Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Quincy is accepting applications for its new Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program. Classes begin May 26, 2020.

The program, which was previously a certificate program under Blessing Hospital, transitions to an Associate of Science program under Blessing-Rieman with approval granted by the Higher Learning Commission. 

“This has been very successful as a certificate program. As the College expands into health sciences, it is an exciting opportunity to offer students an associate’s degree, giving them a spring board towards other advanced degrees,” states Brenda Beshears, President/CEO of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

MLTs are in high demand. As part of the health care team of medical specialists who analyze bodily fluids and tissues, MLTs provide assistance vital to a physician’s diagnosis and treatment of disease, or maintenance of good health. MLTs use sophisticated equipment and technology to conduct a range of tests including simple blood screen, complex analysis to detect diseases such as cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, identify bacteria or viruses that cause infections; and identify signs of drugs of abuse. The starting salary for a MLT can reach $40,000 or more.

The Blessing-Rieman MLT program is three semesters that include 36 credit hours of classroom experience and 300 hours of clinical laboratory experience at Blessing Hospital, Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL; Hannibal Clinic in Hannibal, MO; and McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, IL. 

Students are required to complete 34 credit hours of study before being accepted into the program. The program is taught and directed by Von Lithila, who is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), with a degree in MLT and over 19 of experience.

Click here for details on prerequisites, application process, and tuition information or call 217-228-5520.