Med Tech / Clinical Lab Science as a Pre-Med Major. Thoughts?

[CopToEM]

I'm weighing my options right now between pursuing Biology as a major or Med Tech/CLS as a major. I did a search and there seems to have only been limited discussion on Med Tech/CLS as a major on the Pre-Med side of the forums. So, I thought I'd garner opinions and discussion that might be helpful to me and others in the future.

There are certainly none of us who have any idea how a specific adcom views a specific major. However, there may be those of you who have pursued Med Tech/CLS or have colleagues who are. What are their experiences? Was it worth it?

For reference, here's the curriculum of our university's program for the major. Courses in bold are courses that I presently lack. Note that in my case, I have the Calculus pre-req out of the way so the only addition to this curriculum I'd need to make for med school purposes would be the second part of Physics.

Principles of Biology (3)
Principles of Biology Laboratory (1)
Introduction to Biological Diversity (3)
Introduction to Biological Diversity Laboratory (1)
Topics in Cell Biology (3)
Laboratory Methods in Biology (2)
Animal Physiology (4)
Microbiology (4)
Immunology and Serology (4)
College Chemistry I (3)
College Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
College Chemistry II (3)
College Chemistry II Laboratory (1)
Organic Chemistry I (3)
Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (2)
Organic Chemistry II (3)
Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (2)
Pre-calculus (3)
Elementary Probability and Statistics (4)
Introduction to Physics (3)
General Physics I Laboratory (1)
+1 additional year of Clinical Study in a hospital setting

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[marke]

well... honestly... wut u major doesn't really matters.. u can major in math, Spanish, business.. or whatever.. as long as u finish ur pre-req and has a bachelor degree from a regionally accredited school... u will be fine.. though if ur major was non-science.. i would be prepared to answer questions such as.. what made u change ur mind.. etc

Med Tech / Clinical Lab Science sounds like an intersting major...

so.. if i were u... i would pick the one that i would enjoy and go with it!
good luck!

 

[noshie]

I'm weighing my options right now between pursuing Biology as a major or Med Tech/CLS as a major. I did a search and there seems to have only been limited discussion on Med Tech/CLS as a major on the Pre-Med side of the forums. So, I thought I'd garner opinions and discussion that might be helpful to me and others in the future.

There are certainly none of us who have any idea how a specific adcom views a specific major. However, there may be those of you who have pursued Med Tech/CLS or have colleagues who are. What are their experiences? Was it worth it?

For reference, here's the curriculum of our university's program for the major. Courses in bold are courses that I presently lack. Note that in my case, I have the Calculus pre-req out of the way so the only addition to this curriculum I'd need to make for med school purposes would be the second part of Physics.

Principles of Biology (3)
Principles of Biology Laboratory (1)
Introduction to Biological Diversity (3)
Introduction to Biological Diversity Laboratory (1)
Topics in Cell Biology (3)
Laboratory Methods in Biology (2)
Animal Physiology (4)
Microbiology (4)
Immunology and Serology (4)
College Chemistry I (3)
College Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
College Chemistry II (3)
College Chemistry II Laboratory (1)
Organic Chemistry I (3)
Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (2)
Organic Chemistry II (3)
Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (2)
Pre-calculus (3)
Elementary Probability and Statistics (4)
Introduction to Physics (3)
General Physics I Laboratory (1)
+1 additional year of Clinical Study in a hospital setting

My husband was not premed, but he got a biology degree and is now back in school to pursue a med tech degree. I feel that if I could have done it all over again I would have gone the med tech route, and here are my reasons:

1. You actually get a skill when you graduate, so just in case you dont get into med school on the first round you can work if needed while you reapply.
2. You get to do the 1 year internship in a hospital, this is a great thing to talk about in your applications.
3. The internship includes many more upper level courses that most people will not have taken.

Another thing I learned through his process of trying to get into the 1 year clinical study is that you will need tons of ECs and experience just to be admitted to it. Therefore, it can be good or bad. If you cant get into the 1 year program you have wasted some time which would be kind of a hassle. But if you have to get ECs for the program then you may as well use them for med school too.

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

I'm weighing my options right now between pursuing Biology as a major or Med Tech/CLS as a major. I did a search and there seems to have only been limited discussion on Med Tech/CLS as a major on the Pre-Med side of the forums. So, I thought I'd garner opinions and discussion that might be helpful to me and others in the future.

There are certainly none of us who have any idea how a specific adcom views a specific major. However, there may be those of you who have pursued Med Tech/CLS or have colleagues who are. What are their experiences? Was it worth it?

For reference, here's the curriculum of our university's program for the major. Courses in bold are courses that I presently lack. Note that in my case, I have the Calculus pre-req out of the way so the only addition to this curriculum I'd need to make for med school purposes would be the second part of Physics.

Principles of Biology (3)
Principles of Biology Laboratory (1)
Introduction to Biological Diversity (3)
Introduction to Biological Diversity Laboratory (1)
Topics in Cell Biology (3)
Laboratory Methods in Biology (2)
Animal Physiology (4)
Microbiology (4)
Immunology and Serology (4)
College Chemistry I (3)
College Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
College Chemistry II (3)
College Chemistry II Laboratory (1)
Organic Chemistry I (3)
Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (2)
Organic Chemistry II (3)
Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (2)
Pre-calculus (3)
Elementary Probability and Statistics (4)
Introduction to Physics (3)
General Physics I Laboratory (1)
+1 additional year of Clinical Study in a hospital setting

That is what I did. You will be at a much bigger advantage in med school years 3-4 when trying to understand lab values and what tests to order together. My time in the lab brought me much laughter laughing at interns and residents who "Still" don't know why they are ordering certain tests, besides the flow chart style instructions passed down to them.

Example: Test ordered was a CK-MB. Resident wanted results for her ordered CP-K. She game the lab greif but the lab called her a idiot becasue the tests were one in the same.

Example: Resident: I want to do a ferning test, but wait...I just can't seem to focus the microscope.

Shall I continue....Conclusion, Nursing or med technology or anything that leads you to a real paying job opportunity, in case you decide later not to go or you don't get into med school, is smarter than the biology dead end tract.


...Okay... One more.....

Resident: Lab tech, stop pressing the "hemolysis button" on the analyzer when you run CBCs.....endless humor for the lab guy.

 

[CopToEM]

1. You actually get a skill when you graduate, so just in case you dont get into med school on the first round you can work if needed while you reapply.
2. You get to do the 1 year internship in a hospital, this is a great thing to talk about in your applications.
3. The internship includes many more upper level courses that most people will not have taken.

These are all very good points! In reference to #1, there are some Clinical Lab Scientists who have been in the field (we'll call it) for a very, very long time. At the same time, forum research on other sites shows a lot of them being burnt out. I think on anyone's part it takes a lot of self reflection just like any other decision!

#2 is a pretty significant one. I don't know how much patient contact you get and I suspect it depends largely on the program you go with. Regardless, the exposure to the modern medical system definitely could not hurt any applicant!

In regards to acceptance, in order to complete the Bachelor's our university requires admittance into one of two hospital based programs. Successful completion of the first three years virtually guarantees acceptance to the program of your choice. They supposedly hold 8 seats per admittance year for our students and as I understand it we rarely have 8 a year entering.

Anyone else that's interested in Med Tech/CLS should certainly ask about this as the point noshie made is valid. You could potentially waste three years of study toward a major only to not be accepted for the clinical year. I don't know if I'd even consider this option if there wasn't some certainty this won't happen to me.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

If I were 18, just starting at a college that offered an MT major, and weren't red-green color blind (darn stains!) I'd be all into this for premed. I think it's a fantastic idea because you get clinical exposure with the program, you fulfill most if not all your prereqs, you have a fallback career that you jump directly into, and once you're in medical school and clinicals you'll have some of the information already in your head. I guess any little bit helps.

And you can also get your phebotomy training done and start working a little bit during college to get some $$ in your pocket and even more clinical experience. I used to work with a fellow paramedic who had a degree in this, and although he had grown tired of looking in microscopes, was pretty sharp. His only drawback is that once he started talking he didn't stop until after you'd walked out of earshot.

 

[CopToEM]

That is what I did. You will be at a much bigger advantage in med school years 3-4 when trying to understand lab values and what tests to order together. My time in the lab brought me much laughter laughing at interns and residents who "Still" don't know why they are ordering certain tests, besides the flow chart style instructions passed down to them.

Example: Test ordered was a CK-MB. Resident wanted results for her ordered CP-K. She game the lab greif but the lab called her a idiot becasue the tests were one in the same.

Example: Resident: I want to do a ferning test, but wait...I just can't seem to focus the microscope.

Shall I continue....Conclusion, Nursing or med technology or anything that leads you to a real paying job opportunity, in case you decide later not to go or you don't get into med school, is smarter than the biology dead end tract.


...Okay... One more.....

Resident: Lab tech, stop pressing the "hemolysis button" on the analyzer when you run CBCs.....endless humor for the lab guy.

I get very little of the jokes but that's part of the humor in it for you! Hahaha.

I called a few med schools of interested and asked about Nursing. I get along with the nursing faculty at my univ very well so I considered the program. No one gave me a flat out, "that's a bad idea," response, but I did get the vibe from a couple of them that doing nursing with intentions of entering med school was something they frowned upon.

Honestly, I respect that stance, especially in the rural area that I'm from. There's a significant Nursing shortage and if my intentions aren't to become a nurse then I took a seat from someone who probably would have made a career of it. With that in mind, that major option is out the window.

Are there any negatives that you can think of, Navy, compared to doing a more traditional course of study? Your status says Med Student, can you talk about some of the things Ad Coms questioned you on during your application process?

 

[CopToEM]

...and although he had grown tired of looking in microscopes.

That's one of my worries in considering it as a fall back career. I think some shadowing of professionals in the field is certainly warranted.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

That's one of my worries in considering it as a fall back career. I think some shadowing of professionals in the field is certainly warranted.

Well, you can do it for a bit and then move into an admin position perhaps with a master's in that field or healthcare administration. You may could teach it. Also, after some work experience PA school would definitely be a viable option if you're 3.4ish or higher.

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

I get very little of the jokes but that's part of the humor in it for you! Hahaha.

I called a few med schools of interested and asked about Nursing. I get along with the nursing faculty at my univ very well so I considered the program. No one gave me a flat out, "that's a bad idea," response, but I did get the vibe from a couple of them that doing nursing with intentions of entering med school was something they frowned upon.

It is not frowned upon. That is crap that someone gave you that outlook. I frown upon it compared to med tech because I feel that the science curriculum is more parallel to biology majors, compared to nursing.

Honestly, I respect that stance, especially in the rural area that I'm from. There's a significant Nursing shortage and if my intentions aren't to become a nurse then I took a seat from someone who probably would have made a career of it. With that in mind, that major option is out the window.

Bingo!

Are there any negatives that you can think of, Navy, compared to doing a more traditional course of study? Your status says Med Student, can you talk about some of the things Ad Coms questioned you on during your application process?

Disadvantages:
1. It is up to you take more challenging science classes to prep you for mcat and first year med school. MEd TECH curriculum is cake compared to biology, chemistry, or physics majors. That is a double edge sword cuz your GPA better be>3.5, but your MCAT could suffer.

Solution: Simply take MED TECH classes + physiology, biochem (if not in your curriculum), anatomy, genetics, cell/molecular biology and you should be fine for teh mcat. If not take a prep course. I used EK and kaplan books for detail, AAMC 3-10, Gold standard videos, and GS 1-10. I did not pay 1800 for kaplan couse and I am doing fine.

2. Second disadvantage: must work harder to get a pre-med committe letter because they do not want to simply do it for a non-premed student.

Solution: Try to get it. If it is a slow process, get individual letters from the teachers of pre-med science classes + 1 or 2 liberal arts LOR. You will be fine.

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

Well, you can do it for a bit and then move into an admin position perhaps with a master's in that field or healthcare administration. You may could teach it. Also, after some work experience PA school would definitely be a viable option if you're 3.4ish or higher.

Now your're playing with power!

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Now your're playing with power!

I thought you might like that.

 

[CopToEM]

Disadvantages:
1. It is up to you take more challenging science classes to prep you for mcat and first year med school. MEd TECH curriculum is cake compared to biology, chemistry, or physics majors. That is a double edge sword cuz your GPA better be>3.5, but your MCAT could suffer.

Solution: Simply take MED TECH classes + physiology, biochem (if not in your curriculum), anatomy, genetics, cell/molecular biology and you should be fine for teh mcat. If not take a prep course. I used EK and kaplan books for detail, AAMC 3-10, Gold standard videos, and GS 1-10. I did not pay 1800 for kaplan couse and I am doing fine.

2. Second disadvantage: must work harder to get a pre-med committe letter because they do not want to simply do it for a non-premed student.

Solution: Try to get it. If it is a slow process, get individual letters from the teachers of pre-med science classes + 1 or 2 liberal arts LOR. You will be fine.

Fortunately, my univ stepped away from the committee process and leaves it up to individual faculty members whether or not they want to endorse a student. Of course, that has its good and bad effects. Also, Pre-Med is simply a declaration, so I can certainly be declared as a Med Tech major with a Pre-Med concentration. It's just a title, really, and gets us a Pre-Med advisor. I know, I keep negating the disadvantages as we discuss, so it's looking more and more like a realistic choice.

You do have a very good point in regards to Biology having some harder courses. It looks like at my school the only upper level classes I wouldn't be taking when compared to the Biology degree are genetics, cell bio, biostats and symbiosis.

I think I could make up for that with EC's and life experience (clinicals being a part of that). You're right that stellar grades would be a definite requirement.

Your input is great! P.A. school... well, certainly not the goal, but if that's where life led me I'd run with it!

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Example: Test ordered was a CK-MB. Resident wanted results for her ordered CP-K. She game the lab greif but the lab called her a idiot becasue the tests were one in the same.

Not to get into a pissing contest, especially with a fellow Lab Tech but you do know a CPK=CK and not a CKMB right? CKMB is an isoenzyme of CPK. These are different tests.

To the OP, I've been a lab tech for 10 years now and I'm applying to med school this semester. My main disadvantage was that the only pre-reqs that were covered in my program were the biologies. So that meant extra classes. If you can retain the info from your CLS classes you'll have a leg up on lab result correlation.

 

[noshie]

Not to get into a pissing contest, especially with a fellow Lab Tech but you do know a CPK=CK and not a CKMB right? CKMB is an isoenzyme of CPK. These are different tests.

To the OP, I've been a lab tech for 10 years now and I'm applying to med school this semester. My main disadvantage was that the only pre-reqs that were covered in my program were the biologies. So that meant extra classes. If you can retain the info from your CLS classes you'll have a leg up on lab result correlation.

It must depend on the school then, because my husband got the biol degree first and most of the classes are the same except for a few upper level courses that are not prereqs for med school... You should check that out with your school because taking more classes than you have to will just set you back. Good point.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

I did med tech (or medical lab sciences by it's new name) and it helped
me a lot during my interview. Also, there's I no where else where u will learn this kind of information during ur bachelors. U take clinical immunolgy, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, clinical hematology, and clinical immunohemqology. N to make things a little clearer, "clinical" means ur learning something like "a patient comes to the hospital feeljng blah blah blah, what's wrong with him?". U learn a lot of symptomology.

The things u learn here will make ur first year in med school much easier (but still certainly not easy).

I think it was the best decision I could have
made

 

[CopToEM]

It must depend on the school then, because my husband got the biol degree first and most of the classes are the same except for a few upper level courses that are not prereqs for med school... You should check that out with your school because taking more classes than you have to will just set you back. Good point.

The only difference in Biol/MedTech for me, in terms of med prerequisites, is the need for the second part of Physics. Of course, I'm sure curriculums have changed over a period of ten years!

Seriously, thank you to everyone for your input so far on this thread, if you do a search you'll see how sparse thoughts were on med tech previously.

 

[CopToEM]

I did med tech (or medical lab sciences by it's new name) and it helped
me a lot during my interview. Also, there's I no where else where u will learn this kind of information during ur bachelors. U take clinical immunolgy, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, clinical hematology, and clinical immunohemqology. N to make things a little clearer, "clinical" means ur learning something like "a patient comes to the hospital feeljng blah blah blah, what's wrong with him?". U learn a lot of symptomology.

The things u learn here will make ur first year in med school much easier (but still certainly not easy).

I think it was the best decision I could have
made

👍 Thank you!!!

 

[BlameItOnTheOH]

I wasn't a CLS major in college but I got a biology degree and then did the 1 year internship to get my CLS. I figured it would be something I'd do that wouldn't put me much more in debt before I figured out my next move. Like some of the previous posters have said, its the best decision I could have made. I know that everything I learned will help me in the future, and its also nice to have a steady job and being able to afford all the mcat prep, application costs, etc..
I would definitely recommend it for you, even if you never actually work as a CLS!

I don't know that it will actually help getting me accepted into med school, but there is no doubt that it will help me A LOT while I'm there.
The residents I talk to on the phone are clueless.

My favorite is, "OK well I collected the BMP on ice...so it shouldnt be hemolyzed! Just run it quickly so it stays that way.."

To my fellow MT/CLS people....how badly would you love to go up to the floors and give a 2 minute lecture on what "clotted" and "hemolyzed" mean and how specimens get that way! They just don't seem to get it...

 

[christina30]

Several med schools require Calculus 1 and Biochem - I'd look into that if I were you.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Several med schools require Calculus 1 and Biochem - I'd look into that if I were you.

Biochem is actually a recommendation for most school, not a requirement..but if you do get the opportunity to take it, definitely go for it since it will strengthen your app.

 

[christina30]

Biochem is actually a recommendation for most school, not a requirement..but if you do get the opportunity to take it, definitely go for it since it will strengthen your app.

There's a thread on the forum from the past few days discussing this topic - theres at least one DO school that actually requires biochem.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

There's a thread on the forum from the past few days discussing this topic - theres at least one DO school that actually requires biochem.

Weird. I haven't taken biochem...I applied to 25 schools out of the 28, none of which required biochem...which schools require it?

 

[christina30]

Weird. I haven't taken biochem...I applied to 25 schools out of the 28, none of which required biochem...which schools require it?

None of the ones I applied to seemed to require it too, but I read a thread yesterday about this - Des Moines University requires 3 hours of biochemistry.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

None of the ones I applied to seemed to require it too, but I read a thread yesterday about this - Des Moines University requires 3 hours of biochemistry.

DMU requires biochem as does KCUMB. Most of the rest recommend it or will take it in place of an organic chem class.

As far as calculus goes, very few medical schools actually require it and no DO schools require it.

 

[esperRN]

UNECOM requires biochem

 

[CopToEM]

DMU requires biochem as does KCUMB. Most of the rest recommend it or will take it in place of an organic chem class.

As far as calculus goes, very few medical schools actually require it and no DO schools require it.

From everything I've heard, Biochem is certainly more relevant to Med School than most Organic curriculums.

Either way, it seems like Med Tech is a hell of a way to get most (if not all) of my remaining pre-reqs out of the way and also finish with a usable degree when compared to a standard Biology degree.

 

[christina30]

From everything I've heard, Biochem is certainly more relevant to Med School than most Organic curriculums.

Either way, it seems like Med Tech is a hell of a way to get most (if not all) of my remaining pre-reqs out of the way and also finish with a usable degree when compared to a standard Biology degree.

Well biochem is just like organic on crack - you can't learn biochem without the basis in organic chemistry, hence why it's a required course.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Well biochem is just like organic on crack - you can't learn biochem without the basis in organic chemistry, hence why it's a required course.

Then what's being taught in biochemistry classes that don't have organic chem as a prereq?

 

[Mesican24]

Then what's being taught in biochemistry classes that don't have organic chem as a prereq?

Biochemistry of course.

 

[christina30]

Biochemistry of course.

it's just much more basic and way more difficult to understand the reactions/mechanisms if you've never had organic before. Considering that most organic II courses will also cover carbohydrates, lipids, etc - they're giving you the basics of biochem.

I was a chem major, and I would've drowned in biochem if it wasn't for my background in organic.

 

[Mesican24]

it's just much more basic and way more difficult to understand the reactions/mechanisms if you've never had organic before. Considering that most organic II courses will also cover carbohydrates, lipids, etc - they're giving you the basics of biochem.

I was a chem major, and I would've drowned in biochem if it wasn't for my background in organic.

I didnt find Ochem to be very helpful in the first quarter of biochem. As the second quarter progressed (metabolism), I found that it was necessary.

I think the issue with the non-ochem biochem, at least at my school was that the professors didnt know how to dumb down biochem. That is teach it without going through too much Ochem.

I dont know why anybody interested in medical school would take this course, as its more for other health professions that do not need all the pre-reqs that we have to take

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Biochemistry of course.

Ah! Of course.

 

[wholeheartedly]

😍 I LOVE doing Clinical Lab Sci. like love to the point of it being a bit strange... 😳

I kind of stumbled into after I'd already gotten a biology degree. I had 1 semester of additional pre-reqs then 1 full year of the clinical courses like hematology, med micro., clinical chemistry, immunology, body fluids, parasitology, etc.

I'll disagree with whoever said it's cake compared to a bio degree. I think that'll depend on the specific program. Mine was more challenging than the bio degree, more due to volume overload than depth usually.

The thing is if you're really interested in medicine and fascinated by the body it's a great major. You might run the risk of burning yourself out on that info, but personally I haven't enjoyed learning that much since I was a kid.

Advantages
Several of my classmates have gone on to medical school and have said it really gave them a leg up for classes. (also heard PA schools like it too)

Great paying (like double what most get with a straight bio degree) job opportunities right out of school (in addition to the reg. CLS jobs it also opens doors to forensic sci. jobs and other biology/research type positions)

It might open doors for you to meet docs in hospital that want to teach you more. I had a pathologist that loved dragging me into his area and teach me all about stuff he was working on 😎 There've been others to network with as well.

If you're at a smaller place where techs do the phlebotomy you'll get plenty of pt. contact.

Disadvantages (the reasons for the burnout)

There's more of a clinical lab tech shortage than nursing shortage so while there are tons of jobs available, you might get screwed on shifts, number of weekends you need to work or call hours, and you might work in a lab where you'll be doing the job of three techs because they can't fill vacancies.

As evidenced in posts above, everyone in the hospital gets more respect than you do. Few will know what your educational background is and a lot will assume you only need a H.S. or AA degree to "throw stuff on a machine." That can really suck when you find yourself explaining something to a physician then have to refer him to a pathologist who tells him exact same thing you just did, only now it's gospel... 😛


A funny: doc calls the lab and asks "I'd like to save my patient a stick, can you draw his therapeutic drug Peak and Trough levels at the same time."

tech goes: "doc, I'm going to hang up and let you think about that."

 

[wutthechris]

Disadvantages:
1. It is up to you take more challenging science classes to prep you for mcat and first year med school. MEd TECH curriculum is cake compared to biology, chemistry, or physics majors.

You are clearly not a med tech if making a claim like that. Based on your user name I have to assume you are a lab tech, which is not the same thing.

That's one of my worries in considering it as a fall back career. I think some shadowing of professionals in the field is certainly warranted.

It's possible to get burnt out in any field but a perk to being an MT is that you are qualified to work in many areas. It's as simple as applying for a different department if you need a change of scenery.

Having an MT background and being certified means you always have a backup plan and the nationwide shortage of MTs means you can find flexible shifts, per diem work, etc. A dime-a-dozen biology degree will not do nearly as much for you(both in terms of education that will help you in med school or similar pursuits and in terms of making money).


/edit - Here's a list of the courses I took in my med tech program to give you an idea what you learn. This is after 90 hrs of basics, prereqs, etc.


CL 4131 Immunohematology Lab 1
CL 4145 Hemostasis 1
CL 4146 Clinical Hemostasis 1
CL 4220 Advanced Medical Microbiology 2
CL 4221 Clinical Microbiology 2
CL 4230 Immunohematology 2
CL 4232 Clinical Immunohematology 2
CL 4250 Phlebotomy 2
CL 4260 Capstone Seminar 2
CL 4310 Applied Clinical Chemistry 3
CL 4323 Miscellaneous Microbiology
CL 4324 Miscellaneous Microbiology II (misc micro included parasitology, mycology, serology, virology, etc.)
CL 4343 Applied Clinical Hematology 3
CL 4370 Advanced Studies 3 (molecular genetic technology, cytogenetics, etc.)
CL 4375 Research Project 3
CL 4500 Clinical Chemistry 5
CL 4540 Clinical Hematology 5
HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics* 1
HS 3300 Immunology* 3
HS 3330 Pathology of Body Fluids* 3
HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence 1
HS 4371 Management and Education (on-line) 3

 

[CopToEM]

You are clearly not a med tech if making a claim like that. Based on your user name I have to assume you are a lab tech, which is not the same thing.



It's possible to get burnt out in any field but a perk to being an MT is that you are qualified to work in many areas. It's as simple as applying for a different department if you need a change of scenery.

Having an MT background and being certified means you always have a backup plan and the nationwide shortage of MTs means you can find flexible shifts, per diem work, etc. A dime-a-dozen biology degree will not do nearly as much for you(both in terms of education that will help you in med school or similar pursuits and in terms of making money).


/edit - Here's a list of the courses I took in my med tech program to give you an idea what you learn. This is after 90 hrs of basics, prereqs, etc.


CL 4131 Immunohematology Lab 1
CL 4145 Hemostasis 1
CL 4146 Clinical Hemostasis 1
CL 4220 Advanced Medical Microbiology 2
CL 4221 Clinical Microbiology 2
CL 4230 Immunohematology 2
CL 4232 Clinical Immunohematology 2
CL 4250 Phlebotomy 2
CL 4260 Capstone Seminar 2
CL 4310 Applied Clinical Chemistry 3
CL 4323 Miscellaneous Microbiology
CL 4324 Miscellaneous Microbiology II (misc micro included parasitology, mycology, serology, virology, etc.)
CL 4343 Applied Clinical Hematology 3
CL 4370 Advanced Studies 3 (molecular genetic technology, cytogenetics, etc.)
CL 4375 Research Project 3
CL 4500 Clinical Chemistry 5
CL 4540 Clinical Hematology 5
HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics* 1
HS 3300 Immunology* 3
HS 3330 Pathology of Body Fluids* 3
HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence 1
HS 4371 Management and Education (on-line) 3

Sounds intense! Were these all completed during a one year interval or longer?

Edit:
I'm questioning more and more how any AdCom could look at clinical laboratory science and not consider it more preparatory than a BS in Biology. Let's face it, when we're talking health care in general and moreover patient care, clinical laboratory science certainly seems more relevant to the medical field than a basic Biology degree.

Now, I say that with the comparison being my university's curriculum. If you throw in A&P, Cell, Micro, and others you would certainly have an argument for Biology.

As I continue my research, I can certainly see how useful knowing the ins and outs of various tests would be for med school but more importantly a career as a physician.

Thanks everyone again for great input! Keep it up!

 

[wutthechris]

Sounds intense! Were these all completed during a one year interval or longer?

It was all done in one year(August to August). That year was spent living and breathing CLS. 😉

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Here's a 12 month MT program for second degree seekers. It may be interesting to look at.

http://www.uams.edu/chrp/medtech/second_degree.asp

 

[llee8820]

A lot of good info about MT has already been said in this thread...so I won't repeat it. Just two things to let you know if they haven't been mentioned here

1) MD schools DO NOT count your MT/CLS classes towards your sGPA. Unless your strictly going DO, then your good. Otherwise, focus more on your non-MT/CLS science classes first.

2) An internship is NOT guaranteed. They are becoming more and more competitive, not nearly as Med Schools, but they are increasing. And I'm talking about the good ones, ones that you DON'T pay them money for tuition, and its not in the middle of a desert, or some random a** town in the middle of nowhere.

GL on your choice. Just ask yourself this at the end of the day...what can you do with a biology degree? Nuff said...

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

You are clearly not a med tech if making a claim like that. Based on your user name I have to assume you are a lab tech, which is not the same thing.

Okay smart guy, I'll bite. How many lab technician programs are BS degrees. None! Last time I checked, you can't get into med school with a associates degree. I started as a lab technician in the Navy,hence to "old" screen name, earned the BS in MT and now I'm in med school. And, this is not the point of this post. Clearly, you have not idea how to read the original post!

PS: Any real TEch who works in a real hospital knows that noone walks around calling themselves technologist. We all refer to ourselves as the "lab tech community." Stop being counter-productive and provide info to answer the OPs question.

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

A lot of good info about MT has already been said in this thread...so I won't repeat it. Just two things to let you know if they haven't been mentioned here

1) MD schools DO NOT count your MT/CLS classes towards your sGPA. Unless your strictly going DO, then your good. Otherwise, focus more on your non-MT/CLS science classes first.

This is 100% BS!!!!!! Trust someone in med school from a MT background. When you fill out your applicantion, simply select other-science classes and the classes are counted in your GPA. I think what you meant was that MT upper classes ,like MT Biochemisty, cannot meet a med school prerequisite. That is correct. However, they are indeed in your sGPA calculation. Do you seriously think that immunohematology = art history?

 

[NAVYLABTECH08]

Sounds intense! Were these all completed during a one year interval or longer?

Edit:
I'm questioning more and more how any AdCom could look at clinical laboratory science and not consider it more preparatory than a BS in Biology. Let's face it, when we're talking health care in general and moreover patient care, clinical laboratory science certainly seems more relevant to the medical field than a basic Biology degree.

I agree 100%. The problem is the MCAT. Relying too much on MT can actually screw you up on the mcat, considering they are writing that test for Bio and chem majors. I remember missing a couple of easy porblems on my practice tests beause I relied on MT knowledge and not simple Biology 101.

Now, I say that with the comparison being my university's curriculum. If you throw in A&P, Cell, Micro, and others you would certainly have an argument for Biology.

My curriculum was spread out over 2 years. Why would they make you do you upper classes in 1 year, considering the pre-MT classes are 2 years to complete and it is a 4 year degree.

As I continue my research, I can certainly see how useful knowing the ins and outs of various tests would be for med school but more importantly a career as a physician.

👍

 

[BlameItOnTheOH]

To my fellow MT/CLS people...

If you guys did an internship that was completed after college (an extra year somewhere completely unaffiliated with your university) like I did, do you request transcripts from the program be sent to AMCAS? Does anyone know for sure if this counts as part of just your cGPA or your sGPA? Either way, is there at least some place for me to list these courses? Even if my grades don't count, I at least want admissions to know the courses I took!

 

[CopToEM]

A lot of good info about MT has already been said in this thread...so I won't repeat it. Just two things to let you know if they haven't been mentioned here

1) MD schools DO NOT count your MT/CLS classes towards your sGPA. Unless your strictly going DO, then your good. Otherwise, focus more on your non-MT/CLS science classes first.

I actually just wrote AMCAS an e-mail about this very topic yesterday because I'm seeing it both ways all over the internet. I'll post their reply here when I do! One guy mentioned on another forum that he believes there was a change in their policy recently and that may be the reason for the conflicting info.

2) An internship is NOT guaranteed. They are becoming more and more competitive, not nearly as Med Schools, but they are increasing. And I'm talking about the good ones, ones that you DON'T pay them money for tuition, and its not in the middle of a desert, or some random a** town in the middle of nowhere.

I spoke to the MT/CLS advisor at our University on Tuesday and she verified that there is an understood agreement in place that students who successfully complete with our undergrad can go through the program at one of two schools. More importantly, they're signing a Guaranteed Admission Program agreement to solidify that before Fall. I mentioned it before, but I don't know that I'd even consider CLS if that wasn't the case. It just seems risky.

GL on your choice. Just ask yourself this at the end of the day...what can you do with a biology degree? Nuff said...

For the most part, my sentiments exactly. Sometimes I can envision myself teaching but most of the time I cringe at the thought. I think it would depress me to teach students all day who will go into the field and leave me behind - if that makes sense. I just don't have that passion for academia that some people possess.

I highly anticipate that I'll be declaring a CLS major within a few weeks time.

 

[willen101383]

Although tons of replies have been posted on this thread I figured Id chime in since I am an MT and have been working as such for 5 years now. I wasnt a MT major..I was a bio major. I worked as a phleb in a hospital for 3 years undergrad and after graduation I did an internship and got my MT. I think the experience you gain as a MT blows adcoms away in terms of clinical experience. It was really funny writing hours of experience in the tens of thousands on some of my apps. During interviews the adcoms seemed really receptive toward my med tech experience. It provides a good backup should you not get in to med school (not saying you wont of course). I run the transfusion service at my current hospital and am loving every day of it...although I cant wait to start medical school in 3 months! Good luck! If you have any questions PM me!

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I actually just wrote AMCAS an e-mail about this very topic yesterday because I'm seeing it both ways all over the internet. I'll post their reply here when I do! One guy mentioned on another forum that he believes there was a change in their policy recently and that may be the reason for the conflicting info.

Please do. I to always hear conflicting info. I know it states Medical Technology under Health Sciences but I still have a hard time believing that Clinical Microbiology doesn't fall under Microbiology (which was a joke compared to my clinical Micro).

 

[llee8820]

Please do. I to always hear conflicting info. I know it states Medical Technology under Health Sciences but I still have a hard time believing that Clinical Microbiology doesn't fall under Microbiology (which was a joke compared to my clinical Micro).

Yes for sure, let us know what you find you. I talked to an pre-med advisor earlier this year and she didn't say anything about a policy change. I'd be ecstatic if this was the case, my sGPA would definitely increase 🙂

And I guess thats pretty cool how your university guarantees a spot. Unless your talking about CLS, in which I think with a CLS degree it is always a guaranteed spot somewhere, just not with a MT. But in the end, I think it depends on your university size and just how many spots are available. In my opinion, if you had to choose between MT/CLS, go with MT, less classes and labs you have to take.

 

[llee8820]

On a side note, I'm a MT major with a internship already lined up for next year, and hopefully Med School after. But if I had to redo college again, I would be a Packaging major 😛

You still have to take all the basic science courses, but the back up plan is MUCH better than the backup MT. My two cents...

 

[wutthechris]

In my opinion, if you had to choose between MT/CLS, go with MT, less classes and labs you have to take.

Clinical laboratory science(CLS) refers to the program in which you obtain a degree or certificate to be eligible to sit for the MT boards. They aren't something you choose between.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Clinical laboratory science(CLS) refers to the program in which you obtain a degree or certificate to be eligible to sit for the MT boards. They aren't something you choose between.

Just an update. As of a few months ago, its no longer called MT (medical technologist). It is now called MLS (medical laboratory scientist). You now become MLS certified after sitting fir the ASCP exam.