Medical technologists are also known as clinical laboratory scientists.
Medical technologists must have at least an associate degree, although many employers require a bachelor's in life sciences or medical technology combined with certification from a professional organization. Classes focus on the fields of chemistry, biological sciences, immunology and molecular biology, among others. Pennsylvania has nearly 30 colleges and universities that offer the necessary courses and programs to earn a medical technologist degree.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
The department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a bachelor's of science in clinical laboratory science for medical technologists. The school's 120-credit program requires two phases of study: 88 credits of coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, math and liberal studies; and 32 credits during a 12-month clinical year. During that year, students attend classes while serving clinical rotations at an affiliated clinical laboratory science school in Pennsylvania, New York or Ohio. Indiana University of Pennsylvania is about 45 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Clarion University
Set in the hills of western Pennsylvania, Clarion University provides a medical technology program that includes three years of study at the university and 12 months of clinical study at a hospital-based school; however, students can apply to the hospital school after completion of two years at Clarion. Classes in biology, chemistry and math are required and students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, except first-semester freshmen (2.0 GPA required overall). Clarion's enrollment is about 7,300, allowing for a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Marywood University
Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Marywood University in Scranton provides a dual-track program of medical technology and clinical laboratory science. Students can fulfill university requirements and those of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science over a three-year period, then spend a fourth year at an accredited school of medical technology or clinical laboratory science. Marywood has affiliations with Abington Memorial Hospital and with Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. The 115-acre campus is about 2-1/2 hours from New York City.
University of the Sciences Philadelphia
Initially founded as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1821 --- the first pharmacy school in North America according to the school's "About" page --- University of the Sciences Philadelphia allows students to obtain a five-year dual degree in medical technology and biology, microbiology or humanities and sciences. Its medical technology program, directed by a certified medical technologist, requires four years of study. Students will have access to sophisticated instrumentation and engage in hands-on practices, such as performing laboratory tests.
Tags: medical technology, clinical laboratory, clinical laboratory science, laboratory science, Indiana University, Indiana University Pennsylvania, University Pennsylvania
