Bucks County Community College. (Credit: BCCC)
As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, local hospitals and clinics are facing a severe shortage of qualified MLTs.
Bucks County Community College has recently opened the application window for its Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program and is encouraging early application since qualified students are accepted on a rolling admission basis. Once all the seats have been filled, the application window will close. The next Bucks MLT program cohort begins May 27, 2025, with a completion date of July 2, 2026.
MLTs are employed in hospital and clinical laboratories where they perform and report vital tests to enable doctors to diagnose diseases. The MLT associate of applied science degree prepares graduates to enter the profession of medical laboratory science by developing skills to perform complex tests, analyze results, and ensure the accuracy of lab findings using state-of-the-art equipment.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, local hospitals and clinics are facing a severe shortage of qualified MLTs. These skilled professionals are vital in diagnosing and treating diseases, and performing tests that provide the data needed for physicians to make informed decisions. Without enough MLTs, patient care and timely diagnoses are at risk.
“Medical lab technicians are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet they often work behind the scenes,” said Dean of Health Sciences Constance Corrigan, Ed.D. at Bucks County Community College. “In fact, we recently produced a new MLT program video, filmed at Doylestown Hospital, highlighting the crucial work they do and emphasizing the growing demand for trained professionals in this field.”
Training Opportunities at Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College offers a comprehensive 68-credit Medical Laboratory Technician program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this in-demand profession. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of local healthcare facilities. Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the program is taught by experienced professionals who are dedicated to preparing the next generation of MLTs.
Applicants must complete 30 general education credits prior to submitting an MLT application. Prerequisite classes can be taken at any of the College’s campuses or online, if offered. The MLT program classes are held at the Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol, Pa.
An In-Demand Occupation
The demand for Medical Lab Technicians is expected to continue rising, driven by an aging population and advances in medical technology. According to recent reports, employment opportunities for MLTs are projected to grow faster than average across the country, with Pennsylvania and Bucks County being no exception. In fact, the number of projected jobs in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is expected to increase by nine percent (9%) by 2030 with workers earning an average of $64,270 according to U.S. Department of Labor employment data. Local hospitals and clinics are urgently seeking qualified graduates to fill these vital positions.
“We are pleased to see the interest from individuals considering a career as a Medical Lab Technician,” said Karen Gatewood, associate professor, and director for the Medical Lab Technician program at Bucks County Community College. “With local hospitals in dire need of MLTs, this is a great opportunity for those looking to enter the healthcare field and make a meaningful difference.”
Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, bio-medical, or biology, and want to quickly become qualified to work in a clinical laboratory department may want to consider a medical lab technician pathway. The Bucks MLT degree can open the door for these individuals to become a medical laboratory scientist.
Learn More
For more information about the Medical Laboratory Technician program and how to apply, visit bucks.edu/MLT or call 215-968-8353.
About Bucks County Community College
Founded in 1964, Bucks County Community College is a two-year, public institution offering more than 90 programs of study that lead to either an associate degree or certificate, as well as many workforce training programs on campus, on site, or online. Successful graduates directly launch a career or transfer to four-year colleges and universities to complete a bachelor’s degree, depending on the major. Classes are offered on campus in Newtown, Bristol, and Perkasie, and worldwide through Bucks Online. To learn more, visit bucks.edu.
