EduMed.org, a leader in student-focused college and career information online, has released its annual rankings of the top schools for online degrees and certificates in nursing and allied health. North Arkansas College (Northark) Online Medical Laboratory Technical (MLT) program ranked third in the nation.
The rankings include more than 100 health-related subjects and cover program levels from entry-level diplomas through advanced doctorate degrees. North Arkansas College’s programs offer the best combinations of quality, affordability, online learning and student outcomes.
“I am proud but not surprised that Northark's MLT program has been ranked the 3rd best online program in the United States,” Dr. Laura Berry, interim dean of Health Professions at Northark stated. “Northark’s MLT director developed this innovative program after recognizing the need for a more flexible, off-campus option for those already working or living far from campus. With a focus on hands-on learning and partnerships with health care providers, this great program ensures that students are well-prepared and highly qualified for successful careers as Med Lab Techs!”
“This year, we enhanced our methodology by adding new data points for students to consider, particularly those focused on student outcomes,” said Wes Harris Ricketts, founder of EduMed.org. “Our goal was to highlight the schools that truly set their students up for success – both academically and beyond. This involved a much closer examination of key factors such as graduation rates, timely program completion and post-graduation career placement services.”
EduMed’ s shift to more outcome-driven rankings comes at a time when the topic of nursing student attrition remains front-and-center. According to the National League for Nursing (NLN), the nationwide dropout rate for baccalaureate nursing programs is between 20 and 25 percent. In California, the Board of Registered Nursing reported an average 10 percent attrition rate statewide for BSN programs in 2022, with some schools exceeding 50 percent.
“These challenges are not exclusive to nursing,” said Ricketts. “Students in other health-related fields often face similar struggles. Reducing attrition begins with making education more affordable, accessible and student-centered. Schools that go the extra mile by offering comprehensive support give students the confidence and motivation to complete their programs and thrive in their careers.”
EduMed.org researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the schools themselves. The website’s data science team then applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each healthcare discipline. Primary data points include:
• Number of online programs
• Average in-state tuition
• Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
• Amount of institutional grant aid awarded to students
• Student/faculty ratio
• Percent of full-time student completion – 6 years
• Academic counseling
• Career placement
To be eligible for ranking consideration, a school must hold active regional accreditation and have at least one partially online program in the ranking subject.
Full list of Best Online Medical Laboratory Technology rankings https://www.edumed.org/online-schools/medical-lab-tech-mlt-programs/#two-year-rankings