Medical Laboratory Technology 

School Year: 2024–25

Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring

Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).

Fees and costs are subject to change.

To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.

The ATI TEAS was developed to measure basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage. These entry-level skills were deemed important for PTA, Dental Hygiene, and Medical Laboratory Technology program applicants by a panel of program curriculum experts.

The ATI TEAS is a 150-item, four-option, multiple-choice assessment. To prepare in an organized and efficient manner, you should know what to expect from the real assessment.

Students can use this link to purchase the ATI TEAS Study Manual.

*There are 20 unscored questions throughout the exam for a total of 170 questions total.

Testing Center ATI TEAS Exam Schedule:

Test Registration Procedure

1) Register for an available exam time. Using the link below, choose between taking your exam at main campus in Cedar Rapids or the Kirkwood Regional Cener at the U of I in Coralville.

ATI TEAS Test Registration

2) You must create an account on the ATI TEAS website, click on "create account."

We recommend students use their Kirkwood student email when creating an account. Remember your username and password when you come to take your test.
 
3) On the day of your scheduled test, bring the following: 

• Photo ID
• ATI TEAS account username and password
• Debit or credit card to pay for the exam. 
  
  

*The cost of the exam is $70 starting (as of July 1, 2023.)

 
On your scheduled date and time, you will take your test at the test center located on the second floor of Cedar Hall, check-in at room 2055. Leave all personal belongings at home, you will not be able to take your phone, smart watches, etc. in the room where you test.
 
Please look at the following link for some useful information on how to prepare for the exam: ATI TEAS Tips for Success.

A minimum of 30 days is recommended between ATI TEAS exam attempts. It is recommended that students remediate in the areas identified by the Individual Profile Sub-Scales scores before retaking this exam.

Questions or concerns? Contact the Test Center at testcenter@kirkwood.edu or 319-398-5456.

ATI TEAS Policy

Three cumulative attempts are allowed to pass the ATI TEAS exam with the minimum score required by the appropriate program.

• If a student fails the exam for a program three times, they are not allowed to change their program to take the exam three more times for a different program. It is three cumulative attempts.
  
  
• Acceptable scores vary between programs. Therefore, an unacceptable score for one program may be considered acceptable for another.

After the second failed attempt, students will be strongly encouraged to set up a meeting with the appropriate program director to discuss strategies for success on the third attempt.
 
After the third failed attempt, students are no longer eligible to be admitted into any program that requires the exam. You cannot change programs to start the testing process over.
 
Students must wait three years if they want to try again if the third test failed to meet the minimum score.

Enjoy small classes taught by quality instructors who have expertise in clinical laboratory science. You'll learn hands-on with advanced laboratory equipment and facilities, as well as clinical experience in hospital and public health settings.

This program combines classroom and online learning with laboratory and clinical site experience.

You’ll perform sample collection, test analysis, principle application, quality control monitoring, use and maintenance of automated and electronic instruments, troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist or pathologist in compliance with safety and governmental regulations.

You’ll also study chemistry, hematology, blood bank, microbiology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, and quality assurance.

When you finish the program, you’ll be eligible to take the national certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Students in Kirkwood's Medical Laboratory Technology program, as well as those pursuing the Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certififcate, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of HOSA, a global student-led organization exclusively for students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions.

HOSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.

MLTs are trained to work in multiple settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, private reference laboratories, research, biotechnology, public health, nonclinical industrial laboratories, and sales or technical services.

Learn More

Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate*

*State and federal aid may be used for the diploma on its own or as part of the degree program above.

There is no state licensure requirement in Iowa to practice as a medical laboratory technician. However, some employers may prefer certification for employment. Graduates of Kirkwood’s Medical Laboratory Technology program are eligible to sit for the Medical Laboratory Technician American Society for Clinical Pathology, MLT(ASCP), certification exam. This exam is credentialed by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC). More information about the certification exam can be found on the ASCP BOC website.

To see certification exam pass rates, please see information under the Program Outcomes area of the MLT program website.

The Kirkwood Community College Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

NAACLS

5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720

Rosemont, IL 60018-5119

www.naacls.org

773-714-8880

Successful completion of this program leads to a professional licensure or certification. View the state listing guide to identify which Kirkwood program fulfills state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.

The Kirkwood Medical Laboratory Technology program, with the assistance of the clinical affiliates, strives to provide a quality educational experience to train highly qualified and competent individuals who possess the necessary skills for employment as entry level MLTs. The program is committed to meeting the employment needs of the clinical laboratories in the regions we serve.

Upon graduation, the students will receive and Associates of Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Examination.