MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Bachelor of Science (2 + 2 Track)

Medical technologists are trained to work in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology and microbiology, with various sub-specialties in each of these major areas.

The program of study is designed to provide the knowledge and technical skills necessary to qualify an individual for work in a diagnostic clinical laboratory, research, or industry. Students complete two years of pre-professional courses in science and general education, and after admission into the Medical Technology (MT) professional program, complete two years of medical laboratory science courses. The professional course work includes didactic courses, student laboratory instruction, and clinical experience rotations in medical laboratories in the Salt Lake Valley.

Since most of the senior (2nd) year MLS curriculum consists of required clinical experience courses (rotations), all newly admitted junior (1st) year students are guaranteed clinical rotations in our affiliated clinical facilities as a required part of the MLS Program.  Assurances are received from our clinical affiliates before 1st year students are admitted to the University of Utah MLS professional program, that they can accommodate all of our new students, with the mutually agreed assigned students for rotations at each clinical site.  In the event of any unforeseen circumstances that a clinical affiliate(s) could not meet its obligation with assigned students, fewer students would be admitted in the junior year.  If unforeseen problems should arise with an affiliate after admission, then our University-associated reference laboratory, ARUP would absorb these students.

The following clinical affiliates of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program at the University of Utah provide clinical training for MLS students.  It is the goal of these institutions to assist MLS students in completing their education by providing a variety of clinical laboratory experiences and exposure to professional, academic and business atmospheres.  Our current clinical sites for MT student rotations are:

ARUP - Central

ARUP - UUHSC Stat Lab

IMC - Central Lab

LDS Hospital

Primary Children's Medical Center

St. Mark's Hospital

Jordan Valley Hospital

Pioneer Valley Hospital

Laboratory analysis by the medical technologist plays a critical role with the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. Medical technologists are professionals who are not only prepared to produce laboratory data, but also to assure the quality of those data, compare and select laboratory methods, advise other health care workers on the validity of data, and supervise ancillary laboratory personnel.

Graduates of this NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) accredited program receive a bachelor of science degree in medical laboratory science from the University of Utah and are qualified to take a national certification exam to obtain their professional credentials.  90+% of our graduates have consistently passed this certification exam the first time for the last 15-20 years.  Due to the local and national shortage of medical technologists, 100% of our graduates are placed in hospital and reference  laboratories of their  choice.  NAACLS is located at 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720 in Rosemont, IL  60018.  Phone # 773.714.880.

Students who wish to apply to the MT program should prepare for professional courses by taking the required pre-professional courses at a four-year college or a community college that offers equivalent courses. Students are advised to have strong backgrounds in high school chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

Admission is dependent upon selection by the Medical Technology Admissions Committee. Selection is based on a minimum GPA of 2.5 (both cumulative and science or higher) and the successful completion of prerequisite university courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

MLS SELECTION CRITERIA : Applications from all qualified applicants will be reviewed by the MLS selection committee. The committee consists of members of the MLS faculty. The selection process for Medical Technology is competitive and is based on a point ranking system.

The following criteria will be used to rank all qualified applicants:               

  1.   Academic Achievement     (4 - 16 points)   

                   · Cumulative GPA

                   · Science GPA

                   · Minimal Repeats of Pre-requisites

  2.   Essay Questions       (3 - 12 points)

                   · Relevance

                   · Organization/Logic/Clarity

                   · Writing Style

  3.   Experience         (3 - 12 points)

                   · Laboratory Experience

                   · Work Experience

                   · Extra Curricular/Community Service

  4.    Reviewer's Overall Impression   (1 - 4 points)

                   (Including References and Leadership Potential)    

Applications are to be submitted to the MT program director between January 1 and April 1 to be considered for admission to the program for fall semester. Enrollment is limited. Late admissions may be accepted if space is available. All international applicants are required to pass the SPEAK test, administered by the University Testing Center.

All students must meet with Michele Stuart for program advising prior to application to the MLS Program.

For additional information and application materials contact:
J. Michele Stuart, Ph.D., MT(ASCP)
Student Advisor, Medical Technology Program
Department of Pathology
University of Utah School of Medicine, 5R477
30 North 1900 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
Telephone: (801) 585-5452
Fax: (801) 585-2463
E-mail:J. Michele Stuart, Ph.D.
Web Address: http://www.path.utah.edu/mls