Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
College of Health and Human Services
Medical laboratory scientists (formerly medical technologists)are clinical laboratory scientists who play a key role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. They make use of hundreds of scientific procedures that have been devised to detect the changes that diseases produce in the body, performing tests in microbiology, immunology, blood banking, hematology and chemistry. They use clinical instrumentation and rely increasingly upon computers for analyzing and transmitting laboratory data.
Most medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, public health agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies or other medical and industrial laboratories. With some additional training, graduates may work in forensic, cytogenetic or fertility laboratories. Graduates are able to choose from several entry-level technologist positions in hospitals. Medical technologists with graduate training in biochemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, immunology or virology often become department heads. With experience a medical laboratory scientist may become a supervisor, become involved in education or be a technical representative for a commercial organization. Currently, there is a significant shortage of medical laboratory scientists, and employment opportunities are excellent. Starting salaries in Ohio range from the low to mid 40s
The curriculum includes a core of biology and chemistry courses. This core, which is completed within the first three years, provides the academic background for the professional portion of the program. Students in medical laboratory science also take courses which promote proficiency in communication, the behavioral sciences, humanities and applied arts and sciences. Students should apply for admission to professional training during the fall semester of their junior year. Successful candidates will have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above throughout professional training. The University-based professional training portion consists of 13 months of full-time study divided into three semesters of courses in medical laboratory science. The first two semesters consist of lecture and laboratory courses in the clinical laboratory sciences and are given on campus; the final semester is a six-month clinical practicum given at one of several affiliate hospitals in northwest Ohio.
Alternatively, students who complete the pre-professional requirements may also apply for professional training via the hospital-based program. This consists of 12 months of training at a hospital with a program that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, Ill., 60631-3415, 773-714-8880.
Graduates are eligible to take a national certification examination. A certified medical laboratory scientist can work in any state; however, some states require an additional state license. In addition to preparing individuals to enter medical laboratories, this degree program prepares students for several other laboratory positions, as well as graduate work in a number of areas. The curriculum is compatible with the admission requirements of most medical schools.
Students generally can graduate within nine semesters if they select medical laboratory science as their degree program during their freshman year. Students transferring as a sophomore or upperclassman may take longer, particularly if they haven’t started their science courses as a freshman. Working with a program advisor when starting the degree program can prevent any unexpected delays.
BGSU’s College of Health and Human Services was the first collegiate unit in northwest Ohio devoted exclusively to academic programs in health and human services. The medical technology program is accredited by the NAACLS.
There are 8 active student organizations with many connected to their national professional affiliation. Each major emphasizes hands-on opportunities through practical experiences and laboratory courses.
The college sponsors a Health Sciences Residential Community where students benefit from learning and socializing with other students taking similar classes, increased contacts with faculty in the health-science academic majors, and academic advising and career exploration that takes place within the residence hall.
The medical technology profession requires a person with scientific curiosity, good hand-eye coordination, capacity to work accurately and quickly even under pressure and a strong sense of responsibility. To obtain an understanding of the profession while in high school an interested student should talk to medical technologists, visit a local hospital laboratory or possibly get a summer job in a health-related field.
Completing the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU, but only finishing the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics instead of the three that are required. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language is excellent for preparation for college. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices.
BGSU's website for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be accessed at www.bgsu.edu.
Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.
NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), please check the undergraduate catalog online at www.bgsu.edu/catalog/HHS/HHS19.html.
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