Medical Technology (Biology)

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Mason s focus on interdisciplinary studies allows students to enjoy a deeper academic experience.

One of the great challenges of the 21st century is to maintain and improve the quality of human life and that of the living support system that is our planet and the species that live on it. The Biology Undergraduate Program is a collaboration between the Department of Molecular and Microbiology (MMB) and the Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP). In addition, the Program has its own dedicated teaching faculty. The undergraduate program in Medical Technology is offered in conjunction with local affiliated schools in the clinical laboratory sciences.

CONTACT US
Biology Program/Medical Technology Program Coordinator 4400 University Drive, MSN 3E1 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 Tel. 703-993-1050/3462

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Medical Technology Program offers several options for students to obtain the education they will need to pursue careers in this field; however, in all cases the clinical laboratory training must be taken at one of our five affiliated schools:

BS in MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3+1

90 Credits of Required Courses at GMU (or Transferred) 30 Credits of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

BS in MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 4+1

120 Credits of Required Courses (BS in Biology) 30 Credits of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

BS in BIOLOGY1
44 Credits in Biology Courses Variety of Courses or Focus

CONCENTRATIONS
Biotechnology Microbiology Molecular Biology Environmental & Conservation Biology
1The

basic requirements for eligibility to take the national examination for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification is a bachelor of science degree in biology, chemistry, medical technology or a related life science degree and 12 months of training in the clinical laboratory sciences in a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS; www.naacls.org).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Medical Technology Program pursue diverse careers in hospitals; physicians, dentists, and veterinarians offices; clinics; medical and diagnostic laboratories; the federal government and state agencies; health care-associated industries; and colleges and universities. This program requires the equivalent of three years of full-time pre-professional study at the college level preceding a senior year of professional education in an affiliated school of medical technology. All affiliated schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Responsibility for applying to schools of medical technology and gaining admission rests with the student; however, guidance is provided by the Medical Technology Program Coordinator. Admission to medical technology schools is selective, so candidates should strive for strong academic standing. Students who fail to gain admission to an affiliated, NAACLS-approved school are unable to complete the degree program. Such students may transfer to biology major without loss of credits. Application to medical technology schools should be initiated about a year before the desired entrance date. This fact, coupled with the large number of required courses in the pre-professional curriculum, makes it imperative that students in the program consult regularly with their faculty advisor. All medical technology majors and prospective majors are urged to enroll in MTCH 200 as early as possible. This course provides information on the profession, as well as the educational demands placed on candidates. Listed below are some resources for additional information on this career.
Clinical Laboratory Training Augusta Health School of Clinical Laboratory Science Inova Fairfax Hospital Medical Technology Program Rockingham Memorial Hospital Medical Technology Program The George Washington University Medical Center, Clinical Laboratory Science Program Washington Hospital Center School of Medical Technology Other Career Planning Resources Explore Health Careers http://www.explorehealthcareers.org/en/Index.aspx GMU Medical Technology (undergraduate programs) http://cos.gmu.edu/academics/undergraduate/ majors/medical_technology G M U Health Professions Advising (graduate programs) http://prehealth.gmu.edu/ American Medical Technologists http://www.amt1.com/ National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences http://www.naacls.org/ American Society for Clinical Pathology http://www.ascp.org/default.aspx American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science http://www.ascls.org/ National Society for Histotechnology http://www.nsh.org

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Undergraduates can obtain credits toward their degrees as they participate in research and practical experiences with faculty and department affiliates, with lab-based projects, field research, apprenticeships, and internships. Students are also encouraged to obtain experience with local organizations to better prepare them in using the skills needed by medical technologists and other health career professionals, including good judgment, observation and analysis of details, oral and written communication, and manual dexterity.

WHY MASON?
The proximity of Mason to Washington, DC, gives us a unique opportunity to partner with many organizations involved in training and careers in the health sciences. In addition to our five affiliated schools of medical technology training, this campus offers many options for courses, hearing speakers on health care topics, exploring different paths to laboratory research or clinical work, and being mentored by faculty and community experts from public health, international aid organizations, private industries, and governmental agencies. Medical laboratory scientists are in great demand as essential members of the health care team to help diagnose and manage diseases. GMU has diverse courses to help students explore multiple related fields, while preparing them in a solid science academic background. On successful completion of the clinical training and passing the national certification exam, GMU graduates can be assured of finding employment in this field, either in the Mid-Atlantic region or anywhere!

GMU will help you to open doors and make essential connections for a medical technology career