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  Medical technology is a stimulating profession associated with medical science. Medical technologists make a vital contribution to health care. They are involved in medical diagnosis by applying their scientific knowledge, skill, and aptitude to an ever-broadening range of complex laboratory, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They perform chemical analyses, count red and white blood cells, perform the various tests necessary to administer lifesaving blood transfusions, and do culture and sensitivity studies on microorganisms. Work in a medical laboratory is accomplished through the use of a wide array of intricate precision equipment - microscopes, automatic analyzers, electronic counters, spectrophotometers, and gas chromatographs. New instruments and methods of analysis are constantly being developed so that clinical laboratory scientists are involved in an atmosphere of continuous learning, evaluation and progress.
Medical technology offers many opportunities in a wide variety of positions. It offers both lateral and vertical mobility - lateral with variety in the kinds of positions and vertical in terms of responsibility. Medical technologists serve in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, public health departments, private research institutes, industry, and the armed forces. There are advanced educational programs for those who wish to specialize in blood banking, clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, nuclear medicine, or who prefer to teach in hospital-affiliated programs or in colleges and universities.
College of Saint Mary offers two-degree programs in this area: Bachelor of Science in medical technology and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry or biology. Upon completion of the college course-work, both programs require one year (12 months) of professional education in a hospital school of medical technology approved by the A.M.A. Council on Medical Education. Upon completing the professional year of study and earning a Bachelor's degree, a student is eligible to take credentialing agency examinations for national certification as a professional medical technologist.
The B.S. in medical technology takes three years on campus and one year of professional education. The B.S. in biology or chemistry takes four years on campus plus the year of professional education.
Above average grades in high school chemistry, biology and mathematics is a prerequisite for acceptance into the program. Transfer students are invited to submit transcripts for an early evaluation.
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