Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BS)
UM-Flint's Medical Technology Program
The Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology provides an undergraduate education to those preparing to enter the field of clinical laboratory science, also known as medical technology. Medical technologists produce reliable diagnostic data reflective of patient health status. Physicians rely on the clinical laboratory data provided by medical technologists to determine the presence, absence, extent or cause of a disease. Clinical laboratory professionals are essential members of the heath care team, uncovering scientific facts leading to the accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of disease leading to the accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of disease. Students of clinical laboratory science develop the analytical thinking skills necessary to function effectively in a clinical laboratory environment.
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology is designed to provide a broadly based background including specific biology, chemistry, and laboratory science course requirements as well as an opportunity to elect courses from humanities and social sciences. The four years of undergraduate study may be followed by a clinical internship year in a hospital or other clinical setting offering an accredited program in Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science. Persons may obtain clinical internships through participation in the Medical Technology Internship Matching Program of Michigan (MTIMPM), a competitive process which matches participants to clinical internship programs. Internship graduates are then eligible to take a nationally recognized certification examination conducted by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Successful completion of the certification exam confers MT(ASCP) certification status and eligibility for numerous types of positions within the field of clinical laboratory science.
Employment opportunities are available ina variety of work settings. Qualified individuals are needed to fill the available positions in clinical practice settings of diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, public health agencies and clinics. Career options also exist outside the traditional clinical laboratory. Graduates with backgrounds in clinical laboratory science occupy positions as medical research and development technologists, technical representatives for medical product and medical equipment companies, and other bio-medically related positions in biotechnology companies.
The degree program in Medical Technology is also an excellent foundation for students preparing for graduate studies in a sub-discipline or another health-related area or for pre-professional training in one of the medical sciences (pre-physician assistant, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry). Students intending to pursue graduate studies in a sub-discipline are encouraged to select a program minor which encompasses subject matter in the sub-discipline of interest.
Mission Statement
The Medical Technology program prepares graduates for clinical laboratory careers and science/medically-related positions in business and industry.