Medical technologists play an active role in healthcare by performing a wide variety of laboratory tests on body fluids and tissues in order to determine the presence or absence of disease, monitor a patient's response to therapy and/or aid in the prevention of illness and maintenance of health. These tests encompass many areas, including clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, clinical urinology, immunology, immunohematology, and more. The results of these tests are used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical technologists use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. Medical technologists are involved in all aspects of clinical laboratory testing including: performing the tests, maintenance and troubleshooting of instruments, quality control, and evaluating/ developing new tests.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Employment opportunities in the medical technology field are excellent, with opportunities available in hospital laboratories, commercial reference laboratories, private laboratories, public health laboratories, clinics, and research centers. Industry also offers opportunity in the area of sales, public relations, and in research and development. Like all scientific fields, there is the option of continued academic specialization through the pursuit of an advanced degree, which in turn brings further employment opportunities and benefits.

PROGRAMS

Click here to see the current academic year's Undergraduate Catalog requirements for the Biology - Medical Technology major .

NOTE: For official requirements, determine your catalog rights, and go to the undergraduate catalog that matches those rights. (The following requirements are ONLY for students whose FIRST semester at CSU is Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. For students who started BEFORE the 2011-2012 school year AND who have been enrolled during at least one of the past three semesters, including summer, please see your undergraduate catalog).

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN BIOLOGY - MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Offered in conjunction with an affiliated school of medical technology. Students in the program have two options for completing the curricula of Cleveland State University and the affiliated school of medical technology (see your science adviser for more information).

In addition to Medical Technology, the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences also offers additional programs of study for those interested in biology. For more information, see the Biology program sheet.

An Honors Program is also available for students in the B.S. in Biology - Medical Technology program. To be eligible, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 in courses required for the B.S. in Biology and a 3.0 GPA overall. This program also requires 8 credit hours of honors research and seminar, and a successful oral defense of a written thesis.

Engaged learning experiences (for all programs) include research experience with nationally recognized CSU faculty, who have obtained prestigious federal grants, and co-op and internship opportunities. Many of the courses are offered in the evenings. All students receive individual advising.

General Education Requirements: All degree-seeking students are required to meet general education requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring that courses chosen satisfy these requirements and are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor. A comprehensive description of the requirements is found at http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/gened/.

OPTIONS FOR THE BIOLOGY - MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY MAJOR

OPTION I (3 + 1)
Consists of three years of full-time study at CSU, followed by one year of clinical laboratory training in an affiliated school of medical technology, where 32 credits are earned toward the B.S. degree.:

OPTION II (4 + 1)
Consists of the successful completion of the B. S. degree with a major in Medical Technology prior to enrolling in an approved school of medical technology. This option is recommended for students who desire flexibility in training program choice, and increased options for career choice and career development in the future.

For more information, contact:
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, SI 219
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
Phone: 216.687.2440
Email: bges@csuohio.edu
http://web.bges.csuohio.edu/

For official requirements for a degree in this major, see the Undergraduate Catalog.