Medical Lab Technologist Bachelor of Science.

The proposed Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technologist program at Saddleback College builds upon the existing Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician degree. It extends learning into advanced areas including molecular diagnostics, laboratory operations and quality systems management, leadership, informatics and CLIA ’88 compliance.  It prepares students to meet the entry-level competencies necessary to perform the full range of clinical laboratory tests in such areas as clinical chemistry, hematology and hemostasis, immunology and serology, immunohematology and transfusion medicine, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, urinalysis and body fluid analysis, laboratory operations and management, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, and other emerging fields in laboratory medicine.  

The proposed program will be delivered in a hybrid format combining online didactic instruction with on-site hands-on applied experience, enabling working professionals to complete their bachelors degree while remaining employed.  Clinical experience occurs through partnerships with regional CLIA-certified laboratories and hospital systems across Orange County, sites that currently lack capacity.  

The proposed Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technologist serves recent associate degree graduates and incumbent professionals seeking career advancement and leadership roles.  The program strengthens California’s healthcare workforce capacity by complementing, not duplicating existing university pathways.  

The college anticipates 25 to 29 completers annually starting in year three.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technologist (BSMLT) at Saddleback College is designed to prepare highly skilled clinical laboratory professionals who are workforce-ready, capable of occupational advancement, and responsive to critical statewide and national healthcare needs. Building upon Saddleback College’s accredited Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Associate of Science program, this bachelor’s degree is intentionally structured as a stackable pathway, enabling graduates of the MLT program and practicing MLTs in the field to advance their skills, responsibilities, and career opportunities through upper-division coursework, advanced clinical training, and preparation for Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) licensure.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1) Demonstrate advanced competency in analytical methods, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory quality systems in alignment with high-complexity CLIA ’88 standards.

2) Apply professional, regulatory, and ethical frameworks, to the supervision of personnel, management and clinical operations, and assurance of patient safety in diverse healthcare environments.  

3) Evaluate, interpret, and communicate laboratory data using statistical and evidence-based approaches to support clinical decision-making, research interpretation, and continuous quality improvement.

4) Integrate leadership, cultural competence, and professional communication skills to collaborate effectively with interprofessional healthcare teams and mentor entry-level laboratory scientists.

5) Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to support evolving roles in laboratory management, informatics, and advanced certification pathways.  

Students who have completed Saddleback College's Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Associate of Science program will have satisfied the majority of these prerequisites and are strongly encouraged to apply. Completion of Saddleback College’s Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) provides students with essential knowledge and technical competencies for immediate employment in clinical laboratories. The MLT degree also satisfies all lower-division prerequisites for the proposed bachelor’s program, allowing graduates to transition seamlessly into upper-division coursework. The proposed upper division curriculum builds directly on the foundation of the associate degree, adding advanced coursework positioning students for career advancement in professional laboratory practice and leadership roles within the healthcare system. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technologist program are eligible for immediate California CLS licensure and ASCP certification, as well as advancement into advanced clinical roles such as laboratory supervisor, quality assurance officer, or specialist positions.

Students will also be prepared to further their education in areas such as M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science, Master of Public Health or Healthcare Administration or a M.S. in Biotechnology or Ph.D./DCLS in Biomedical Sciences

The Medical Laboratory Technologist, Bachelor of Science also provides strong preparation for professional programs such as medicine (MD/DO), physician assistant, pharmacy, or dentistry.

At the state level, the program is designed to meet all requirements of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS) for Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) licensure under the California Business and Professions Code and Title 17 regulations. Graduates will complete a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree that includes the necessary coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as 52 weeks of clinical training at CDHP approved sites under licensed CLS supervision. Upon completion students will be eligible to sit for nation certification exams through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the American Association of Bio analysts (AAB), both required for California Licensure.  

This program will be saddleback College's first Bachelor of Science Degree. It will be aligned with our Current AS Degree in MLT in the School of Health and Wellness.

There are not similar degrees currently in Orange County Region.  

Degree structure is cohort based.  We project 29 completers per year after the third year.