Learn more about the Medical Technology BS program, including course information and how to apply.
Prepare to Work as a Laboratory Professional
Through the use of precision instrumentation, medical technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) analyze blood, tissue, cells, and other body fluids to provide data critical to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They work closely with pathologists, other physicians, and other laboratory professionals who specialize in clinical chemistry, microbiology, and other biological sciences.
The Curriculum
This 120-credit program consists of two phases of study.
- Phase one includes 90 credits of coursework in the preclinical sciences such as chemistry, biology, physics, and math, plus the Liberal Studies requirements completed at the IUP main campus. All requirements in phase one must be completed before progressing to an affiliating school of medical technology.
- Phase two includes 30 credits in the 12-month clinical year, during which students attend classes and clinical rotations at one of the many affiliating schools of medical technology located in Pennsylvania and New York. The affiliate programs are fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
- Students are encouraged to earn at least a 2.8 grade point average in math and science courses in order to be competitive for admission to an affiliating school. IUP does not guarantee admission to the clinical program.
A Typical Plan of Study:
Freshman Year
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOL 150 Human Anatomy | 4 |
| CHEM 111 General Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENGL 101 Composition I | 3 |
| Fine Arts Requirement | 3 |
| Total Credits | 14 |
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEM 112 General Chemistry II | 4 |
| HIST 196/197/198 | 3 |
| Dimensions of Wellness | 3 |
| BIOL 202 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Total Credits | 14 |
Sophomore Year
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHYS 111 Physics I Lecture | 3 |
| PHYS 121 Physics I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| BIOL 250 Principles of Microbiology, or BIOL 241 Intro to Medical Microbiology* |
4 |
| ENGL 202 Composition II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
*Students need permission to register for BIOL 250 from the chairperson of the Biology Department in 143 Weyandt.
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHYS 112 Physics II Lecture | 3 |
| PHYS 122 Physics II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Global and Multicultural Awareness | 3 |
| Total Credits | 14 |
Students begin the clinical application process the second semester of their sophomore year.
Junior Year
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEM 325 Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| BIOL 240 Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 364 Immunology | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 17 |
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEM 351 Biochemistry | 4 |
| ENGL 121 Humanities Literature | 3 |
| MATH 217 Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Philosophy/Religious Studies Requirement | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Students may need to register for BIOL 364 in their junior year with special permission from the chairperson of the Biology Department.
Senior Year
Medical technology courses are taught off campus for one calendar year at an affiliate School of Medical Technology. Students will not need to register for these courses. Thirty credits will be transferred from the affiliate School of Medical Technology and posted to the official Indiana University of Pennsylvania student transcript.
Synthesis course: not required
Writing Intensive Course: one course required; may be fulfilled with certain sections of courses that fulfill some graduation requirement categories.
The class BIOL 203 Principles of Genetics and Development is highly recommended and may also fulfill the writing intensive requirement.
Students may be eligible to earn minors in both biology and chemistry.
Graduates of the Medical Technology Program are:
- Eligible to apply to take a certification examination offered by the Board of Certification of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and are recognized as professional technologists by the designation of MLS (ASCP) after their names.
- Prepared for graduate degrees in chemistry, biology, medicine, pathology, administration, and other areas.
Graduates Sought for In-Demand Skills
There is a critical shortage of medical technologists, and the need is projected to intensify over the next several years. Graduates are aggressively recruited and enjoy a 100 percent placement rate. Medical technologists are most often employed in hospital laboratories, but they may also find positions in laboratories located in pharmaceutical companies, the cosmetic and food industry, and in crime labs.