Medical Technology/Biomedical Research Technology

Department of Biology

Office: 112 Jewett Hall

(716) 673-3283

Patricia Smith Astry, Director

E-mail: medical.technology@fredonia.edu

Website: http://www.fredonia.edu/department/biology/

The multi-faceted educational approach of this program prepares students for careers in many high demand areas of science. Recent program graduates are employed as clinical diagnostic scientists in hospital, forensic, industrial and biotechnology laboratories; as clinical research scientists in biomedical research facilities; and as sales representatives for pharmaceutical, medical instrumentation and computer corporations. Students typically have obtained jobs within their discipline by the time they graduate.

The innovative combination of a traditional program track in Medical Technology with a unique track in Biomedical Research Technology gives the graduate of the SUNY Fredonia program unique advantages in gaining employment in the aforementioned areas.

The first two years of the program include core courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics that are required of all MT/BMRT majors. During the latter part of the sophomore year, students are encouraged to select one of the following program tracks:

Track I: Medical Technology Track (clinical) This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the American Medical Association Council on Health Education. It is recommended for students wishing to prepare for careers as clinical diagnostic scientists in hospital, forensic, industrial and biotechnology laboratories, and as sales representatives for pharmaceutical, medical instrumentation and computer companies. The curriculum requires the student to study three years at SUNY Fredonia and one year in an accredited clinical hospital program. Contracted agreements with three hospitals ensure internship placement for qualified students who have successfully completed university requirements. Entrance to the clinical program is highly competitive and based on a minimum 3.0 GPA and letters of recommendation. The clinical year consists of study in a hospital laboratory where students are supervised and instructed by medical technologists and physicians. After successful completion of the internship, students receive clinical certification from the hospital, 30 university credits, and the B.S. degree with a major in Medical Technology (clinical) from SUNY Fredonia. Students are then eligible to take the Board of Registry exam given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Passage of the exam results in national board certification. Graduates are also eligible for licensure through the N.Y.S. Education Department Office of the Professions. After 2012, the only individuals who will be able to work as Medical Technologists in N.Y.S. hospitals will be those who have received a B.S. degree in Medical Technology and have obtained N.Y.S. licensure.

The percentage of Fredonia Medical Technology students passing the Board of Registry Examination on the first attempt has been 97 percent over the past 10 years, compared to a national passage rate of only 76 percent. Under affiliation agreements entered into by the university, the training of students takes place at the following hospitals under the supervision of clinical Program Directors:

Michele Harms, M.S., MT (ASCP), Program Director, Medical Technology Program, WCA Hospital, Jamestown, N.Y.

Stephen Johnson, M.S., MT (ASCP), Program Director, Medical Technology Program, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Erie, PA.

Nancy Mitchell, M.S., MT (ASCP), Program Director, School of Medical Technology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, N.Y.

Students wishing to apply to other accredited internship programs may do so upon advisement.

Track II: Biomedical Research Technology Track (non-clinical) This option is recommended for students interested in graduate school or careers in biomedical research, and for medical laboratory technicians (A.A.S.) wishing to complete a B.S. degree program. The student must complete the course work required in Track I, as well as a concentration of 23 credit hours. Required courses in the concentration include: (CSIT) 104 or 105; (CHEM) 317, 327, 318, 328; and 12 credit hours of upper level biology electives chosen by advisement. Students are encouraged to take one semester of undergraduate research (BIOL 440) to fulfill part of this requirement. Upon completion of the program, students receive a B.S. degree with a major in Medical Technology (non-clinical) and a minor in Chemistry.

Track III: Medical Technology and Biomedical Research Technology Track (clinical and non-clinical combination) This option combines the requirements of Tracks I and II, enabling the student to be well qualified for all clinical, research, industrial, and sales opportunities mentioned earlier. After four years of study completing requirements and concentration courses at Fredonia, the qualified student may complete a clinical year of study at a hospital as described under Track I. Upon successful completion of Track III, students receive a B.S. degree with a major in Medical Technology (clinical and non-clinical) and a minor in Chemistry.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology

Required Biology Courses (Track I, II and III)

Clinical Internship (Track I and III) or Biomedical Research Concentration (Track II and III)

Required Supporting Courses: (Track I, II and III)

Chemistry and mathematics courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year, physics courses by the end of the junior year.