I was interested in applying to a medical tech program but decided to pursue a biological sciences BSc with a chem minor. I chose this route as I was initially interested in training in the US and then moving to the UK (Im a citizen), but I am finding out that the Med tech degree is not really that transferable into their related role of Clinical Scientist/biomedical scientist. The medical tech degree would only qualify me to work under those people, which is 20,000/yr as opposed to 37,000/yr despite the roles being equivalent in both countries..
I like the idea of having a certification that is based in practical and applied science, as my biological sciences degree is primarily theory and I havent been able to gain any clinical experience with it. I will be 28 by the time I finish my BSc so I don't exactly what to spend another 2 years in a med tech program just to use it as a stepping stone into other areas. Plus medical school would simply be too long and too costly in the US.
I had a few other goals in mind primarily medical school, physicians assistant, or genetic counseling. I'm certain I can use my BSc for all three of these but my primary issue is my lack of volunteer and work experience in the clinical sector. However, my GPA is only around a 3.4 as thats all that was required for application into the medicine and scientist training programs in the UK, so it seems I've shot myself in the foot by not considering options in the US beforehand. I have about 36 credits left to complete so I could potentially raise that to a 3.6.
So I have a few questions:
1) Are there any accelerated programs for ASCP for those who have completed a related science degree?
2) Is it possible to transition into other roles as a qualified med tech?
3) Would you say the hands on experience gained from working in the lab provide one with a leg up for application into other areas?
4) What other areas could one transition to with a Medical tech degree?
I like the idea of having a certification that is based in practical and applied science, as my biological sciences degree is primarily theory and I havent been able to gain any clinical experience with it. I will be 28 by the time I finish my BSc so I don't exactly what to spend another 2 years in a med tech program just to use it as a stepping stone into other areas. Plus medical school would simply be too long and too costly in the US.
I had a few other goals in mind primarily medical school, physicians assistant, or genetic counseling. I'm certain I can use my BSc for all three of these but my primary issue is my lack of volunteer and work experience in the clinical sector. However, my GPA is only around a 3.4 as thats all that was required for application into the medicine and scientist training programs in the UK, so it seems I've shot myself in the foot by not considering options in the US beforehand. I have about 36 credits left to complete so I could potentially raise that to a 3.6.
So I have a few questions:
1) Are there any accelerated programs for ASCP for those who have completed a related science degree?
2) Is it possible to transition into other roles as a qualified med tech?
3) Would you say the hands on experience gained from working in the lab provide one with a leg up for application into other areas?
4) What other areas could one transition to with a Medical tech degree?
