Categorical Certificate Training Program

Overview

Purpose

Provides rapid training for individuals who possess a baccalaureate or advanced degree in chemistry, biology or other basic sciences.

Outcome

Students who successfully complete all requirements of this program become eligible to sit for certification examination as Technologists in chemistry, hematology, microbiology or blood banking through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Specialty Areas

• Chemistry
• Hematology
• CORE (Chemistry + Hematology)
• Microbiology
• Blood Banking

Students select ONE specialty area for certification. CORE laboratory specialty requires the taking of both chemistry and hematology certifications as Technologists in each area. 

Program Details

Program length varies with specialty and semester of entry.

• Spring admission: two semesters plus clinical rotation
• Fall admission: three semesters plus clinical rotation
• 16-19 Weeks, 13-16 credits: Online fast-track virtual clinical microbiology categorical designed for those employed in a clinical microbiology laboratory who have a BS degree but did not complete an MLT or MLS program. Estimated launch: Spring 2023.

For the Blood Bank Categorical Certificate, applicants must already be employed in a blood bank laboratory (minimum of one-year experience) to be eligible for admission

Why the Department of Medical & Research Technology (DMRT)?

• Small class size and high faculty-to-student ratio
• Clinical rotations available at hospital laboratories

Benefits

• Increases the marketability of individuals in the health professions.
• Expands employment opportunities.
• Provides preparation for a profession with a well-defined career ladder in hospital laboratories, public and private research laboratories, as well as in education.
• Provides preparation for a profession that offers long-term flexibility, stability and advancement.
• Provides an excellent academic foundation for the pursuit of advanced degrees.

Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science 

Chemistry

Eligible for C(ASCP) Technologist Certification

Option #1 Spring Admission (3 Semesters)

Option #2 Fall Admission (4 Semesters)

Blood Banking

Blood Banking Categorical*

Eligible for BB(ASCP) Technologist Certification

* Must be working in a blood bank laboratory (minimum one-year experience)

Hematology

OPTION #1 Spring Admission (3 Semesters)

OPTION #2 Fall Admission (3 Semesters)

ONLINE Microbiology Categorical Certificate Program

Designed for non-MLS BS degree individuals who are employed in a clinical microbiology laboratory

Eligible for M(ASCP) Technologist Certification

16 weeks without clinical rotation, 19 weeks with 14-day clinical rotation, 13-16 hours

1 hour per week of instruction is equivalent to 1 credit

1 hour = 60 minutes of instruction each week

Classes are twice a week, therefore a 3-hour course requires 6 hours of time. The first session requires 12 hours of time each week and the second session requires 14 hours of time each week. The Practicum is 14 days long. 

Microbiology (TRADITIONAL)

Designed for BS degree individuals who are not employed in a clinical microbiology laboratory and who prefer face-to-face instruction.

Each course except MEDT 409 has an associated laboratory that is performed following the lecture.

Eligible for M(ASCP) Technologist Certification

3-4 semesters, 22-26 hours

1 hour per week of instruction is equivalent to 1 credit

1 hour = 60 minutes of instruction each week

Option 1 Spring Admission (3 semesters)

Option 2 Fall Admission (4 semesters)

CORE

Eligible for C,H(ASCP) Technologist Certification

OPTION #1 Spring Admission (3 Semesters)

OPTION #2 Fall Admission (4 Semesters)