Medical Technology Degree Programs and Schools
A Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology is the usual qualification for becoming a medical laboratory technologist. Accredited schools offer bachelor's degree programs and associate-to-bachelor's articulation programs in this field, which can help you to become certified or licensed as a technologist. Read more about the training, job outlook and salary potential for this field.
What You Need to Know
Medical technology is helpful in detecting, diagnosing, and treating illness in patients. Programs are available at the bachelor's level with online options for working professionals.
| Degree Options | Bachelor's degree in medical technology or medical/clinical laboratory technology; certificate in medical laboratory science; associate's degree in clinical laboratory sciences. |
| Schools | Look for schools meeting career/education goals or that take previous work experience into account; online programs are beneficial for those already in the field; intensive clinical lab rotations exist as well. |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $57,800 (for all clinical laboratory technologists and technicians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Is Medical Technology?
Clinical laboratory professionals are part of the medical team that fights disease through detection, diagnosis and treatment. Clinical laboratory personnel take and analyze samples, run tests and match blood for transfusions. Professionals in this field are commonly known as medical laboratory scientists or technologists. Laboratory personnel might also work in a variety of sub-fields, such as immunology, histotechnology, cytotechnology, phlebotomy and molecular biology science.
What Degree Programs Are Available?
Medical technology degree programs are commonly available at the bachelor's degree level and might be offered under similar titles, such as medical or clinical laboratory technology. Certificate and associate degree programs are available in related fields, but these programs commonly prepare individuals to become subordinate technicians and shouldn't be confused with 4-year medical technology programs. If you've already earned a related certificate or associate degree, you might be able to transfer directly into a 4-year medical technology program.
What Can I Expect From A Bachelor's Degree?
Bachelor's degree programs in medical technology commonly include courses in research and design. These degree programs usually include coursework in the areas of mathematics, statistics and biological science. You might also complete rotations at clinical laboratories. A Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or Medical Laboratory Sciences may be two available options.
The following topics might also be included in your four-year degree program:
- Financial operations
- Communication with healthcare workers
- Specialized tests
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
How Can I Choose a School?
When applying to a medical technology program, you should be sure that a prospective school meets your educational needs and career goals. In some cases, you must have completed a minimum amount of relevant coursework in order to apply. If you already hold a certificate or associate degree or are already a working medical laboratory technician, you might prefer a program that takes previous work experience or education into account.
As a working professional, you might benefit from schools that offer online bachelor's degree options, which are often shorter degree-completion programs that allow you to study around your work schedule. For additional hands-on experience, you could choose a school that offers intensive clinical laboratory rotations. For a broader scientific education, you might prefer a degree that places a greater emphasis on biological studies. These schools offer medical technology degree programs:
- Georgia Southern University (Savannah)
- Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)
- Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa
What Can I Expect From a Career in This Field?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that employment of medical laboratory technologists would rise 7% during 2021-2031 (www.bls.gov). The median annual wage for all medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was estimated to be $57,800 in 2021. Licensure might be required in some states, which would typically necessitate a bachelor's degree.
You can obtain voluntary certification through professional organizations, such as the American Society of Clinical Pathology's Board of Certification or American Medical Technologists. You can pursue general credentials or specialize in a particular discipline, such as blood banking, microbiology or cytogenetics. Continuing education is usually required to maintain certification and licensure, and becoming a member of a credentialing organization can give you access to seminars, courses and online professional development resources.