Pre-Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science Program

Advisor: G. Gearner

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 sciences, 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 of 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.

MSU is affiliated with the following accredited hospital schools of medical technology:

• St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Covington, KY 

• Owensboro Mercy Health System, Owensboro, KY 

• Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science, with the assistance of their medical technology advisor, usually begin to make applications to medical technology schools at the beginning of their senior year. Acceptance by an accredited school of medical technology for a clinical year of study is competitive and is generally based on the applicant's academic record (minimum of 2.8 GPA and a minimum science GPA of 2.5), personal interviews, and a letter of recommendation. The final decision for admittance into the program is made by the appropriate school of medical technology. MSU makes every effort to secure each student a position at one of the hospital-based schools of medical technology.

Affiliated hospitals charge tuition during the clinical year 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.

Affiliated hospital schools do not assume any obligation to accept a maximum or minimum number of students each year from MSU. Selection is based on open competition.