The BCC Medical Laboratory Technician Program (MLT) was approved by New York State in 1971, two years before the College moved to its University Heights home.

It is now the golden anniversary of the only accredited MLT program in all five boroughs.

Under the direction of Dr. Diane P. Banks, an MLT works in a clinical or academic laboratory running diagnostic tests on patients and providing results to doctors and nurses.

Graduates of the two-and-a-half-year program take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCAP) test to be certified. They also complete a 500-hour, 15-week internship at area hospitals.

During the height of the COVID crisis, MLT students volunteered at affiliated hospitals drawing blood samples for analysis.

Dr. Banks notes that MLT graduates earn $58 to $68 a year on an average and can work anywhere in the country except for California.

For admission to the program a high school diploma, acceptance to BCC and an interview with Dr. Banks are required.

For more information contact diane.price@bcc.cuny.edu.