|
Program:
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory scientists, also referred to as medical technologists, are part of the health care team that collaborates with physicians in the treatment of patients. They examine and analyze body fluids, cells, and tissues. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. Technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. They analyze the results and relay them to physicians.
Clinical laboratory scientists evaluate test results, develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs, to ensure the accuracy of tests. Some technologists supervise clinical laboratory technicians.
Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, whereas those in large laboratories generally specialize. Areas of specialization within a hospital may include:
- Blood Banking
- Clinical Chemistry
- Clinical Microbiology
- Cytotechnology
- Hematology
- Histology
- Immunology
- Molecular Pathology
- Virology
The Medical Technology program at Mercy College consists of three years of general education and basic science courses, followed by a one-year professional internship at a hospital clinical laboratory. The college-based courses meet the requirements for admission into an affiliated hospital School of Medical Technology and provide students with the conceptual and technical background needed to complete their clinical education.
Top
Program Contacts:
 |
Barbara Nash, PhD
Program Coordinator
bnash@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7206
|
| |
 |
Patricia Chute, EdD
Chair, Division of Natural Sciences and Veterinary Technology
|
Top
Career Opportunities:
Representative career opportunities for graduates of the Medical Technology bachelor's degree are:
- Hospital-based and private diagnostic laboratory technologists*
- Biotechnology
- Laboratory research technicians (academia, industry, or government)
- Pharmaceutical research (Research and Development)
- Veterinary research
- Education
- Pharmaceutical marketing, sales, and quality assurance
*Because there is currently a shortage of trained medical technologists available to staff clinical diagnostic laboratories, the employment opportunities in this field are excellent.
Continuing career development is supported by the following professional organizations:
Clinical laboratory scientists who obtain a master's degree in an area of expertise (e.g. microbiology) or in management or health administration may advance to positions in clinical laboratory administration.
An advanced practice degree, the Doctorate in Clinical Lab Science, is under development. Click here to learn more.
Graduate School Opportunities:
With a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, you can pursue many options for additional education, including:
- Master of Forensic Science
- Master of Public Administration in Health Services Management (MPA)
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- D.D.S. (Dental School)
- M.D. (Medical School)
- Ph.D. in the biological or biomedical sciences
Top
Curriculum:
Representative required courses include: microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology of the cell, and genetics.
For a complete listing of the courses of study click on the course curriculum link under the related link section of this page.
Students apply for internships at a Council on Medical Education (CME/AMA)- American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) approved hospital-based Medical Technology program during the fall of their junior year. Mercy College is affiliated with the School of Medical Technology, St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan and Danbury Hospital School of Medical Technology in Danbury, Connecticut. These programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Completion of this internship as an undergraduate will enable some students to be eligible for financial aid. The Program Coordinator and counselors at the Student Financial Services Center assist students with this application process. The 12-month hospital-based internship begins in the summer following the junior year. Students attend lectures and medical conferences while they rotate through each section of the clinical laboratory. Students' grades are based on their performance on exams and on the quality of their technical skills. The program may include a capstone project.
Upon successful completion of the college and hospital programs, students receive a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology. After completing the internship, students are eligible to sit for national examinations to become certified as medical technologists/clinical laboratory scientists. Examinations are offered by the ASCP and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).
Top
Campuses where program is offered:
Introductory courses are available at both the Dobbs Ferry and Bronx campuses, but the advanced courses required to complete the college-based portion of the major are offered only at the Dobbs Ferry campus.
Top
Faculty of the Affiliated Hospitals
Danbury Hospital School of Medical Technology Program Faculty
Ramon Kranwinkel, MD
Chair, Department of Laboratory Medicine
Salvador F. Sena, PhD
Associate Director, Clinical Chemistry
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Education Director, School of Medical Technology
Ms. Ana Vicente, MT (ASCP)
Program Co-Director
Ms. Carol Repko, MT (ASCP)
Program Co-Director
St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Centers of New York, Inc.
St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan
Medical Technology Program Faculty
John F. Gillooley, MD
Chairman of Pathology
Catherine Sherry, MS, MPH, MT (ASCP)
Program Director
Denise Panepinto, MS, MT (ASCP)
Educational Coordinator
Top
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Medical Technology?
Medical Technology (MT), also known as Clinical Laboratory Science, deals with the testing of body fluids for the diagnosis of disease and identification of pathogens. It differs from Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), which is an associate's degree.
How is Mercy's program unique?
Mercy College is known for flexible scheduling and small class size. The small class size facilitates a close relationship among the students and between students and faculty. Laboratory sections are taught by the professors who teach the lectures and not by graduate students. This arrangement enables faculty to closely coordinate the lecture and laboratory components of our courses and enables students to learn laboratory skills from experienced professionals.
What is the first step in the admissions process?
Click on "Apply Now" and complete the application for admission to Mercy College, or call 1-877-MERCY GO to arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. If you bring your completed application form and copies of your high school and/or college transcripts with you at the time of your appointment, the Admissions Counselor will evaluate your transcripts and make an acceptance decision. In addition, you may be required to take the Mercy College Placement Examination, which is used to place students in appropriate-level mathematics and English courses. If applicable, an appointment to take this exam will be scheduled at the time of your interview. Once you have met with an Admissions Counselor and taken the Placement Examination, you will meet with an Academic Advisor to plan a course schedule for your first semester at Mercy College.
When can I apply to the Medical Technology program?
Students can declare their major as early as their freshman year. It is advised that students considering the MT program contact the program Coordinator as early as possible to plan their course of study.
Should I finish the general education requirements before starting my major?
No! Because of the rigor of the program a combination of general education courses and major-level courses is recommended. Students should contact the Program Coordinator as early as possible to plan their course of study.
What type of student is well-suited for the program?
The curriculum is academically rigorous and scientifically oriented. It is especially designed for the motivated learner who can successfully pursue an intense educational experience. The program combines strengths in biology, chemistry and the biomedical sciences. Integration of several disciplines is key to success in the program.
Can I attend the program part-time?
Part-time students can complete the college-based course work. You can take as little as one course per semester. The program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate working adults and many students attend part-time. Day, night and weekend classes are available. Even if you work full-time, it is possible to complete these courses within a reasonable period of time. However, the hospital internship requires a full-time commitment and cannot be combined with a full-time job.
If I plan to go to graduate school, is this the program for me?
If you plan to pursue graduate education, the program will prepare you for both master's and doctorate level work. Depending on the area of emphasis of the graduate program you choose, additional courses in biochemistry or physics may be required.
Top
|
