BS in Medical Technology in the Philippines

BS in Medical Technology (BSMT) is a four year degree program that equips students with
knowledge and skills in laboratory tests used in the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of diseases. The program consists of general education subjects (such as English
and Filipino) and professional subjects (such as Clinical Chemistry and Blood Banking).
You will be taught on how to collect, preserve and analyze specimens such as blood, urine,
cells and tissues as well as the preparation of reagents (compounds or substances added to
a specimen in order to create a chemical reaction) and stains (a discoloration made by a
foreign matter) . The program will also train you on how to use modern equipments,
instruments and scientific methods to provide accurate laboratory results.
The teaching methods used are classroom discussions, laboratory practicum exercises
(wherein a student demonstrates what has been taught) and clinical laboratory internships.
Is Medical Technology a profession?
Medical Technology is a profession. A graduate of BS in Medical Technology who passed the
board examination is called a Registered Medical Technologist (RMT).
Medical technologists analyze samples of body fluids and cells. They study the specimens
for bacteria and parasites and identify chemicals contained in them. They perform blood
matching for patients who require transfusions and analyze drug levels in a patient's blood
to determine his reaction to treatment. They also study test results and communicate the
findings to doctors. They can specialize in a variety of areas, such as microbiology,
Immunohematology, immunology or molecular biology.
What are the admission requirements for BSMT?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:
Must be a high school graduate.
Must have a college entrance examination of above average or depending on the specified
rating set by the school.
Must pass the interview conducted by the college admission officer.
Some schools require an 85% grade or higher in Mathematics and Science as well as a QPA
of the same rating.
Admission for Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) passers mainly depends on the
school's discretion since some colleges and universities only offer selected courses.
What skills are required to succeed in this course?
The following are the most important skills that you have to possess or develop:
Basic Mathematical skills for the use of computational tools
Analytical Skills on a moderate level determining what kind of laboratory tests should be
obtained and being able to identify microorganisms contained in specimens to
comprehensively diagnose certain diseases
Critical Thinking Skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Collaborative skills the ability to coordinate with different health professionals in the care
of patients
Communication skills the ability to effectively relay information both orally and in written
form
How difficult is this course?
BSMT is a moderately difficult course. Although the program contains a lot of Science and
Medical subjects, they require you to use basic level of thinking and a few complex thinking
skills. Concepts in Medical Technology only need recall/memory, analysis and synthesis. In

addition, laboratory procedures during clinical internships are routinely done thus providing
you with the chance to master every laboratory tests.
How long does it take to complete the Medical Technology program in the Philippines?
The BSMT program takes 4 years to complete. Some schools who follow a trimesteral
curriculum complete the course in less than 4 years.
Depending on the school, clinical internships during the fourth year may last 3 to 7 months.
Review for the board examination takes an additional 6 months to a year, depending on
whether you pass your first try.
Medical Technology Internship Training Program
This is an intensive practical and theoretical training that usually takes place during the
fourth year. Medical Technology students are assigned to clinical/hospital laboratories where
they perform lab tests and other diagnostic examinations. They may be allowed to perform
tests in Hematology (Complete Blood Count, Platelet Count) , Immunohematology (Blood
Banking), Urinalysis and many more.
According to CHED (official governing body of higher education institutions), the total
number of exposure/contact hours in the laboratory is 1,786 hours.
Specializations
Blood Banking a specialized field involving the collection (donation), testing, processing,
and storing blood for later use (transfusion); important in emergency and surgical medicine
and is dependent on the clinical laboratory for ensuring the safe use of blood and its
components
Chemistry a specialized area concentrating on the measurement of different proteins and
electrolytes, as well as drug levels used to monitor patient therapy
Hematology specialized area that includes the collection, study and analysis of blood
samples and blood diseases
Immunology a branch of medical technology that focuses on the study of foreign bodies
and how they affect the immune system
Microbiology the study of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and how they
affect the human body
The Board Exam
A graduate of BS in Medical Technology needs to take the Medical Technology Board
Examination before he/she can practice the profession. The Board of Medical Technology
facilitates the exam under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).
It is scheduled twice a year in the months of September and March.
Examination questions come from six major subjects with their corresponding relative
weight. Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Parasitology, Hematology, Blood Banking and
Serology each have 20% while Clinical Microscopy (Urinalysis and other body fluids) and
Histopathologic Technique each have 10%. To pass the examination you should obtain a
general weighted average of 75% with no rating below 60% in all the subjects.
The result of the board examination is released after 2 to 3 days.
You can view the passing rates for the Medical Technology Board Exam here
Career Opportunities for BSMT graduates
Jobs for Registered Medical Technologists (board passers)

Entry to Mid level positions

Jobs requiring no prior experience or a minimal level of experience:
Biochemist study the chemical composition of cells and the cellular makeup of living
organisms; they perform research on the cellular level, analyzing chemical processes and
reactions
Bacteriologist conduct research and observe the qualities, growth and composition of
scientific microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites
Blood Bank Technologist collect, analyze and prepare blood for transfusions
Clinical Pathologist collect samples from patients, sometimes within a surgical setting, or
they take the samples collected by clinical lab technicians and assistants
Histologist work closely with pathologists and diagnosticians to identify the cause of
patient symptoms and flag any warning signs of disease
Microbiologist studies microscopic organisms using the microscope
Parasitologist study the characteristics, habits, and life cycles of animal parasites. In many
cases, their work includes investigation of undiagnosed human illness, and possible parasitic
invasion related to the illness
Medical Research Assistant performs tasks to aid research in a hospital, laboratory or
clinical setting; help collect samples and specimens, interview research subjects, perform
routine tests and procedures, assemble data and ensure that test protocols are documented
Toxicologist determines the risk of negative effects of certain chemicals on humans,
animals and the environment
Cytotechnologist specializes in cytology, which is the study of the formation, structure and
function of cells
Crime Lab Analyst work in laboratories rather than in the field, analyzing various forms of
physical evidence collected by police detectives and forensic technicians at crime scenes
Advanced Positions
Require years of extensive experience and practice:
Forensic Chemist analyzes evidence that is collected at crime scenes by using principles of
chemistry, genetics and biology
Chief Medical Technologist supervises and ensures that all laboratory tests are done
accurately and on time
Chief Medical Researcher work in hospitals or science laboratories or independent
organizations compiling and analyzing information about diseases, drug interaction and
patient progress. They collect data, confer with doctors and patients and report findings to
hospital administrators and others
Medical Laboratory Manager responsible for the operation, direction and administration of
a clinical laboratory
Pharmacologist studies and analyzes the impact of chemicals and other pharmaceutical
substances, such as medicinal plants on the human body
Jobs for Non Board passers
Medical Equipment Sales Representatives sells and markets medical equipments to private
clinics, diagnostic centers and hospitals; they also instruct and demonstrate the use of
certain medical devices
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative work for pharmaceutical companies, traveling around
to get doctors to use their product
Medical Technicians assist Medical Technologists in collecting specimens and operating
medical equipments during procedures
Jobs not related to the BSMT program
Call center agent answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and provides customer
support, usually to people from other countries
Administrative Staff personnel responsible for the organization and management of office
duties and tasks; positions that include office secretary, personal assistant and office clerk
Freelancer working online doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as data entry, article
writing, SEO, customer support , administrative support etc., which mainly depends on your
skills

Career Opportunities Abroad

There is a steady demand for Medical Technologists overseas. Before you can practice
Medical Technology in foreign countries you have to take their licensure examination as well
as required trainings. In addition, they will also require you to have an experience of 3 years
or more.
Salary Levels
In the Philippines, Registered Medical Technologists with 1 to 4 years of experience receive a
monthly salary ranging from P10,000 to P15,000. For those holding more advanced positions
and an experience of 5 years above, receive a salary ranging from P14,000 to P20,000 per
month (See source).
Abroad:
In industrialized countries, pay is definitely higher than local rates. Salary in the USA ranges
from $50,000 to $70,000 per year (See source).

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