Medical Laboratory Technology

The MLT Program of Maine was created as a collaborative effort between the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Maine at Augusta in cooperation with hospitals across the state that serve as clinical affiliates. Medical Laboratory Technology is a two-year program leading to an Associate of Science in MLT, awarded by the home campus. The program’s vision is “Providing Quality MLT Education to Communities Across the State of Maine.” All MLT lecture courses are available via videoconferencing at locations statewide. Periodic intensive laboratories will be held at Presque Isle or Augusta locations. The final semester is a supervised clinical practicum scheduled at an affiliated hospital laboratory. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the certification exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).






    MLT Student in a lab coat running a blood test

    Did you know?

    We’re the only MLT program in the state and most of the people currently working as MLT’s in Maine are graduates of our program.

    Be a diagnostic detective

    The laboratory is where medical mysteries are solved. MLT’s provide valuable data that helps to determine the presence or absence of disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

    A rubber gloved hand picking up one test tube from many
    MLT Student in a lab coat running a blood test

    Assist physicians

    A whopping 70% of all physician decisions are based on the laboratory test results that MLT’s help to provide.

    For Canadians

    We offer an opportunity for Canadian students who are seeking to complete their MLT degree to transfer into our program. Contact us to learn more.

    A rubber gloved hand picking up one test tube from many

    What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?

    Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) are vital to the healthcare team as they are often the first to produce patient results. MLTs use sophisticated biomedical instrumentation, as well as manual procedures, to perform testing and provide results that are essential in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. It is estimated that over 70% of all medical decisions are based in part on laboratory results.

    The Medical Laboratory Technician has diverse and multi-level functions in the areas of collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances, principles and methodologies, performance of assays, problem solving, troubleshooting techniques, correlation of clinical procedures and results, principles and practices of quality assessment for all major areas: clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and molecular biology practiced in the contemporary clinical laboratory.

    Medical Laboratory Technicians practice independently and collaboratively, being responsible for their own actions, as defined by the profession. They have the requisite knowledge and skills to educate laboratory professionals, other health care professionals, and others in the laboratory practice as well as the public.

    The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are essential qualities. Communication skills extend to consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Laboratory professionals demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles that are necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates, and the community.

    Adapted from NAACLS: Unique Standards of the Medical Laboratory Technician.

    There is a strong need for medical laboratory technicians as approximately 40% of the current laboratory workforce is within five to ten years of retirement. We need to continually prepare and graduate the best technicians to ensure ongoing delivery of quality healthcare to communities across the State of Maine.

    The MLT Program of Maine includes Canadian alumni that have trained in the United States and have become certified through the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

    This program will prepare you to be eligible for certification in the State of Maine. Visit the UMaine System State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.

    The MLT Program of Maine is accredited by:
    The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
    5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
    Rosemont, IL 60018
    773-714-8880
    National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

    To view more information and program requirements, see the Course Catalog

    Our MLT program prepares students for future careers as Medical Laboratory Technicians in many settings, including in:

    • Hospital laboratories
    • Forensic laboratories
    • Physician office laboratories
    • Reference laboratories
    • Clinics
    • Diagnostic laboratories
    • Public health facilities
    • Veterinary laboratories
    • Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry