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The Program in Medical Technology is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). It was established in 1942 as one of the professional schools of North Carolina Baptist Hospital and The Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University. Since that time, it has graduated more than 800 medical technologists who are serving in medical laboratories throughout the country.
In addition, the program trains second-year pathology residents in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Excellent learning experiences are provided in classrooms and clinical laboratories where each year more than 3 million tests and analyses are performed.
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Coursework:
In regularly scheduled lectures and laboratory sessions, students learn basic principles and procedures in each of the following areas:
- Hematology, Coagulation, Body Fluid Analysis
The didactic course, Clinical Microscopy 323-D (7 semester hours), is a prerequisite for the clincial course, 323-C (4 semester hours). Clinical Microscopy includes the study of hematology, urinalysis, and coagulation. Students learn to perform and interpret results of diagnostic tests involving: the cellular elements of the blood; the gross, microscopic, physical,and chemical properties of urine and other body fluids; and the evaluation of hemostasis.
- Clinical Chemistry
The didactic course, Clinical Chemistry 321-D (7 semester hours), is a prerequisite for the clincial course, 321-C (4 semester hours). Clinical Chemistry involves the analysis of the chemical constituents of the blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. Students perform pertinent statistical calculations and other quality control procedures in addition to routine and special tests. Students also learn to operate and maintain a variety of automated instruments. Molecular Pathology/Diagnostics is incorporated into the clinical course. This includes discussion of basic genetic principles, molecular diagnostic testing principles, and the correlation of molecular pathology to disease diagnosis.
- Blood Banking, Immunology, Serology
The didactic course, Blood Banking 320-D (7 semester hours), is a prerequisite for the clincial course, 320-C (4 semester hours). Blood Banking includes the study of immunology, immunohematology, and serology. Students review basic immunology principles and apply them in serological testing and immunohematology. Immunohematology consists of the study of the clinical transfusion service including collection and processing of donor blood and its components. Emphasis is placed on the study of the nature and action of important antibodies pre-and post-transfusion testing.
- Clinical Microbiology
The didactic course, Clinical Microbiology 322-D (7 semester hours), is a prerequisite for the clincial course, 322-C (4 semester hours). Clinical Microbiology includes the study of bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and virology. Students study methods and perform techniques used in isolating and identifying microorganisms that are pathogenic to humans. Other topics studied include susceptibility testing, hospital epidemiology, and quality control.
- Special Studies
Special Studies 324-C (4 semester hours) includes the study of principals and procedures in hospital relations, blood collection, clinical laboratory, computer applications, quality management, clinical laboratory management, educational methodologies, and research design. Students perform standard techniques used in obtaining suitable blood specimens for testing, acquire knowledge of a hospital's organization operations, and acquire experience in interacting with patients, visitors, physicians, supervisors, and other hospital personnel. Students also participate in end-of-year review sessions and take a comprehensive examination.
The Program in Medical Technology does not accept transfer credit or permit substitution for any courses taught in the program.
About The Profession:
Medical technology (clinical laboratory science) is an allied health profession which employs sophisticated medical laboratory test procedures to assist physicians in evaluating the medical conditions of their patients. Medical technologists must be able to obtain blood specimens, analyze biological specimens using both instrumental and manual techniques, and report accurate results in a timely manner. To accomplish these and other duties, medical technologists must have a theoretical knowledge base and practical skills in clinical laboratory science. They must be able to think logically, organize and prioritize tasks, and function well under pressure as they perform detailed laboratory procedures. They must be dependable, able to work cooperatively with others, and able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Program Mission:
"The mission of the Program in Medical Technology is to provide superior education to prepare competent medical technologists with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are required to fulfill current and future professional roles and leadership positions as members of the health care team."
Program graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA). Many career opportunities exist for medical technologists in hospitals, reference laboratories, clinics, business and industry. Demand for skilled health care workers is especially great in rural areas and inner cities. Medical technology knowledge and experience also provide an excellent background for pursuing a degree in medicine or an advanced degree in any biological discipline. |