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Overview

If you like bodily fluids, we've got just the major for you. Medical Technology, or Clinical Laboratory Science as it is frequently called, is the study and analysis of body fluids and tissues. It encompasses a number of different medical specialties including hematology, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, and clinical chemistry. It's a fairly rigorous major that will almost assuredly lead to a secure professional career. It's a career that will require you to be quick, careful, and thorough.

Upon graduating into the real world, most medical technicians work in hospitals and laboratories, primarily in five specialty areas: blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology. They use precision electronic instruments and high-powered microscopes. They assist doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases by performing a range of tests and laboratory procedures on blood and other such body fluids in order to find chemicals, microorganisms, proteins, and other substances.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM

  • Biochemistry

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Computer Applications

  • Hematology

  • Immunohematology

  • Internship

  • Lab Skills

  • Medical Terminology

  • Microbiology

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Pathology

  • Physiology

  • Statistics

  • Virology


HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION

If you are thinking about majoring in Medical Technology, take as many chemistry and biology courses as you can. Also, because math pervades the physical sciences, you should definitely take several math courses. You also want to know your way around a lab as well as possible. If you think you might want to major in Medical Technology, try to get a job or a volunteer position at a local hospital or clinic. Finally, get used to the sight of blood.