Pre-Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science Program
Advisor: C. Wymer
The field of medical technology or clinical laboratory science involves the medical application of the basic sciences. Principles from cellular and molecular biology, organic and biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, genetics and physiology are applied to laboratory testing.
In the clinical laboratory, samples from the body are tested to determine the presence, absence, extent or cause of disease. The accurate performance of these complex tests requires advanced education in all areas of clinical laboratory sciences, including chemistry, toxicology, immunohematology, hematology, urinalysis, and microbiology. Medical Technology is an exciting career choice for people who like biology and chemistry, enjoy laboratory work, and desire to help others.
The continued growth of the health care industry is accompanied by an increasing demand for clinical laboratory settings. Graduates acquire positions in research laboratories, medical industry and sales, forensic medicine, law enforcement, state health departments, veterinary laboratories, educational programs, physician offices and large clinical laboratories.
After several years experience, medical technologists may choose to move up the career ladder into educational, supervisory, and managerial roles. Others obtain advanced education in management, business, or the computer sciences. Graduates of this program have excelled in all of these areas.
MSU is affiliated with the following accredited hospital schools of medical technology:
St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Covington, Ky.
Owensboro Mercy Health System, Owensboro, Ky.
Bellarmine University, Louisville, Ky.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with the assistance of their medical technology advisor, usually begin to make applications to medical technology schools at the beginning of their senior year. Acceptance by an accredited school of medical technology for a clinical year of study is competitive and is generally based on the applicant's academic record (minimum of 2.8 GPA and a minimum science GPA of 2.5), personal interviews, and letter of recommendation. The final decision for admittance into the program is made by the appropriate school of medical technology. MSU makes every effort to secure each student a position at one of the hospital-based schools of medical technology.
Affiliated hospitals charge tuition during the clinical year in order to help defray expenses incurred in providing the students laboratory experience. The hospitals provide the medical technology coordinator with an estimate of expenses, in addition to tuition or fees, the student will likely incur during the clinical training. Grants and/or loans may be available for eligible students.
Affiliated hospital schools do not assume any obligation to accept a maximum or minimum number of students each year from MSU. Selection is based on open competition.
Clinical Year
The following courses, equivalents or subject areas must be satisfactorily completed (at least 2.0 average) during the hospital-based clinical year to receive credit: Immunohematology, 58 hours lecture and 106 hours laboratory; Medical Microbiology, 80 hours lecture and 180 hours laboratory; Medical Mycology, 30 hours lecture and 33 hours laboratory; Serology and Immunology, 40 hours lecture and 32 hours laboratory; Routine Analysis, 40 hours lecture and 150 hours laboratory; Clinical Chemistry, 114 hours lecture and 180 hours laboratory; Medical Parasitology, 25 hours lecture and 45 hours laboratory; Hematology, 99 hours lecture and 180 hours laboratory; Medical Technology Seminar, 16 hours lecture; and Special Topics, 91 hours lecture and 33 hours laboratory.
Certification Examination
Upon successful completion of the clinical year of training, students are eligible to take a certifying examination in medical technology, such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP), Board of Registry.
For the purpose of scheduling course selection and complete preparation for medical technology school, premedical technology students must work closely with their faculty advisors.
For more information on Premedical Technology, important links may be accessed from the Web site given at the beginning of this program description.