If you are fascinated by science, have an investigative mind, are detail-oriented, and possess critical thinking skills, the MLT Program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is for you!  Medical laboratory technology provides a strong foundation and skill set for students interested in healthcare, leading to various career opportunities. The MLT Program of Maine is a collaborative effort between 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. 

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Program Highlights

Accreditation

The MLT Program of Maine is accredited by:
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
773-714-8880
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

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EXPECT generous scholarships

MLT Program of Maine’s Vision

The faculty is committed to providing students with exceptional education and training to develop entry-level competencies in all laboratory areas including blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, phlebotomy, and urinalysis.

Be a diagnostic detective

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) are in high demand and vital to the healthcare team. They are often the first to produce patient results useful in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Using sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and highly skilled manual techniques, MLTs examine and analyze blood and other body fluids, tissues, and cells and identify microorganisms. 

Although they are not often personally involved with patients, MLTs are crucial in providing personalized care. They also evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician. It is estimated that more than 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory data.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Did you know?

The universities and program clinical affiliates are invested in the program to meet workforce needs and maintain our long-standing commitment to providing quality laboratory education to communities across Maine.

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Program Outcomes

Since the inception of the collaborative program and its first graduating class in 2004, the average first-time pass rate on the certification exam for program graduates is 95%.

High Workforce Demand

The United States is experiencing a nationwide clinical laboratory workforce shortage due to several factors: an aging workforce, a vacancy rate that exceeds the number of clinical laboratory graduates, an increase in demand for laboratory services, and practice changes with new technologies.

Student Organization

The MLT Program requires that students behave professionally and conduct themselves as expected of employees in the workplace. As medical laboratory professionals, our duty is to the patient, placing their welfare above their own needs and desires and ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality of care.

Medical laboratory technicians perform, develop, evaluate, and correlate; assure accuracy and validity of laboratory information; direct and supervise clinical laboratory resources and operations; and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The medical laboratory technician has diverse and multi-level functions in the areas of collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances, principles and methodologies, performance of assays, problem-solving, troubleshooting techniques, significance of clinical procedures and results, principles, and practices of quality assessment, for all major areas practiced in the contemporary clinical laboratory.

They have the requisite knowledge and skills to educate laboratory professionals, other health care professionals, and others in the laboratory practice and the public.

The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and demonstrating commitment to the patient are essential qualities.  Communication skills extend to consultative interactions with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.  Laboratory professionals demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates, and the community.

Adapted from NAACLS: Unique Standards of the Medical Laboratory Technician.

Facilities and Clinical Affiliates

MLT Training Center

The MLT Training Center is located at 115 Pullen Hall.  The MLT program has dedicated student training spaces, including a classroom, training lab, and phlebotomy/specimen processing lab. Student training is performed in a simulated modern laboratory setting outfitted with advanced instrumentation, equipment, ample supplies, and resources to ensure students experience a quality laboratory education.

Clinical Affiliates

Calais Regional Hospital

Cary Medical Center

Central Maine Healthcare, various locations

Houlton Regional Hospital

MaineGeneral Medical Center

MaineHealth, NorDx Laboratories, various locations

Penobscot Valley Hospital

Northern Light, A.R. Gould Hospital 

Northern Maine Medical Center

St. Mary’s Medical Center

St. Joseph’s Hospital         

Redington Fairview General Hospital

Faculty

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Leigh Belair, MEd, MLS (ASCP)

MLT Program Director;  Associate Professor of MLT
Location
205 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9440
Email
leigh.belair@maine.edu
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Meagan Corriveau BA, MLT(ASCP)

Clinical Microbiology Lab Instructor; Senior Lecturer
Phone
(207) 768-9438
Email
meagan.corriveau@maine.edu

Bayley Lynch

Part-Time Faculty - MLT
Email
bayley.caouette@maine.edu
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Malissa Norfolk

Assistant Professor
Email
malissa.norfolk@maine.edu
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Elisha Sirois

UMA MLT Program Coordinator; Laboratory Education Manager at MaineGeneral
Phone
(207) 626-6773
Email
elisha.sirois@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

Medical Lab Technology Program Offerings

Medical Laboratory Technology is a two-year program leading to an Associate of Science in MLT.

The MLT program is traditionally completed in two years, but a three-year option is available for students desiring a slower pace or those with additional obligations and responsibilities.

What can you do with a degree in Medical Lab Technology?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!