SACO — University College at Saco offers the collaborative Medical Laboratory Technology Program of 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. The two-year program leads to an Associate of Science in MLT, awarded by the home campus.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions through laboratory procedures.
All MLT lecture courses are offered via videoconferencing at University College with periodic intensive laboratories held at Presque Isle or Augusta locations. The final semester is a 20-week clinical practicum scheduled at an affiliated hospital laboratory.
“There is a strong need for medical laboratory technicians as approximately 40 percent of the current laboratory workforce is within five to ten years of retirement,” according to Margaret Naas, instructor in the MLT program. “One of our program goals is to continually prepare and graduate the best medical laboratory technicians to ensure ongoing delivery of quality healthcare to communities across the State of Maine.”
Students can also transfer into a bachelor’s program so that they may upgrade their certification to Medical Laboratory Scientist. “I’m a nontraditional student who wanted to make a career change in my life and decided on the medical field so I could help people, said Roland Guimond, a former student. “This course was very challenging, but nothing worth having comes easily. If you are up to the challenge and are willing to work hard, I would recommend this program; it will be well worth it in the end.”
University College at Saco is one of eight University of Maine System centers located across Maine. Located at 4 Scamman Street, UC Saco serves the Saco/Biddeford community and greater York County area. For more information about the Medical Laboratory Technology Program or any other program, contact Student Success Coordinator Laurie Grant at 282-4111.
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