospital laboratory systems, reference laboratory systems, and outpatient facilities. You will play an essential role in the patient care process — delivering accurate, timely results that physicians rely on to make critical healthcare decisions.
The medical laboratory technology field has a projected 19.1% job growth over the next five years. In Collin County, technicians earn an average salary of $63,000.
Attending an informational session or meeting with the program director is strongly encouraged before applying. While it does not carry points in the scoring process, it is the best way to learn about program expectations and confirm that the Medical Laboratory Technician program is the right fit for you.
Join us on one of the dates listed below:
| Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 11, 2026 | Noon–1 p.m. | Click Here to Register for Session |
| Aug. 25, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Click Here to Register for Session |
| Sept. 8, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. | Click Here to Register for Session |
| Oct. 13, 2026 | Noon–1 p.m. | Click Here to Register for Session |
| Oct. 27, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Click Here to Register for Session |
The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program includes a selective admissions process. Only one cohort, up to 24 students, is formed per academic year.
To apply for the MLT program, you must:
Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better
Contact Program Director Michelle Kelly at mlkelley@collin.edu if you have any questions about the application process.
*Completion of prerequisite courses does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Acceptance into the Medical Laboratory Technician program is competitive. Applicants are selected for admission based on their total application point score, calculated from the following categories:
Bonus points may be earned through additional coursework, health-related work experience, and previously earned degrees.
Please note that admission criteria are subject to change. Any modifications will apply to all applications on file at that time and will be published on the program website.
Total points possible: 45
The HESI Admissions Assessment (A2) Examination includes seven areas: Anatomy and Physiology (A&P), Biology, Grammar, Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, and Critical Thinking. The admissions scoring based on HESI results is as follows:
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| 100% - 90% | 3 points |
| 89% - 75% | 1 point |
| Less than 75% | 0 points |
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| 100% - 90% | 3 points |
| 89% - 75% | 1 point |
| Less than 75% | 0 points |
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| 100% - 90% | 3 points |
| 89% - 75% | 1 point |
| Less than 75% | 0 points |
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| 100% - 90% | 6 points |
| 89% - 75% | 3 points |
| Less than 75% | 0 points |
The highest score within a calendar year will be considered. HESI results from an exam completed outside of Collin are accepted, but no points will be given for subjects not tested. Reapplications are not required to retest; the previous HESI scores can be used. If a reapplicant chooses to retest in the new application year, the scores from the most recent attempt will be used.
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from any of the following: a supervisor, teacher, clinical preceptor, or mentor. Letters from family members or personal friends will not be accepted.
| Rating | Points | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Recommendation | |||||||||
| Excellent rating | 5 points | ||||||||
| Above average rating | 4 points | ||||||||
| Neutral rating | 3 points | ||||||||
| Below average rating | 2 points | ||||||||
| Poor rating | 1 point | ||||||||
| Second Recommendation | |||||||||
| Excellent rating | 5 points | ||||||||
| Above average rating | 4 points | ||||||||
| Neutral rating | 3 points | ||||||||
| Below average rating | 2 points | ||||||||
| Poor rating | 1 point | ||||||||
GPA is calculated based on completed prerequisite courses. Points are awarded using the following scale:
| GPA Range | Points |
|---|---|
| 3.76 – 4.00 | 10 points |
| 3.66 – 3.75 | 9 points |
| 3.51 – 3.65 | 8 points |
| 3.36 – 3.50 | 7 points |
| 3.25 – 3.35 | 5 points |
| 3.00 – 3.24 | 3 points |
| 2.50 – 2.99 | 2 points |
| Below 2.50 | Not eligible |
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Completion of CHEM 1405 (with a grade of “A” or higher) | 2 points |
| Completion of CHEM 1405 (with a grade of “B” or higher) | 1 point |
| Completion of PLAB 1323 (with a grade of “A”) | 1 point |
| Completion of HPRS 1204 – Basic Health Profession Skill (Obtain BLS CRP certification within this course) | 2 points |
| A bachelor’s degree or higher (from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university) | 2 points |
| Current healthcare certification | 2 points |
| One or more years of paid patient care experience | 2 points |
A select number of interviews will be held for applicants with the highest application point totals. Invitations to interview will be extended shortly after the application deadline.
All MLT program applicants are required to complete the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Examination prior to the application deadline. The exam covers seven areas: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Grammar, Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, and Critical Thinking.
The exam does not have a time limit, though most students complete it in three to five hours.
Applicants are permitted one HESI A2 attempt per calendar year.
Appointment availability varies by campus and is updated periodically.
Visit the HESI Assessments page for scheduling information.
We encourage all applicants to prepare thoroughly before sitting for the exam.
The HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review (ISBN: 0323582265) is available at the McKinney, Plano, and Frisco campus libraries.
Collin College's Medical Laboratory Technician program prepares graduates to work in clinical laboratories performing diagnostic testing that drives medical decisions. Students will develop hands-on competency across all major lab disciplines.
As a new program, outcome data is not yet available because the first cohort has not graduated.
Program outcome data will be published following the graduation of the first cohort and updated annually as additional cohorts complete the program.
The following program outcomes will be reported:
This information will be made available as data becomes available through program completion and graduate follow-up.
The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program combines hybrid lecture courses, face-to-face laboratory instruction, and hands-on clinical experiences. Lecture content is delivered in a hybrid format*, while all laboratory courses require in-person attendance to develop the technical skills necessary for clinical laboratory practice. While schedules may vary slightly by semester, students accepted into the program can generally expect the following schedule:
Please note that clinical schedules are determined by the assigned clinical site and may vary based on site availability, operational needs, and the clinical department's hours of operation. The schedule provided above is intended as a general guide and is subject to change.
*Hybrid Format: Courses are delivered through a combination of scheduled in-person class meetings and online coursework. Students are expected to participate in both components as outlined by the course instructor.
If you already have phlebotomy training, certification, or hands-on experience, you may be able to earn credit for PLAB 1323 (Phlebotomy) and PLAB 1260 (Clinical – Phlebotomy) without retaking the coursework.
Two ways to qualify:
You get up to two attempts at each.
How it works: The MLT department reviews and verifies all documentation — and may confirm certification status directly with the issuing board. You'll be notified in writing of the decision. If approved, you will receive credit for both PLAB 1323 and PLAB 1260. If not, you'll complete the standard coursework. PLA credit doesn't affect your eligibility for the ASCP BOC MLT exam at graduation, and it doesn't exempt you from any other program or clinical requirements.
| Pathway | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pathway 1 (ASCP-certified) | $25 | Charged by ASCP for a one-time Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your credentials, covering both PLAB 1323 and PLAB 1260. This is an ASCP fee, not a Collin College charge. |
| Pathway 1 (AMT-certified) | $75/year | The RPT (AMT) credential carries its own annual renewal fee through AMT, plus continuing education requirements. This is a certification-maintenance cost through AMT, not a Collin College charge. |
| Pathway 2 (Departmental exam) | $30 | Paid at the Bursar's Office; bring your receipt before testing. Covers both courses — pay once, not per course. This is the only fee charged directly by Collin College. |
This is a new program at Collin College and is currently pursuing initial accreditation through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The accreditation process includes multiple steps, such as submission of program documentation and an on-site review. Accreditation is not guaranteed and may not be awarded before the first cohort graduates.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees** | $1,943 |
| Lab Fee - Phlebotomy | $50 |
| Liability Insurance (Phlebotomy Clinicals) | $11 |
| Immunization Tracker (Phlebotomy Clinicals) | $15 |
| Drug Screen (Phlebotomy Clinicals) | $40 |
| Background Check (Phlebotomy Clinicals) | $40 |
| Cougar Book Bundle (varies on textbook needs) | $621 |
| HESI A2 Exam | $70 |
| Uniform | $60 |
| Total | $2,850 |
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees** | $871 |
| Lab Fees | $96 |
| Cougar Book Bundle (varies on textbook needs) | $299 |
| Total | $1,266 |
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees** | $871 |
| Lab Fees | $96 |
| Cougar Book Bundle (varies on textbook needs) | $299 |
| Total | $1,266 |
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition/Fees** | $335 |
| Liability Insurance (MLT Clinicals) | $11 |
| Cougar Book Bundle (varies on textbook needs) | $115 |
| Drug Screen (MLT Clinicals) | $40 |
| Immunization Track – renewal (MLT Clinicals) | $15 |
| Background Check (MLT Clinicals) | $40 |
| American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification Exam Fee | $225 |
| Total | $781 |
Total program cost (including prerequisite courses, Cougar Book Bundle fees, and general lab fees): $6,163
*All costs are approximate and subject to change.
**Tuition is based on credit hours and 2022 in-district residency classification. Course fees for this program have not been identified at this time. Fees may vary depending on the cost of supplies, materials, and resources required for each MLAB course.
***Costs for immunization requirements are not included due to variations in pricing.
Note: Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification prior to the start of the clinical courses. Certification costs are determined by the training provider and are typically approximately $65. The certification is valid for two years and must remain active throughout the MLT clinical rotation. Fees and certification requirements are subject to change.
Students in the healthcare (non-veterinary) programs must have certain vaccines due to their coursework, which may expose them to viruses and bacteria at a higher risk. Per Texas Education Code 51.933, Health and Human Services may write rules requiring students enrolled in health-related courses to receive certain vaccines. This information can be found in Title 25, Texas Administrative Code §97.64.
| Immunization | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Tdap) |
OR
OR
|
| Measles (Rubeola)/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) |
OR
|
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) |
OR
History of disease is not applicable. |
| Bacterial Meningitis |
|
| Proof of Negative Tuberculosis |
|
| Current Flu Shot |
|
Note: All costs associated with verifying immunization status are the responsibility of the student. The price of each titer, vaccine, or test may vary. All clinical facilities require an annual TB screening and a yearly flu vaccine, which must be completed between September and May.
The MLT Program is seeking accreditation with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). In accordance with NAACLS standards and applicable federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Essential Functions and Technical Standards below identify the non-academic abilities required for successful completion of the program and safe entry-level practice.
These standards exist to protect patient safety and program integrity, not to exclude qualified individuals with disabilities. Collin College provides reasonable accommodations that do not fundamentally alter the program, pose a direct threat to health or safety, or create an undue hardship.
| Functional Ability | Standard | Examples of Required Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Observational | Accurately observe and interpret visual, auditory, and sensory information in the laboratory setting, including color and depth perception. |
Observe and interpret procedures involving biological materials, including body fluids, cellular specimens, and microbiological cultures, in instructional and clinical settings
Differentiate colors, color gradients, and shades required for test interpretation (e.g., reagent reactions, Gram stains, urinalysis), with depth perception sufficient for microscopy and specimen manipulation
Read and interpret text, numerical values, and graphical data in printed documents, procedure manuals, and electronic displays
Detect and distinguish auditory signals from laboratory instrumentation—including alarms and error indicators—as well as verbal communication from patients and clinical staff
Characterize the color, odor, clarity, and viscosity of biological specimens, reagents, and chemical reaction products
Use a clinical grade binocular microscope to discriminate fine structural and color differences (hue, shading, and intensity) among microscopic specimens |
| Motor Skills | Possess the fine and gross motor skills needed to safely perform laboratory procedures, operate instrumentation, and handle specimens. |
Move freely and safely throughout laboratory and patient care areas
Reach bench tops, shelves, and patients in seated or recumbent positions
Sustain moderate physical activity, including prolonged sitting or standing, over several hours
Demonstrate sufficient finger and manual dexterity to control laboratory equipment (e.g., pipettes, inoculating loops, test tubes) and adjust instruments to perform laboratory procedures
Use a computer keyboard to operate equipment and to enter, calculate, evaluate, and transmit laboratory data
Travel to assigned clinical laboratory sites for practical experience
Maneuver phlebotomy and culture acquisition equipment to safely collect valid laboratory samples |
| Communication | Communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, with patients, clinical staff, faculty, and peers. |
Read and comprehend technical and professional materials, including textbooks and procedural manuals
Follow verbal and written instructions to accurately and independently perform specimen collection and laboratory procedures
Provide clear verbal instructions to patients prior to specimen collection
Communicate with patients in an effective, confidential, and culturally sensitive manner
Communicate with faculty, peers, staff, and other healthcare professionals verbally and in written or electronic formats
Independently prepare written reports and complete written, computer-based, and practical examinations |
| Intellectual / Cognitive | Possess the cognitive ability to master technical knowledge, apply critical thinking, and make accurate decisions. |
Demonstrate intellectual skills including comprehension, measurement, calculation, reasoning, integration, analysis, comparison, self-expression, and criticism
Exercise sound judgment to recognize and correct performance deficiencies
Apply knowledge and critical thinking to novel situations and problem-solving |
| Behavioral / Professional | Demonstrate the emotional stability, ethical conduct, and professionalism required for safe clinical laboratory practice. |
Manage academic workload, deadlines, and time effectively to complete professional and technical tasks within realistic constraints
Perform under physical and emotional stress, including ambiguous test orders, stat demands, and distracting environments
Adapt to change and remain flexible in dynamic professional and technical settings
Identify and respond to hazardous materials, equipment, and situations to minimize risk to patients, self, and others
Collaborate effectively as a team member to support learning, task completion, problem-solving, and patient care
Demonstrate honesty, compassion, ethics, and accountability; accept constructive criticism, acknowledge errors, and actively seek to improve performance
Work respectfully and effectively with individuals of diverse ethnic, cultural, gender, and educational backgrounds
Maintain professional standards of dress, appearance, and language in all program and clinical settings
Adapt to working with unpleasant biological specimens
Possess the emotional health necessary to effectively employ intellect and exercise appropriate professional judgment |
Adapted from: Fritsma GA, Fiorella BJ, Murphy M. Essential requirements for clinical laboratory science. Clin Lab Sci. 1996 Jan-Feb;9(1):40-3.
Students who believe they may need accommodations to meet these standards should contact Collin College Disability Services — ACCESS Office as early as possible at access@collin.edu or 972.881.5898. Accommodations are individualized and are not retroactive; some accommodations feasible in academic settings may not be feasible in direct patient care.
Students are required to carry personal health insurance while in the clinical portion of the program. Proof of insurance must be made available to the director before clinical rotations.
Students should be aware that eligibility for health insurance on their parent or guardian’s health insurance may require them to be a full-time enrolled student. The number of semester credit hours in which a student must be registered to be considered full-time is defined by Collin College. Students should check with the college registrar’s office to see if they qualify as a full-time student.
All students must undergo a criminal background check before entering any clinical course offered in the Medical Laboratory Technician program. Please be aware that acceptance to the program and placement at a clinical site does not guarantee the applicant will be allowed to become a certified medical laboratory technician. For more information, please contact the program director.
For program information, please contact:
Michelle Kelly, MS MLS (ASCP)cm, AHI
Director of Medical Laboratory Technician
Visit the academic advising page to learn more about degree planning and credit transfers.
Visit the admissions page and the financial aid page to learn how to get started at Collin College.
