Do you want to jump into the healthcare industry, but aren't sure if you want to be a doctor or nurse? Why not be a medical lab technician?
Not all healthcare careers involve direct patient contact, and working in a medical lab is one of those important roles.
However, the work you do as a lab technician ensures that patients get the best and most efficient care and treatment possible.
It all starts with a career certificate or associate degree in medical lab technology, a program that's often available through online study.
Top Online Medical Lab Tech Classes and Courses
Keep reading for all the important details about some of the best online medical lab tech courses and degree programs.
1. Albany State University
Albany State University offers an associate degree in medical laboratory technology that you can pursue through an online format.
The combination online and distance-learning program allows you to get your skills labs and internship work completed locally to you.
This program qualifies students for the national certification exams and prepares them for careers as medical lab technicians.
Tuition for the program starts at $395 per credit hour for all online students. Scholarships and financial aid options are also available.
2. Keiser University
Keiser University offers a hybrid program through which you can earn your associate degree as a medical laboratory technician.
While you can take the lecture courses online, the clinical labs must be completed at one of Keiser's campuses in Florida.
The program is available at both the Fort Lauderdale and the Orlando campus, so you can choose the location that's most convenient for you.
Keiser doesn't charge tuition per credit hour. Tuition for associate degree programs starts at $9,904 per semester.
3. Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College offers a hybrid associate degree in medical lab technology that is mostly online.
All of the classroom courses can be taken online through asynchronous courses, so you can learn at your own pace.
There is one semester of full-time clinical practicum experience, which must be completed at a hospital or other healthcare institution.
Tuition for the program starts at $1,244 per semester of full-time study, although some semesters have lower rates. Financial aid is available.
4. Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers a hybrid medical lab tech associate degree.
The classroom portion of the program is online, with an additional 16 weeks of clinical experience in an affiliated hospital laboratory.
Because of this clinical requirement, this program is better suited to students who live in Minnesota or who are planning to move there.
Tuition for the program starts at $198.95 per credit hour for all online students. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available.
5. Northcentral Technical College
Northcentral Technical College offers a medical laboratory technician associate degree program through a hybrid format.
All coursework can be completed online through asynchronous, self-paced classes for your convenience.
Clinical lab work can be completed at a lab location near you or on Northcentral's Wausau, Wisconsin, campus.
Tuition starts at $4,713 per semester for in-state students or $6,900 per semester for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available.
6. University of West Florida
At the University of West Florida, you can earn a certificate in medical laboratory sciences entirely online.
The program can be completed in as little as three to four semesters of study and qualifies you to sit for the Florida state board examination.
You can also enroll in this program if you're not interested in earning a degree, but just need to fulfill the education requirement for licensure.
Tuition starts at $218.98 per credit hour for Florida residents, or $341.67 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
7. Weber State University
Check out Weber State University if you want to get an associate degree in medical laboratory technology 100% online.
This program features a flexible online schedule with asynchronous classes and full clinical lab support to help you succeed.
It's important to note that this program isn't approved for students who wish to work in New York. All other students are welcome.
Tuition starts at $291 per credit hour for all online students. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available to those who qualify.
FAQs About Medical Lab Tech Programs
Read on for answers to some of the top frequently asked questions about medical lab tech courses and degree programs.
Do Medical Lab Techs Need to Be Licensed?
Some states require medical lab techs to be licensed, while others don't. Check ahead of time with the state where you want to work.
States that require licensure include:
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
What Courses Are Included in a Medical Lab Tech Associate Degree?
An associate degree program typically includes some general education requirements that will give you a more well-rounded knowledge base.
Courses specific to medical laboratory technology include:
- anatomy and physiology
- microbiology
- chemistry
- medical laboratory technology clinical labs
- virology and parasitology
Can I Get a Medical Lab Tech Associate Degree Completely Online?
There are a few colleges and universities that offer a 100% online medical lab tech associate degree, but most are hybrid programs.
Because of the nature of this degree program, hands-on work in clinical labs is essential. This is usually done in labs on campus.
Find the Right School for Medical Lab Technology Today
Jumpstart your career as a medical lab tech with an accredited online associate degree from a great college or university.
