Overview 

The clinical laboratory is where diagnoses are made. Every blood draw, every specimen, every test result that guides a treatment decision passes through the hands of a skilled laboratory professional. Medical Laboratory Technicians are the experts who make that process work — processing specimens, performing analyses, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining the safety standards that protect patients and healthcare workers alike. 

PCT Institute of Health Care’s Medical Laboratory Technician program is a 280-clock-hour advanced certification designed specifically for phlebotomy professionals ready to take their careers to the next level. Building on your existing specimen collection expertise, this program extends your skills into the full scope of clinical laboratory practice — from centrifugation and urinalysis to specialized testing and universal precautions. 

The national certification exam is included in your tuition and is scheduled before your final enrollment month, so you have time to prepare and sit for it within your course window. 

Student Experience 

The MLT program is fully self-paced and accessible 24/7 through the PCT Institute student portal. There is no clinical externship requirement — your prior phlebotomy experience satisfies the hands-on component. The curriculum is designed for working healthcare professionals and can be completed flexibly around existing work schedules. 

You’ll have up to six months from enrollment to complete the program. Upon registration, a dedicated instructor will reach out within 24 hours with a welcome email and program overview. Your instructor is available throughout your training to answer questions, and Zoom tutoring sessions are available at an affordable rate. 

Staff is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST at (734) 762-3220 or 1(888) 410-6416. 

Prerequisites 

Prior phlebotomy certification or documented phlebotomy experience is required for enrollment. Students must be at least 18 years of age. No additional clinical externship is required — prior phlebotomy experience satisfies the clinical prerequisite. 

Curriculum (Modules & Core Competencies) 

Core training areas include: 

• Blood Specimen Collection & Processing (60 hours) — centrifugation, serum and plasma separation, specimen labeling, and chain of custody documentation 

• Urine Specimen Processing (40 hours) — urinalysis by dipstick and microscopic analysis, urine culture preparation, and specimen handling 

• Fecal Specimen Processing (40 hours) — occult blood testing, ova and parasite preparation, and culture specimen handling 

• Centrifugation (40 hours) — vacutainer tube processing, speed calibration, balance requirements, and post-centrifugation handling 

• Specialized Testing (60 hours) — blood smears, rapid strep, influenza testing, pregnancy testing, and glucometer quality control 

• Universal Standard Precautions (40 hours) — laboratory safety, chemical hazard awareness, and biohazardous waste disposal 

What’s Included 

• Medical Laboratory Technician Certification upon successful program completion 

• Complimentary 6-month voucher for a nationally accredited MLT exam 

• Access to the PCT Institute Job Portal — exclusive employment listings through our partner network 

• Dedicated instructor with personal outreach within 24 hours of enrollment 

• Access to additional course resources and reference materials 

• Optional Zoom tutoring sessions with experienced laboratory and healthcare professionals 

About PCT Institute of Health Care 

PCT Institute of Health Care (PCTinstituteofhealthcare.org) is the advanced educational branch of Phlebotomy Career Training — a Michigan-based institution that has been educating healthcare professionals for over 14 years. PCT Institute offers nationally recognized certification programs for working adults, combining flexible online delivery with rigorous, career-focused curriculum. 95% of our graduates have found employment opportunities in their field. 

Employment Opportunities 

Medical Laboratory Technicians are employed across a wide range of settings, including hospital laboratories, reference laboratories, outpatient clinics, physician offices, urgent care facilities, and public health agencies. MLT certification consistently commands higher compensation than phlebotomy roles and opens doors to supervisory and specialized laboratory positions. For phlebotomists ready to advance, this is the credential that makes it happen. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need phlebotomy certification to enroll? 

Yes. Prior phlebotomy certification or documented phlebotomy experience is required. This ensures students have the foundational specimen collection skills the curriculum builds upon. 

Is there a clinical externship requirement? 

No. Your prior phlebotomy experience satisfies the hands-on clinical component. The MLT program is entirely coursework-based. 

When do I take the national certification exam? 

The exam is included in your tuition. Students should schedule and sit for their exam before the final month of their enrollment period. Specific exam options and scheduling details are provided upon enrollment. 

Is this certification recognized nationwide? 

Yes. MLT certification from PCT Institute is recognized throughout the United States. Students should verify any state-specific requirements with their local regulatory authority. 

Can I complete this program while working full-time? 

Absolutely. The program is self-paced and designed for working professionals. Most students complete the coursework alongside existing work and family commitments within the six-month enrollment window.