National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) provides the following description: at career entry, the medical laboratory technician will be able to perform routine clinical laboratory tests (such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, and other emerging diagnostics) as the primary analyst making specimen oriented decisions on predetermined criteria, including a working knowledge of critical values. Communication skills will extend to frequent interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. The level of analysis ranges from waived and point of care testing to complex testing encompassing all major areas of the clinical laboratory. The medical laboratory technician will have diverse functions in areas of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes. The medical laboratory technician will have responsibilities for information processing, training, and quality control monitoring wherever clinical laboratory testing is performed.

Upon graduation and initial employment, the medical laboratory technician should be able to demonstrate entry-level competencies in the above areas of professional practice. Students are eligible to sit for national certification exams for medical laboratory technicians after completing the program.

General Admission Requirements for all students entering programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Science Department include:

1. Complete the admission process for UAA. Apply on UAOnline to the Associate's of Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.  Complete the Associate Degree Program's Admission Requirements listed in the UAA Catalog.
2. Complete the Student History Form and submit directly to the Medical Laboratory Science Department in person, via fax, or an email attachment.
3. Review the Essential Requirements for Admission and the Enrollment Policy form and return them to the department signed.
4. Prior to enrollment in either MEDT A101 or MEDT A132, students must complete the Pre-entrance Medical Record. All immunizations must be signed by a health care provider. The Hepatitis Series must have been started and all other immunizations completed prior to the first day of class.
5. Meet with the Medical Laboratory Science Program advisor regarding your application, program admission and development of a program of study.
6. Prior to enrolling in a practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A395 or MEDT A495) students must:

• Demonstrate computer competency in the prerequisite MEDT courses.
• Have completed a background check from State of Alaska at the following link: https://abcs.dhss.alaska.gov
  
• Provide proof of personal medical insurance coverage.

The Medical Laboratory Science Department assumes no responsibility for illness or injuries experienced by students in conjunction with student labs. It is strongly recommended that students maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in any of the programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Science Department. Students enrolled in practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A395 or MEDT A495) must provide their own transportation to the clinical facility. Personal protective equipment is provided by the training facility. The clinical facilities require proof of medical insurance coverage; therefore, students are required to maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in practicum courses. Medical insurance is available through the Student Health Center. Liability insurance is purchased by the Medical Laboratory Science Department to cover the student’s practicum. The Occupational Endorsement certificates, A.A.S. and B.S. degrees are not contingent upon the students passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.