Choosing A Program

The first thing a student should consider when choosing a program from the Medical Laboratory Sciences specializations is whether or not they want significant direct patient contact. Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine Technology are professions in which the majority of the work day is spent in direct contact with patients. The remaining professions (Clinical Laboratory Science, Cytotechnology, Histotechnology) are ones with little direct patient contact, but nevertheless a significant and crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Students should also consider factors that impact their individual needs, such as:

• Length of the program
• Employment opportunities during and after the clinical education program
• Restrictions on working during the clinical program
• Fees/tuition, stipends, financial aid/loan deferment
• Location, transportation, housing issues
• Health care, medical insurance, legal liability insurance
• Vacation, sick time, personal leave policies

All of the educational programs with which the MLS program is affiliated are accredited by their respective accreditation bodies. As such, they are, by definition, high quality programs. However, they are also unique programs, with variable strengths in different areas. Additional items a student might consider when choosing a clinical program might include:

• Amount of interaction with Education Coordinator/Program Director
• Opportunity for interaction with Physicians/Medical Director and/or other staff
• Are there individuals "assigned" to monitor/teach the students during each rotation
• Library facilities available to students
• Opportunity for journal clubs, case study conferences or other forms of continuing education
• Opportunity for participation and attendance at professional meetings, conventions, workshops, seminars
• Opportunity to do individual research projects, and/or to present or report on the project
• Success rate of students during the last few years in passing certification examinations

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