Medical technologists, also called laboratory technologists or medical laboratory scientists, work in clinical and medical labs.
They run tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Medical technologists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in medical technology or laboratory science.
Keep reading to learn more about medical technologist programs.
Top Medical Technologist Programs
Medical technologist programs are not offered as diplomas and are very rarely offered as certificate programs.
Medical technologist programs, typically called laboratory science programs, are most commonly offered as bachelor's degree programs, but sometimes also as graduate degrees.
We've listed our top picks for these programs below in alphabetical order. All programs listed are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
1. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University is a public research university in Stony Brook, NY. It's part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
It offers a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
This program teaches students to use a variety of sophisticated equipment and skills to perform tests that analyze specimens for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease.
Students start their clinical laboratory science courses once they've reached their junior year. The program includes both clinical practice and courses such as:
- Clinical Laboratory Quality Management
- Coagulation, Urinalysis, and Body Fluids
- Computer Applications in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Parasitology/Mycology
Two optional specializations are available for this degree: clinical cytogenetics and forensic medical diagnostics. Both include a course as well as clinical practice or an internship.
2. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a public research university based in Minneapolis, MN. It offers several track options through its medical laboratory sciences program.
The first is a four-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences. It includes courses such as:
- Chemical Analysis in Health and Disease
- Concepts of Diagnostic Microbiology
- Fundamentals in Hematology and Hemostasis
- Scholarly Inquiry and Analysis in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Several courses in this program are available online as well as on campus. Clinical rotations are also required.
Students with a bachelor's in a related subject but without medical laboratory certification can pursue a 38-credit certificate or a 55-credit master's in medical laboratory science.
Those who have already become certified but want to continue their education can do so with the university's online Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences degree.
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, NC. It offers bachelor's and master's programs in laboratory science.
The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science prepares professionals who are competent to perform and interpret laboratory tests.
It's made up of one year of lectures and labs followed by a year of clinical experiences. Courses offered in this program include:
- Basic and Molecular Laboratory Methods
- Clinical Bacteriology
- Immunohematology
- Urinalysis and Body Fluids
Certified laboratory professionals can continue their education with the online master's program in clinical laboratory sciences. It requires 33 credits and includes courses like:
- Biostatistics for Laboratory Professionals
- Clinical Laboratory Administration
- Molecular Genetics and Diseases
- Principles of Molecular Diagnostics
This program is designed for laboratory professionals who wish to deepen their scientific knowledge, prepare for teaching roles, or advance in administrative roles.
4. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a public health science university in San Antonio, TX. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
Students in this program learn to use cutting-edge technologies and techniques to analyze blood and body fluids to help identify, treat, and prevent hundreds of diseases and conditions.
The curriculum is made up of coursework, labs, and clinical practicums. Courses offered include:
- Body Fluids
- Evidence-Based Literature Review in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Medical Microbiology
- Quality Assurance in the Clinical Laboratory
Students who have already completed an associate degree in laboratory sciences and earned their medical technician certification may be eligible for the advanced track.
5. University of Washington
The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, WA. Its School of Medicine offers programs through its Department of Laboratory Medicine.
Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and learn how to perform clinical laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, and tissue samples.
Lectures, labs, and clinical rotations are all part of this program. The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Laboratory Analysis of Urine and Body Fluids
- Medical Laboratory Science: Introductory Clinical Hematology
- Medical Mycology and Parasitology
- Medical Virology
The university also offers a Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine. It offers six specialties:
- Blood Bank/Transfusion Service
- Chemistry/Immunology
- Genetics/Molecular Diagnostics
- Informatics
- Hematology/Coagulation
- Microbiology/Virology
The master's program provides students with advanced training in laboratory management, scientific reasoning, and laboratory practices, and provides opportunities for mentored research.
FAQs About Medical Technologist Programs
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about medical technologist programs.
What's the Difference Between a Medical Technician and a Medical Technologist?
A medical technician is usually an entry-level position, whereas medical technologists have additional training and education and can perform more complex testing.
What Do I Need to Become Certified as a Medical Technologist?
The primary body for certification is the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). It offers several certification options, which require you to pass an exam to obtain.
How Long Are Medical Technologist Programs?
Most medical technologist programs are four-year bachelor's programs. Some are master's degrees, which take an average of two years to complete.
Find Medical Technologist Programs
To become a medical technologist, you'll need to earn at least a bachelor's degree in laboratory sciences. Check out the programs listed above to start your career journey today!
