School of Medical Technology
The School of Medical Technology is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
NAACLS
8410 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 670
Chicago, IL 60631-3415
Phone: (773) 714-8880
Fax: (773) 714-8886
www.naacls.org
Our Mission
The mission of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare School of Medical Technology is to provide quality education and clinical experiences, resulting in the knowledge and technical skills necessary for a profession in laboratory medicine.
About Us
Students from affiliated colleges/universities may receive credit for courses completed at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. The school has the resources to handle a maximum of four students per year. Once accepted, applicants begin the program in late June.
The twelve-month program includes hospital/school orientation and clinical and didactic rotations. Students are exposed to a broad range of techniques, instrumentation and instructors.
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Program Information
The Laboratory
The laboratory at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is modern, cheerful and efficient with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Six pathologists, a large staff of medical technologists and other professional personnel provide 24-hour service for the hospital and community. Over one million laboratory tests are done at St. Elizabeth Healthcare each year. The laboratory also operates several community phlebotomy centers as part of its outreach program.
The laboratory classroom is utilized by students for formal lectures and by the staff for continuing education. Reference materials, including audiovisual aids and computers are available in the laboratory and medical library.
The Program
The School of Medical Technology is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018.
Students from affiliated colleges/universities may receive credit for courses completed at St. Elizabeth. The school has the resources to handle a maximum of four students per year.
Training is primarily based at St. Elizabeth Edgewood. Students may also rotate through the other facilities in Covington, Florence, Ft. Thomas or Grant, where they are exposed to a broad range of techniques, instrumentation and instructors.
Program Goals and Objectives:
Goals: Upon completion of the St. Elizabeth School of Medical Technology Program, the medical technologist will:
- Be proficient in performing the full range of clinical laboratory tests in areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, and other emerging diagnostics
- Play a role in the development and evaluation of test systems and interpretive problem solving
- Be responsible in areas of analysis and clinical decision making, regulatory compliance, education, quality assurance and performance improvement wherever laboratory testing is researched, developed, or performed
- Possess basic knowledge, skills and relevant experience in communication and interaction with other healthcare members, external relations, customer service and patients
- Possess basic knowledge, skills and relevant experience of financial operations, marketing, and human resource management of the clinical laboratory to enable cost-effective, high quality, value added laboratory services
- Possess basic knowledge, skills and relevant experience in information management to enable effective, timely, accurate, and cost-effective reporting of laboratory generated information
- Possess basic knowledge, skill and relevant experience for research/design practices sufficient to evaluate published studies as an informed consumer
Objectives: Within each discipline, specific course-related objectives will be addressed. Overall program objectives are outlined below:
- Develop and establish procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances
- Perform analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other substances
- Integrate and relate data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments while making decisions regarding possible discrepancies
- Confirm abnormal results, verify and execute quality control procedures, and develop solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data
- Make decisions concerning the results of quality control and quality assurance measures, and institute proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision
- Establish and perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments as well as identify appropriate sources for repairs
- Develop, evaluate, and select new techniques, instruments and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory’s personnel, equipment, space and budgetary resources
- Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals and the public
- Establish and maintain continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence
- Provide leadership in education of other health personnel and the community
- Exercise principles of management, safety and supervision
- Apply principles of educational methodology
- Apply principles of current information systems
The twelve month program includes three weeks of hospital/school orientation and clinical rotations as follows:
Clinical Chemistry-Eight Weeks
Qualitatively and quantitatively analyze blood and other body fluids for chemical constituents such as proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, electrolytes and therapeutic drugs. A wide range of sophisticated instrumentation is utilized.
Urinalysis — Two Weeks
Information and experience in the physical, chemical and microscopic analysis of urine.
Microbiology — Twelve Weeks
Basic principles of medical bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology and mycobacteriology are covered. Experience in safely culturing and identifying microorganisms and conducting antibiotic sensitivity testing is provided.
Hematology — Eleven Weeks
Development of skills needed to perform manual cell counting, electronic cell counting and hemoglobinometry. The function of coagulation factors and the differentiation of blood and bone marrow cells are studied.
Immunohematology — Seven Weeks
Theory and practice of procedures related to the selection of donors, antigen and antibody identification, compatibility testing, blood processing and component therapy. Experience in pre-natal and post-natal testing is also provided.
Molecular Techniques - One Week
Includes molecular theory and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Serology — Three Weeks
Theory and practice of precipitation, agglutination, complement fixation, hemagglutination inhibition testing and fluorescent microscopy for the diagnosis of diseases such as syphilis, infectious mononucleosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Additional Information
Student hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted by the department.
Students spend five days a week rotating through the various laboratory departments and the accompanying student labs. During this time, they observe and perform procedures under the supervision of a technologist. Students gradually perfect their technical skills, learn to make decisions concerning the accuracy of test function and correlate clinical findings to patient status.
All learning is reinforced through lectures in each department.
Instruction in basic management and education principles is also provided. The curriculum is constantly updated and revised in order to keep pace with the technology and the changing role of the medical technologist.
Written, and practical examinations are given at frequent intervals both in the classroom and clinical areas. Performance evaluations are completed by the staff at the end of each section.
At the end of the year of training, a final comprehensive examination is given to each student. This test is a tool used to prepare the student for the Medical Technology Certification Examination and to help monitor the effectiveness of the training the student has received
Phlebotomy Training
As part of the Med Tech program, students will be trained to obtain blood specimens through venipuncture, arterial, and capillary skin puncture. After basic phlebotomy techniques are introduced during orientation, students work to develop their skills by performing phlebotomy for a minimum of 40 hours.
Individuals with prior phlebotomy experience may be excused from this activity with the approval of the program director.
Essential Functions
A student accepted into the St. Elizabeth Healthcare School of Medical Technology is classified as a temporary associate of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. St. Elizabeth is committed to equal opportunity in all employment practices and will not discriminate, retaliate, or limit in any way that which could deprive an individual of employment opportunities because of sex, race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, age or disability. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, St. Elizabeth does not discriminate against ‘qualified’ individuals with physical or mental disabilities with regard to applications, hiring, training or other conditions or privileges of employment. A qualified individual is one who can perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations. Essential functions for the St. Elizabeth Healthcare School of Medical Technology are outlined below:
Performance Requirements
- Collect quality samples according to laboratory policies and procedures for the accurate and timely completion of testing.
- Perform analytical tests on blood, body fluids, tissues, etc. to obtain results needed for patient care.
- Handle blood and body fluid specimens according to standard operating procedure to ensure that the specimens that reach the lab are in the best possible condition.
- Clean, organize, and stock lab work stations so work can be performed in a safe and orderly manner.
Observation Requirements
- Observe laboratory demonstrations in which biologicals (e.g. body fluids, culture materials, tissue sections, and cellular specimens) are tested for their biochemical, hematological, microbiological, and immunologic components.
- Characterize the color, odor, clarity and viscosity of biologicals, reagents, or chemical reaction products.
- Distinguish and identify objects macroscopically.
- Utilize a clinical grade binocular microscope to discriminate among fine structural differences of microscopic specimens.
- Read and comprehend text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and on a video/computer monitor.
Movement /Physical Requirements
- Move freely and safely about a laboratory.
- Reach laboratory bench tops and shelves, patients lying in hospital beds or patients in a sitting position.
- Travel between St. Elizabeth Healthcare facilities for practical experience.
- Perform moderately taxing continuous physical work, often requiring prolonged sitting or standing.
- Maneuver phlebotomy and specimen collection equipment to safely collect valid laboratory samples from both inpatients and outpatients.
- Perform delicate manipulations on specimens (e.g. pipetting, inoculating), patients (digital identification of veins) and instruments (adjusting, calibrating) in performing laboratory procedures.
- Interact with computer terminals and keyboards, requiring interpretation of visual aspects on the screen, repetitive hand movements and finger dexterity to calculate, record, evaluate and transmit laboratory information.
Communication Requirements
- Read and comprehend technical and professional materials (e.g. textbooks, magazines, journal articles, handbooks and instruction manuals).
- Follow verbal and written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform laboratory test procedures.
- Clearly instruct patients on specimen collection requirements to ensure appropriate collections.
- Effectively, confidentially, and sensitively converse with patients regarding laboratory tests.
- Evaluate the performance of fellow students, staff and healthcare professionals verbally and in a recorded format (writing, typing, graphics or telecommunications).
- Use computer software (word processor, spreadsheet, database, information systems), the Internet and the World Wide Web for communication, education and professional purposes.
- Independently prepare papers and laboratory reports.
- Complete examinations provided, whether on paper, computer or laboratory practical format.
Intellectual Requirements
- Possess these intellectual skills: comprehension, measurement, mathematical calculation, reasoning, integration, analysis, comparison, self-expression and criticism.
- Be able to solve problems and think critically.
- Exercise sufficient judgment to recognize and correct performance deviations.
- Critically evaluate her or his own performance, accept constructive criticism and look for ways to improve performance.
Behavior Requirements
- Dress to project a neat, well-groomed, professional appearance.
- Behave in a professional manner toward fellow students, faculty and patients.
- Manage the use of time in order to complete professional and technical tasks within realistic constraints.
- Possess the emotional health necessary to effectively employ intellect and exercise appropriate judgment.
- Provide professional and technical services while experiencing emotional or stressful situations, (emotional patients, work under time constraints), emergent demands (e.g. "stat" test orders), and a distracting environment (e.g. high noise levels, crowding, complex visual stimuli).
- Be flexible and creative and adapt to environmental, professional and technical change.
- Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment and situations, and proceed safely in order to minimize risk of injury to patients, self and nearby individuals.
- Adapt to working with potentially offensive specimens, chemicals and biologicals.
- Support and promote the activities of fellow students and of health care professionals.
- Help foster a team approach to learning, task completion, problem solving, and patient care.
- Be honest, compassionate, ethical, responsible and respectful of others, and possess integrity, dependability, accountability, interest and motivation.
- Be forthright about errors or uncertainty.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients we serve within the community.
Applicants must be able to read and demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English Language. Documentation of scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. Based on the requirements established by the National Certification Agency for Clinical Laboratory Scientists, the minimum score is 540 for a paper-based test, 207 for a computer-based test. Scores from similar agencies may be considered.
Individuals who possess a foreign baccalaureate degree must submit an official transcript of all college grades to be reviewed by a Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency. A list of acceptable agencies may be obtained by writing to the following address:
American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry
33 West Monroe, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
www.ascp.org
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is $3,500 per year. Any additional fees charged by the college or university will be the student’s responsibility.
Several textbooks on laboratory medicine are required for use in the program. The cost to the student is determined by current market value and is approximately $500.
Students must supply their own health insurance, lab coats (optional), and miscellaneous school supplies.
St. Elizabeth Healthcare cannot provide room and board.
Admission Requirements
St. Elizabeth Healthcare will not discriminate against any student because of age, sex, race, creed, physical challenges, or national origin. However, only those students who have earned a "C" or better in each of the following academic prerequisites will be considered. All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to admission into the program.
- 16 semester (24 quarter) hours in chemistry which includes organic or biochemistry. The organic or biochemistry should include a lab.
- 16 semester (24 quarter) hours in biology which includes immunology and a full course in microbiology. The microbiology must include a lab. The immunology may be a separate course or included as part of a microbiology course.
- One course in college level mathematics. Statistics is recommended.
Other recommended courses include quantitative analysis, physical chemistry, instrumentation, genetics, basic computer science, advanced microbiology, introduction to education and basic management principles. Immunology as a separate course is strongly recommended.
Individuals who meet academic requirements seven or more years before application should update their academic preparation by taking an upper level Chemistry and upper level Biology course applicable toward a major in Medical Technology. It may also be necessary to meet with an academic advisor at an affiliated college to discuss the transfer of credits.
The minimum overall GPA requirement is 2.8 on a 4.0 quality scale.
The student is required to submit current/final transcripts prior to the start date of the program for the application file to be complete. Final transcripts must meet or exceed the above criteria and could affect acceptance into the program.
To apply, complete an application form and mail directly to:
Beth Warning
School of Medical Technology
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
1 Medical Village Drive
Edgewood, KY 41017
Click Here to Download an Application
Include a transcript of all college grades, a list of courses in progress and those planned, and three letters of recommendation from academic sources. Then contact Beth Warning at (859) 301-2417 to arrange for a personal interview. This interview is mandatory for eligibility.
Files must be complete before November 1 for consideration for the next class. Applications received after that date will only be considered if space permits; otherwise they will be held and considered for the following year.
Students should be in good health before beginning the program. The hospital will provide each applicant admitted to the school with a complete physical examination and determine if the student’s health will permit them to meet the standards of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. A student's acceptance into the program is contingent upon their completion of the physical examination which includes a drug screen.
Non-Academic Criteria
The non-academic criteria or technical standards (as defined by NAACLS) which all Medical Technology School applicants are expected to meet are the following:
- Applicants must be able to read and demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language. Documentation of scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. Based on the requirements established by the National Certification Agency for Clinical Laboratory Scientists, the minimum score is 540 for a paper-based test, 207 for a computer-based test.
- Applicants must be able to use a microscope and distinguish between cellular components and microorganisms.
- Applicants must have sufficient motor skills to be able to perform basic tests and diagnostic procedures in the clinical laboratory. Also, they must be able to travel throughout the St. Elizabeth facilities to collect patient blood samples.
- Applicants must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, assess non-verbal communications and be able to effectively and efficiently convey information to patients, fellow students, faculty, lab staff and all members of the health care team.
- Applicants must be able to work quickly and accurately, as a team member and individually, under stressful conditions. They must be able to think logically in these situations and correlate information in order to solve problems.
- Applicants must be able to follow direction, organize their departmental work and exercise independent judgment while assuming responsibility for all their tasks and results.
- Applicants must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities.
- Applicants should possess the following personal qualities: compassion, respect for others, integrity, honesty, dependability, accountability, interest and motivation.
Tuition Assistance Program Information
St. Elizabeth Healthcare is proud to be able to offer tuition assistance to eligible employees. Please contact Lisa Luken at lisa.luken@stelizabeth.com for additional information on tuition assistance programs or to request any of the following:
- St. Elizabeth Tuition Assistance Descriptions
- St. Elizabeth Tuition Assistance FAQ
- College Nursing Student Application
- College Student Tuition Assistance Guidelines
- Minority RN Application
- High School Nursing Student Application
- High School Nursing Student Guidelines
- Gateway Community and Tech. Application
- Thomas More Tuition Assistance Guidelines
- Thomas More Application for Tuition Assistance
Contact Us
Program Officials
Beth Warning, MS, M.T.(ASCP), CLS (NCA) - Program Director
(859) 301-2417
beth.warning@stelizabeth.com
Academic Review Board Members
- Katherine Reeves M.T. (ASCP), Administrative Director
- Margaret Blau-Anderson M.T. (ASCP), Assistant Adm. Director Lab Systems
- Marianne Otte M.T. (ASCP), Assistant Director Client Services
- Pamela Overmann M.T. (ASCP), Assistant Director Technical Services
- Jackson Pemberton, MD - Medical Director, Department of Laboratory Medicine