Pathway to Medical

What is Medical Technology?

Medical technologists assist in diagnosing and treating disease by applying scientific knowledge and skill to the supervision and accurate performance of complex laboratory, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Career opportunities exist for medical technologists in hospitals, private clinics, pharmaceutical research, government and industry. The professional curriculum usually includes courses in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology and immunohematology (blood banking).

Pre-Medical Technology Program

Students interested in pursuing a career in Medical Technology begin their studies at UMBC by following our Pre-Medical Technology curriculum, which is approximately 76 credits, depending on the professional school to which they plan to apply. Students may choose to complete their pre-requisites at UMBC and then apply directly to a Medical Technology program. Most Medical Technology programs at the baccalaureate level are two years, leading to a Bachelor's of Science (BS) degree. The majority of UMBC's Pre-Medical Technology students enter the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Program in Medical and Research Technology.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology Pathway

• Complete pre-requisites for Medical Technology program at UMBC (2 years)
• Complete Medical Technology Bachelor's program (2 years)
• Pass National Certification Exam, given by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists
• Begin practicing as a Medical Technologist

Categorical Certificate Program in Medical Technology Pathway

• Complete pre-requisites for Medical Technology program at UMBC and a Bachelor's degree in a basic science area such as Chemistry or Biology (4 years)
• Complete Medical Technology Categorical Certificate program in Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology or Blood Banking (1 year)
• Pass National Certification Exam, given by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists
• Begin practicing as a Medical Technologist

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical Technologists is expected to grow by 14 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wages of Medical Technologists were $53,500 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,560 and $63,420.
(Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm (visited May 23, 2013).)