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About the Medical Technology Program

Medical Technologists (also known as clinical laboratory scientists) develop, perform, and supervise laboratory testing that is used to diagnose and treat disease and to provide vital data for research studies. 

While a degree in medical technology provides immediate career opportunities after graduation, it is also a good foundation for advanced degrees in medicine or science, or a career in other medically related fields such as physician's assistant. 

Medical Technology, BS Program

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology program at SUNY Upstate Medical University is a full-time program of study. It takes two years (five semesters) to complete and begins in the fall. The Medical Technology, BS Program accepts up to 16 students each year. 

The program curriculum consists of 71 credits and 60 prerequisite credits of classroom instruction and clinical work. Prerequisites include 16 semester hours of biology and 12 semester hours of chemistry. Clinical rotations are scheduled during the fall and spring of the second year. Our clinical affiliates are in Central New York and other areas within the state. 

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for New York State licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the national certifying examination given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and other certifying agencies. 

We encourage prospective students to visit a clinical laboratory near them, tour the lab at Upstate, or call the Clinical Laboratory Science Department to discuss career options. Sign up to job shadow at Upstate: https://www.upstate.edu/volunteers/job-shadowing.php. 


Mission & Goals

The primary mission of the Clinical Laboratory Science Department is to effectively teach state-of-the-art clinical laboratory sciences to undergraduate and graduate medical technology students and other health professionals across the university. 

The education and training process in the Medical Technology program is committed to:

  • Effectively teaching state-of-the-art clinical laboratory sciences to undergraduate and graduate medical technology and medical biotechnology students and other health professionals.
  • Providing high-quality, cost-effective, compassionate clinical service to the Central New York Community.
  • Advancing knowledge in the clinical laboratory sciences through research, community service, continuing education, and contributions to the professional community.
  • Supporting professional growth and development for our faculty, staff, and students.
  • Supporting the academic community through active participation in university life.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

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Students will observe and access sample and quality control data, procedures, and equipment

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will explain the principles underlying clinical laboratory testing, including the pathological indications for performing specific laboratory tests.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to utilize quality management practices, including quality control and method validation, quality assurance, and preventive and corrective actions as applied to the laboratory setting.
  • Students will interpret a wide array of patient laboratory values and note when values are abnormal or erroneous.
  • Students will be able to troubleshoot laboratory assays, identifying and correcting potential problems.
  • Students will interpret and understand new protocols, technologies and advances in the field in order to practice and respond to evidence-based changes in clinical laboratory science.
  • Students must be able to accept and learn through a variety of teaching modalities including classroom lecture and discussion, cooperative learning, small group activities, laboratory exercises and demonstrations, individual and group presentations, and the use of technology assisted learning.

Students will demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Students will communicate laboratory test results clearly and accurately.
  • Students will work effectively as a team member or independently as required to accomplish the goals of the work unit (laboratory).
  • Students will display professionalism in communication and dress and show respect for colleagues and superiors.

Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to perform a wide variety of laboratory tests, from low to high complexity.
  • Students will demonstrate safe working practices and comply with all applicable compliance regulations and safety guidelines and procedures.
  • Students will be able to perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments.

Students will demonstrate the emotional stability to be able to exercise good judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities in a laboratory setting

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to perform work efficiently and accurately under the pressure of time constraints and be able to multitask.
  • Students will demonstrate tolerance and establish effective working relationships with others from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to age, race and gender, or sexual orientation.
  • Students will demonstrate ethical standards in all matters related to medical information and patient care.

Have Questions

Need more specifics about the program? Questions about admissions requirements? Contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Counselor:

Wendy Meyer
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions Advisor

Request Advisement

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