Master
of Science in Medical Technology
Students in master's degree programs
in medical technology learn to evaluate medical tests on bodily fluids, such as
blood, and other specimens, such as tissue. Study and research is devoted to
the goal of preventing or treating diseases. In preparation for a career in
medical technology, students spend extensive time in laboratories, gaining
practical experience. It is common for students to complete clinical
internships with affiliated or local hospitals. Graduates typically earn a
Master of Science in Medical Technology degree.
Education
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree is required for
admission to a master's degree program in medical technology. While an
undergraduate degree in medical technology or a related field may be helpful,
it is rarely required for admissions.
Program
Coursework
Classroom-based work in a master's
degree program in medical technology consists of extensive study of advanced
biology and chemistry. Common core courses include the following:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Molecular biology
- Microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Medical technology clinical techniques
Employment
Outlook and Salary Info
Medical technologists held over
172,000 jobs in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That number was expected to grow 12% by 2018. While growth is fostered through
new medical tests, increased automation and simplification of tests limits the
number of medical technologists needed. The job market was expected to be
strong; however, due to a lack of qualified applicants relative to demand.
Continuing
Education Information
It is possible to begin a career in
medical technology with a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree provides
stronger career options. A Ph.D. in Medical Technology is typically pursued
only by individuals interested in education and advanced research. Though not
required by law, certification is often preferred in this field. Several
organizations offer certification, including the American Medical Technologists
and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel. Licensure is
required for medical technologists in some states.
What
Can I Do With a Master's Degree in Medical Technology?
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.
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.
Are
There Any Prerequisites?
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.
What
Courses Will I Take?
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:
- Cell biology
- Laboratory safety & infection control
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Virology
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.
Can
I Earn the Degree Online?
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.
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.
The objectives of the full-time,
one-year program are to provide a unique opportunity for the design fellow to:
- Identify specific areas of clinical needs in regards to both invasive and non-invasive diagnosis and treatments
- Formulate focused device solutions to these needs
- Assess the feasibility and effectiveness of potential solutions
- Plan and design device solution after vetting process
- Conduct preliminary testing and prototyping of device solution
- Consider options for further development of intellectual property for device, technique, and/or concept.
