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FAQs, Medical Technology Program
Q: When do I apply to the Medical Technology Program?
A: Students apply during the spring semester (by February 1) of their sophomore year.
Q: Will I be guaranteed clinical placement?
A: Yes, all students who maintain the standards of scholastic achievement are guaranteed a clinical placement. All students spend the first seven months of their senior year at Hartford Hospital, and then complete their clinical training at one of several clinical rotation sites.
Q: How are placements at clinical rotation sites determined?
A: During your time at Hartford Hospital, you will visit all the clinical rotation sites. You then determine your first, second and third choices for placement. The clinical site may then require additional information from you, which may include a personal interview. Once this has been completed, a matching process will determine your placement.
While you are not guaranteed your first choice, you will be guaranteed placement if you maintain the standards of scholastic achievement.
Q: Are there any additional fees or expenses associated with the Medical Technology Program?
A: You can expect fees to approximate those of other University students. There will be added expenses for uniforms and clinical travel. In addition upon acceptance into the Program, you must pay two one time fees of $50 (lifetime total of $100 per degree) for each of your first two semesters enrolled in the Program. This fee is to defray the cost of providing the laboratory portion of the professional curriculum.
While on clinical placement, you are responsible for all expenses associated with the clinical experience. You are responsible for your own transportation to the clinical site. You should allow for transportation expenses which could include parking fees and the cost of gasoline.
You are required to pay full fees and tuition during off-campus clinical affiliations. During periods spent full time in the affiliated sites, it is your responsibility to find living quarters and to provide your own maintenance.
Q: What are some of the benefits of being a Medical Technologist?
Multiple career opportunities
Challenging
Excellent entry-level salaries
Flexible hours
Part-time opportunities
Foundation for other health-related careers
An integral part of the health care team
Q: Is housing or parking available at the clinical sites?
A: Dormitory rooms are available at Hartford Hospital for approximately $300/month. Parking is available at local garages/lots for approximately $60-70/month.
Housing and parking availability vary at the other clinical rotation sites.
Q: How will I know if this is a career for me?
A: Medical Technology is a career for you if you:
are a problem solver
like challenge and responsibility
are accurate and reliable
work well under pressure
communicate well
set high standards for yourself
are fascinated by science
Q: What is the Program’s certification examination pass rate?
A: 90% of students in the Program pass the national certification examination on their first attempt.
Q: What is the job market for Medical Technologists?
A: There currently is a nationwide shortage of qualified technologists, which will likely continue into the foreseeable future.
Q: How many students are accepted each year?
A: Twenty four students are accepted each year into the Program as juniors. Twelve students will start their clinical training July of their senior year and the remaining twelve will start in January of their senior year.
Q: What would a career ladder look like for me once I become a Medical Technologist?
A. A Medical Technologist who gains experience in one of the special areas of the laboratory has the opportunity to advance to a specialist level. In chemistry, hematology, transfusion services immunology and microbiology. There are also numerous opportunities in management, research and education. There are additional positions in pharmaceutical companies and industry, as well as in reference, state health department and forensic laboratories. With additional graduate work, there are even more opportunities for professional growth.
In today’s laboratories, areas of scientific exploration include the immune system, cell marker technology, bioengineering and cancer research. In the clinical area, drug testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and biogenetics are just a few of the specialties with openings. In industry, Medical Technologists are needed for positions in marketing, sales, quality assurance, environmental health and insurance, among others.
Q: Are you able to do the program on a part-time basis?
A: Part-time study is possible through the completion of the junior year courses. However, you must be a full-time student once you start your clinical placement. Then classes will meet Monday through Friday for approximately 52 weeks. For the first 7 months, you will usually have lectures in the morning and labs in the afternoons. During clinical rotations you will be following the work shift of your assigned technologist.
Q: What are entry level salaries for this profession?
Salaries vary by region, ranging from approximately $35,000 to $50,000 per year base. Additional monies are given for evening, night and weekend shifts.
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