Wednesday 30 May 2012

Online Medical Lab Technician Degree Program and Certification Info

This online program combines the study of medicine, the sciences and laboratory technology to train students as medical lab technicians, who perform blood tests and help diagnose diseases. The completion of this degree program can lead to an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Lab Technology or a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science.

Overview of an Online Associate in Applied Science in Medical Lab Technology Program

There are several online associate degree programs available in medical lab technology - primarily offered as an Associate in Applied Science degree. During these programs, students participate in intensive study of chemistry and other sciences during laboratory and lecture classes. Students also learn how to examine blood, urine and other fluids during lab tests to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. They acquire skills that allow them to operate effectively in a lab setting and follow physician instructions. To be eligible for this degree program, one must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Program Information and Requirements

The online associate's degree program is designed to take up to two years to complete. It is offered through a hybrid format, meaning that while much of the program can be completed online, a portion of it is completed through practical laboratory experiences. Students may also need to complete an internship at a clinical site.
The online program is usually accessed with a Web-based application through which students can watch lectures, interact with other students and complete assignments. Students must have a functioning computer and reliable Internet access. They must also have working knowledge of computer software programs like Adobe Flash, Acrobat Reader and Windows Media Player, which can all be downloaded from the Internet at no charge.

List of Common Online Medical Lab Technology Classes

Most online courses in medical lab technology are available asynchronously, so students can complete them around their own busy schedules and turn in assignments after they complete each lesson. For the A.A.S. degree, they may complete general education classes in addition to their major courses.

Introductory Medical Laboratory Course

Through this course, students become familiar with the way the health care system works. The curriculum covers how to behave in an ethical and professional manner and lab safety techniques. Students have the opportunity to observe various practices in a clinical setting.

Immunology Course

Students study how the body becomes immune to certain diseases through the development of antibodies. They learn about diagnostic procedures and principles, analyzing laboratory techniques and disease correlations.

Clinical Chemistry Course

In this course, students learn the steps for conducting analyses of the body to search for vitamins, vitamin deficiencies, calcium, magnesium and electrolytes. They learn to complete chemical and clinical procedures and troubleshoot for potential problems.

Hematology Course

Students taking this course study anomalies within blood and bone marrow. They learn about diseases caused by a lack of white blood cells, including leukemia. They also test blood and assess the results.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for medical lab technicians is expected to grow by about 14% between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average growth for all careers (www.bls.gov). Acquiring a bachelor's degree in the field - which may also be completed online - can lead to additional job opportunities.
To be eligible for a position as a medical lab technician, individuals must also obtain certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (www.ascp.org). In addition to an accredited associate's degree program, students must complete six semester hours of chemistry and biology or work with a certified pathologist for at least two years and complete at least three years of clinical lab work.

Online Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science Program Overview

The clinical laboratory science program includes rigorous study of the sciences as well as medical and clinical laboratory information. Through this degree program, students learn concepts in genetics, molecular diagnostics and clinical practices. They acquire practical laboratory skills for testing and analyzing blood and urine.
There are only a few online bachelor's degree programs available in clinical laboratory science. Some of them require that students have a high school diploma, while others require that students have an associate degree in medical laboratory technology.

Program Information and Requirements

The online bachelor's degree program in clinical laboratory science takes between two and four years to complete, depending on the program's entrance requirements. The program is not available entirely online, but is a hybrid that requires students to complete certain laboratory experiences in person. In addition to the clinical lab experiences, students may also be required to complete an internship.
Students in these programs log onto Web-based applications where they can participate in discussion forums, download assignments, complete exams and watch lectures. Students must have a working computer and reliable Internet access. Software requirements may include virus protection software, Adobe Flash, Acrobat Reader and media-playing software such as RealPlayer.

List of Common Online Clinical Laboratory Science Classes

Classes that are part of this online bachelor's degree program delve further into clinical laboratory topics. General education courses for this program may be required, depending on whether or not students have previously completed an associate degree.

Clinical Immunohematology Course

This course introduces students to principles of blood transfusion and the medicines used with it. They learn about requirements for donors and transfusion procedures.

Bodily Fluids and Chemistry Course

Students taking this course become familiar with normal lab results for blood, urine and other bodily fluids. They also study abnormal results, what diseases or deficiencies they could indicate and how to conduct further testing.

Medical Humanities Course

Through this class, students become familiar with the moral, philosophical and human issues related to medicine. Topics such as eating disorders, cancer, AIDS, mental illness and ageism are discussed.

Career Information for Graduates

With a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, students can find positions as clinical laboratory technologists. According to the BLS, employment in the position is expected to grow by more than 14 percent between 2008 and 2018. This is faster than the average growth for all careers. As of May 2009, the median annual salary for clinical lab technologists was $55,620.

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