Answers to your most commonly asked questions.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
A: One year. We offer the program twice a year with starting dates in either July or January.
Q: WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
A: Monday – Friday, 7:30 A.M. – 4:30 PM (varies throughout the year), occasional nights.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION? ARE THERE ANY FEES?
A: Tuition is paid to the University of Connecticut. Hartford Hospital charges a $150 non-refundable syllabus fee.
Q: IS FINANCIAL AID FOR TUITION AVAILABLE?
A: No federal funding is available, however students may apply for scholarships from various sources and student loans through institutions such as the
Hartford Healthcare Credit Union.
Q: IS HOUSING OR PARKING AVAILABLE?
A: Dormitory rooms are available in the Education & Resource Center for approximately $350/month. Parking is available at local garages/lots for approximately $70-$80 / month.
Q: HOW WILL I KNOW IF THIS CAREER FOR ME?
A: Yes, if you...
• Are a compassionate, sensitive, and caring
individual who loves to work with people.
• Love to solve puzzle and work with your hands and your brain.
• Enjoy being technically challenged while keeping pace with
the advancements in medicine and with attention to detail
• Are seeking an education rich in the biomedical and
laboratory sciences related to medicine.
• Have lots of energy, are responsible, can work independently
or with a group and can communicate well
Q: WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES NEEDED TO ENTER THE PROGRAM?
A: • High school diploma or equivalent
• Semester hours in organic chemistry and biochemistry
• Semester hours in microbiology and immunology
• Semester hours in math, physics, and statistics
• broad base of applicable electives
•
click here for additional prerequisites
Q: ARE DRUG SCREENING AND A PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED?
A: Yes.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM?
A: Refer to the form found on this web site.
Q: DOES THE HOSPITAL GUARANTEE YOU JOB PLACEMENT?
A: No. We assist students in securing employment upon graduation and provide opportunity for site visits at other facilities.
Q: WHAT IS THE SALARY LIKE FOR THIS PROFESSION?
A: Approximately $40,000-$50,000; salaries vary based on geographical area. For more info, see visit the ASCP or ASCLS web sites.
Q: WHAT IS THE JOB MARKET FOR CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS OR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS?
A: There is currently a shortage in medical technology. Recent national statistics predict that this will continue until 2010.
Q: CAN I TRANSFER CREDITS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS?
A: A student may apply previous didactic education to the program with UConn official approval. People with degrees already can apply for a certificate only program. Contact UConn for details.
Q: ARE EVENING CLASSES AVAILABLE? CAN YOU START IN A JANUARY SEMESTER?
A: No, classes are only held Monday – Friday during the day. A formal part time program option is not available at this time but we can discuss various options.
Q: HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED PER YEAR?
A: Normally a maximum of 12 per class (2 classes/year)
Q: WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND CLINICAL TRAINING AT OTHER FACILITIES?
A: It is possible you will attend classes at an off site location. The hospital program currently utilizes testing facilities in Newington (Clinical Lab Partners), Meriden (MidState Medical Center) in addition to Hartford Hospital. Optionally, students can request to have their clinical training in Waterbury (Waterbury Hospital) or Bridgeport (Bridgeport Hospital).
Q: WHAT DOES YOUR TRAINING PREPARE ME FOR?
A: The graduate of this program is provided with educational information and experiences to develop individual potential and become eligible to apply for national certification.
Q: WHAT WOULD A CAREER LADDER LOOK LIKE FOR ME ONCE I BECAME A MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST?
A: Opportunities in management, research and education. Additional positions in pharmaceutical companies, industry, reference, state, forensic labs. There are even more opportunities for professional growth and development with additional graduate work.
Q: IS THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM ACCREDITED?
A: The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Q: IS COUNSELING AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS?
A: Yes. Students may seek assistance for personal or academic issues through either the program director or Occupational Health Services.