How to Become a Lab Technician in the USA After High School

by

If you’re a high school graduate interested in healthcare and science, becoming a medical lab technician (MLT) can be a rewarding career choice. Lab technicians play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases by analyzing blood, tissue, and other samples. The best part? You can start this career with just an associate degree (2-year program) from an accredited college.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to become a lab technician, including entrance exam preparation, application process, and affordable mid-tier colleges that offer quality MLT programs.

Step 1: Understand the Educational Requirements

To become a certified lab technician, you need:

  • A high school diploma or GED (with strong grades in biology, chemistry, and math).
  • An associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) from an accredited program.
  • Optional but recommended: Certification (such as ASCP or AMT).

Step 2: Prepare for College Entrance Exams

Most community colleges and mid-tier schools require:

  • SAT/ACT (optional for many community colleges but required for some 4-year programs)
  • Placement tests (like ACCUPLACER or TEAS) for math and English proficiency.

How to Prepare:

  • For SAT/ACT: Use free resources like Khan Academy or College Board’s SAT practice tests.
  • For ACCUPLACER/TEAS: Study basic algebra, biology, and reading comprehension. Websites like Test-Guide.com offer free practice tests.

Step 3: Apply to Affordable MLT Programs

Here are five budget-friendly colleges offering accredited MLT programs:

1. Austin Community College (ACC) – Texas

  • Program: AAS in Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Cost: ~$2,500 per year (in-district)
  • Why Choose ACC? ACC has strong industry connections for clinical rotations and high certification pass rates.

2. Miami Dade College – Florida

  • Program: AS in Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Cost: ~$3,000 per year (in-state)
  • Why Choose MDC? Affordable tuition with hands-on training in Miami’s diverse healthcare market.

3. Sinclair Community College – Ohio

  • Program: AAS in Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Cost: ~$4,000 per year (in-state)
  • Why Choose Sinclair? High job placement rates and small class sizes for personalized learning.

4. Valencia College – Florida

  • Program: AS in Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Cost: ~$3,500 per year (in-state)
  • Why Choose Valencia? Strong partnerships with local hospitals for internships.

5. Elgin Community College (ECC) – Illinois

  • Program: AAS in Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Cost: ~$4,500 per year (in-district)
  • Why Choose ECC? Accredited program with a high ASCP certification pass rate.

Step 4: Complete Clinical Training & Get Certified

  • After finishing coursework, you’ll complete a clinical internship (usually included in the program).
  • Take a certification exam like ASCP MLT or AMT MLT (most employers prefer certified technicians).

Step 5: Start Your Career!

  • Average Salary: 45,000−45,000−60,000 per year (varies by state).
  • Job Growth: 7% (faster than average, per BLS).

Final Advice

If you want a stable, well-paying healthcare career without spending years in school, becoming a lab technician is a smart choice. Start by researching community colleges near you, prepare for any required entrance exams, and apply to accredited programs.