Overview
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 science 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.
Students first complete a bachelor of science degree with a major in biology and minor in chemistry or integrated science (see pg. 139 of the Morehead State University 2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog) at MSU. Then students complete a clinical year at a accredited school of medical technology. With the assistance of their medical technology adviser, students make applications to schools of medical technology at the beginning of their senior year. Acceptance by an accredited school of medical technology for clinical year of study is competitive and is generally based on the applicant’s academic record (minimum of 2.8 grade-point-average and a minimum science GPA of 2.5), personal interviews, and letters of recommendation. The final decision for admittance into the program is made by the appropriate school of medical technology. MSU makes every effort to assist each student in securing a position at one of the schools of medical technology.
MSU has close working relationships with the following accredited schools of medical technology:
- St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Covington, Kentucky
- Owensboro Mercy Health System, Owensboro, Kentucky
Schools of medical technology 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.
Schools of medical technology do not assume any obligation to accept a maximum or minimum number of students each year from MSU. Selection is based on open competition. In recent years, MSU students have had a 100% acceptance rate into accredited schools of medical technology.
For the purpose of scheduling, course selection, and complete preparation for medical technology school, the pre-medical technology student must work closely with their faculty advisor.
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