Wednesday 30 May 2012

Online Medical Lab Technologist Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Medical laboratory technologists prepare samples for analysis, monitoring testing procedures and analyzing results for infection or chemical composition. Normally, prospective medical lab technologists must complete a bachelor's degree in order to find employment, and may later go on to a master's degree. Clinical requirements may not be completed online, but some online programs have working relationships with clinics.

How to Choose an Online Program for Medical Laboratory Technologists

Certification Standards

There are no uniform licensing requirements for medical lab technologists, but employers normally require their technologists to be certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Students should be aware of this requirement and ensure that whatever education program they choose meets ASCP standards.

Degree Availability

One important factor for students seeking a degree in medical laboratory technology to consider is whether a degree program that will lead to employment is available online. Most degrees require students to complete clinical training before graduation in order to be in compliance with ASCP criteria.

Student Options for Clinical Requirements

There are several possible ways for students to fulfill the laboratory requirements, depending on the institution and degree program they choose. One option available to students already employed in a medical laboratory is to complete their clinical requirements at their place of employment. Another option is for students to use a local laboratory, determined beforehand and approved with their educational institution. Some institutions provide their own laboratories in various locations across the country that students can attend for their clinical requirements.

Online Degree Options for Medical Laboratory Technologists

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

Online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in medical usually utilize educational software that allows students to complete assignments and interact with instructors over the Internet. Required courses usually include chemistry, microbiology, biomedical courses, immunology and hematology. Schools that offer online programs typically offer traditional programs as well, and online students who live near the school may be have access to the same resources as traditional students.

Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics

Master's degrees in laboratory diagnostics are normally created for laboratory technologists interested in continuing their education. These degrees are sometimes offered fully online for professionals who need to complete continuing education requirements. Master's degree programs often cover recent advances in the field to allow working professionals to remain up-to-date in their knowledge and skills. Courses and requirements vary depending on the degree focus students choose, but usually include significant amounts of clinical research requirements in areas such as health education and clinical decisionmaking.

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