Health Care Technician Programs

Prerequisite work is completed at Northeastern for acceptance to a variety of programs across the country. In many examples, these programs are somewhat unique because of the working relationship that Northeastern has with other community colleges to share the responsibility of providing the training and internships for those careers.

In some cases the lecture part of the program may be completed on-line and students travel to the clinical sites for the internship. In other programs the student may be required to transfer to another college for at least a semester to complete the program requirements.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster the average for all occupations. Employment of medical laboratory technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

An increase in the aging population is expected to lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Prenatal testing for various types of genetic conditions also is increasingly common. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians will be in demand to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $52,330 in May 2018.

Program Requirements / Classes

Pre-Dental Hygiene Emphasis	AS
Pre-Medical Technician Emphasis	AS
Pre-Radiology Technician Emphasis	AS
Pre-Respiratory Therapy	AS
Pre-Surgery Technician Emphasis	AS

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.