Medical professionals in the field of hematology focus on blood and blood disorders. Because education in this field involves intensive laboratory study, it's extremely rare to find online programs. Read on to learn about how you can earn your degree, program prerequisites and related programs.
Can I Earn A Master's Degree in Hematology Online?
It's unlikely that you'll find an online master's degree in hematology from an accredited school. However, there are two tracks you can take toward advanced hematology education.
If pursuing online study is important to you, there are post-baccalaureate certificate programs in hematology, though these are rare. The didactic portions are carried out online while the lab work must be completed in person. Students who don't live in the immediate area of the school hosting the program may need to find an approved location to carry out the lab requirements.
If attaining a master's degree is your top priority, there are more options available to you. The most common program offerings are hematology-related degrees in fields like clinical laboratory sciences or laboratory medicine. These programs may offer a specialization track or concentration area in hematology or immunohematology.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Programs</b></td><td> Online master's in hematology not typically offered; online post-baccalaureate certificates rare but available; lab requirements cannot be completed online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Alternatives</b></td><td> Master's programs in clinical laboratory sciences or laboratory medicine with specialization/concentration in hematology/immunohematology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree in physical science; background check and drug screening for clinical component</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Options</b></td><td> Hematology fellowships available to medical graduates or after 3rd year of study; often combined with oncology fellowships and take 3-4 years to complete</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Fellowship Requirements</b></td><td> Clinical rotations, independent research</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$54,180 <i>(Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>7% growth <i>(Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians)</i></td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatAreCommonProgramPrerequisites">What Are Common Program Prerequisites?</h3><p>The prerequisites for hematology master's degree and certificate programs typically include a bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences or a significant number of undergraduate credit hours in biology, chemistry or microbiology. If the program requires clinical practicums, it may be necessary to submit to a criminal background check and drug screening.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOtherHematologyEducationIsAvailable">What Other Hematology Education Is Available?</h3><p>If you're a current or future medical student interested in pursuing hematology education, you can look into a hematology fellowship. These fellowships are usually available to those who have already graduated from medical school. However, in some cases, they may be available to those who have completed at least three years of medical school.
</p><p>Hematology fellowships are commonly combined with oncology fellowships, though the exact nature of the program depends on the school. Generally, they take 3-4 years to complete. Program requirements can include clinical rotations and independent research projects. Graduates can enter collegiate teaching or research positions or prepare for leadership roles in clinics.</p>
