Master's Degrees in Medical Technology

<p>If you're interested in a master's degree program in medical technology, you should have a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, like microbiology or zoology. If your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated field, you may be required to complete core science and mathematics courses like human anatomy and physiology, calculus and statistics. If you have previous professional experience as a clinical lab technician or technologist, you'll be even better prepared for the clinical rotations that are often part of a master's degree program. </p> <p /> <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>