The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program was established in 1972 through funds obtained from the Veterans' Administration and the Central Texas Regional Medical Education Foundation in Temple, Texas.

The MLT Program is located in the Math and Biomedical Science Building on TC Campus. The offices for the program director, education coordinator, and secretary are also located in the Math and Biomedical Science Building. The Medical Director is Robert Astarita, M.D. from the VA Center; Program Director/Department Chair is Billye Weaver, Ph.D., MT(ASCP) CLS(NCA); Education Coordinator is Wales nematollani, Ph.D., MT(ASCP); and the secretary is Nancy Rhudy.

The MLT Program was first accredited by NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency Clinical Laboratory Sciences) in 1972 followed by three years accreditation in 1984, five years accreditation in 1987, five years accreditation in 1992, five years in 1997, and seven years in 2002.

The clinical education program is consistent with the academic plan of Temple College. The MLT Program is a cooperative endeavor by the College and area hospitals and clinics. Clinical practical experience consists of training at Scott and White Hospital, Scott and White Santa Fe Center, Scott and White Regional Laboratories, King's Daughters Hospital, King's Daughters Clinic, and the Olin E. Teague Veteran's Center. The affiliated clinical laboratory pattern for the program is believed to be unique representing an organized experience With laboratories of varying size and complexity. Cooperative efforts are decided in affiliation agreements. Students must meet all essential functions (technical standards) to enter the field of Medical Laboratory Technology.

An active MLT Advisory Committee that meets twice a year is composed of affiliate staff members, medical director, and college and hospital staff members. This committee serves as a means of interaction between the affiliates and the College, and provides on?going assessment of the Program.

The goal of the MLT Program is that graduates be qualified to serve as general practitioners of medical laboratory technology at career-entry level (NAACLS competencies) and, in addition, possess the fundamental structural background to continue studies both formally and informally in speciality areas of the clinical laboratory sciences. Quality education is the primary goal of the Program. The Program Curriculum incorporates SCANS to enable graduates to have foundation skills and workplace competencies.

The MLT Program provides and integrated education experience, culminating in an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in MLT. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Registry Examination for MLT certification in Medical Laboratory Technology with the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Certifying Agency (NCA), both approved by the American Medical Association (AMA).

The following are some of the career ladder offerings available; however these are subject to change at any time:

M.L.T. = 2 year degree

M.T. = 4 year degree

MLT certification plus 3 years work experience plus Bachelors degree = MT Board eligible.

MLT certification plus 8 hours Biology (Immunology required) and 12 hours Chemistry (Organic Chemistry required, may be Intro to Bio-Organic Chem.) = Classification as GS-9, Medical Technologist in Civil Service.

The ASCP Board of Registry offers: Certification of specialists in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology. Must be MT(ASCP) and meet the requirements for each category.

MLT work experience one year at King's Daughters Hospital or Scott and White = tuition reimbursement toward Baccalaureate degree. VA Center does offer at various times tuition support for academic course work for employees.

Articulation: MLT Course Work transferable to: UT Health Science Center, Galveston, MT Program; (work in the hospital while in the Program); UMHB, Belton, TX, for General Studies BS degree

MLT courses are Pre-Med; Graduates can go on to become Physicians, Microbiologists, Chemists, Physician Assistants, or Educators in the field of Medical Technology.