B.S. Degree with a Major in Medical Technology
What
is medical technology?
Medical Technology (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Science
(CLS) is a profession that combines the challenges and rewards of basic
science, medicine and technology. As a vital member of the health care
team, the clinical laboratory scientist works closely with pathologists
and other physicians to uncover clues to disease. Medical Technologists
are people who are certified health care professionals whose laboratory
analyses play a critical role in the diagnosis and management of disease.
Seventy to eighty percent of information used to make medical diagnoses
is generated in the diagnostic laboratory.
What
does a medical technologist do?
Medical Technologists work with specialized, high-precision
instruments to obtain results that are both valid and meet high standards
of accuracy, precision and quality control. They are also responsible for
correlating and interpreting test data, assessing and improving existing
laboratory test methods and designing, evaluating and implementing new
methods. A solid academic background in the sciences, expertise in all
aspects of laboratory practice and the highest professional qualities are
combined to develop a well-rounded professional.
What
can someone do with a B.S. in Medical Technology?
A degree in Medical Technology can lead to many different
careers including the following: Diagnostic Medicine, Quality Control,
Epidemiology, Veterinary Medicine, Medical School, Graduate Studies, Medical
Anthropology, Forensic Medicine, Infection Control, Medical Research, Sales
and Marketing, Transplant Services, Product Development and Medical Claims
Processing.
Where
do medical technologists work?
The following are possible places of employment for a
certified Medical Technologist: Hospital & Clinical Labs, Government
Agencies, Pharmaceutical Companies, Insurance Companies, Public Health
Departments, Computer Companies, Lab Supply Companies, Environmental Agencies,
Tissue Banks, Blood Processing Centers, Crime Labs, Clinical Diagnostics
Companies, Medical Research Facilities.
What
does the GMU medical technology program involve?
The Medical Technology degree program at GEORGE
MASON UNIVERSITY is designed to give students a solid academic background
in biology, chemistry, math and computer science that will prepare them
for entry into a twelve-month clinical training program at an affiliated School of Medical Technology.
What
is involved in the clinical training?
During the clinical training, students will receive lectures
and clinical training in the following areas of Clinical Laboratory Science:
Hematology – the study of blood cells; Hemostasis – the study of the clotting
mechanisms of the blood; Immunology – the study of the body’s defense
mechanisms; Immunohematology - The immunology of blood cells which is necessary
to provide compatible blood for transfusion; Clinical Chemistry -
the study of the chemical constituents of the blood and other body fluids
as well as toxicology and drug testing; Microbiology – study of microorganisms
including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
What
happens after the clinical training?
GMU students who successfully complete their clinical
training at an affiliated
School of Medical Technology will receive 30 semester hours of credit.
At the end of the clinical year and upon successful completion of all program
requirements, the student is eligible to take national certifying examinations
conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the National Credentialing Agency (NCA). The GMU Biology Department offers two
degree programs designated “3+1” and “4+1” (see description below). Additionally, the GMU Biology
Department offers an MLT Articulation Track for those individuals with
an A.A.S. from a Virginia Community College and an MLT(ASCP) certification.
3+1
PROGRAM - B.S. Degree with a Major in Medical Technology
This program requires the equivalent of three years of
full-time pre-professional study at the college level followed by the twelve
months of clinical training at an affiliated School of Medical Technology.
Note that all GMU affiliated Schools of Medical Technology are accredited
by the National Accrediting Agency for
Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
4+1
PROGRAM - B.S. Degree in Biology with a second Bachelors Degree
with
a Major in Medical Technology
In this program, the student completes all of the requirements for a B.S. Degree
in Biology* prior to entering the twelve-month clinical training program
at an affiliated school of medical technology. At the end of the clinical
year and successful completion of all program requirements, the student
is eligible to take national certifying examinations and receives a second
B.S. Degree with a Major in Medical Technology. *NOTE: These students are required to take BIOL452 and BIOL453 (Immunology lecture and lab) as Biology electives and MTCH200 as a general elective during their coursework for the B.S. Biology degree.
MLT
ARTICULATION TRACK - B.S. Degree with a Major in Medical Technology
This track offers an alternate route to a four-year degree
in medical technology to students who hold an associate degree in MLT and
are registered as an MLT (ASCP) or CLA (NCA). This track provides substantial
credit for the scientific and clinical aspects of the associate degree,
however, the number of transfer credits will vary depending upon the students’
transcript. Contact the Medical Technology Program Director for more information.
MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS:In addition to the General Education Requirements the following specific courses are required:
BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSES: (21 hours)
BIOL213:
Cell Structure and Function
BIOL303:
Animal Biology
BIOL305/306: Microbiology and Lab
BIOL311:
General Genetics
BIOL452
Immunology lecture (taught in the Fall and Spring semesters)
BIOL453:
Immunology Lab (taught in the Fall and Spring semesters)
MTCH200:
Introduction to Medical Technology (taught in the Fall semester only)
CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT COURSES: (18 hours)
CHEM211, 212:
General Chemistry
CHEM313, 314, 315, 318 or 320: Organic Chemistry
MATHEMATICS: (6 hours)
MATH 110, 111, 113, 114 (MATH 106 is not applicable)
STATISTICS (STATS 250) recommended
GMU Medical Technology Program Director: Dr. Marcia C. Coss
Medical Technology Related Links:
AFFILIATED SCHOOLS OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Page last updated: May 20, 2008