Master's Degrees in Medical Technology

<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree in a related field preferable <br/> Prior professional experience helpful</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Yes, but limited</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Cell biology, virology, pathology, microbiology</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Opportunities</b></td><td> Clinical laboratory technologist, lab director, academic roles</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $54,180 (<i>for all clinical laboratory technologists and technicians</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all clinical laboratory technologists and technicians</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnTheDegreeOnline">Can I Earn the Degree Online?</h3><p>If you're interested in earning a master's degree in medical technology, online learning options are limited. Most programs require students to write a thesis based on original research or complete clinical rotations at a local hospital or clinic. Therefore, they can't be completed online. </p><p>Rarely, a program that doesn't require a thesis or other hands-on study may be completed entirely online. You would complete a project based on analysis of previously collected data. Such a terminal degree program in medical technology may be appropriate if you're interested in a career in education or medical administration. In these careers, you could work to improve the standard of patient care provided by medical laboratories. </p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>In a medical technology master's degree program, you will learn how to perform a variety of laboratory tests in hands-on clinical settings. In addition, you'll also complete traditional classroom courses to learn the theories and principles of the field. Topics you can expect to study include these: </p><ul><li>Cell biology </li><li>Laboratory safety &amp; infection control </li><li>Pathology </li><li>Microbiology </li><li>Epidemiology </li><li>Virology </li></ul><p>Some master's degree programs are intended for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in medical technology and have professional experience in the field. These programs include fewer theoretical classes and place an increased emphasis on building your advanced hands-on technical skills. Conversely, if you have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, you can choose a 3-year graduate degree program. These programs provide a more thorough introduction to the fundamentals of medical technology careers. </p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithAMasterSDegreeInMedicalTechnology">What Can I Do With a Master's Degree in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_in_Medical_Science_Your_Questions_Answered.html">Medical</a> Technology?</h3><p>Armed with a master's degree in medical technology, you'll be prepared for a career as a clinical laboratory technologist (also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist). You'll work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to assist in the diagnostic process. You'll use a variety of tests to examine blood and tissue samples and aid in the diagnosis of illness and disease. </p><p>With a master's degree, you'll also be eligible to work as a lab director. You could pursue positions in education and possibly hospital administration. You may also find a position working with pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers in sales or marketing.</p>