[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Sciences)

Medical technologists play an important role in detecting and diagnosing a number of diseases. Working with pathologists or other scientists, these highly skilled professionals perform a wide range of laboratory tests and analyze the findings. Most medical technologists work in hospital laboratories; others work in clinics, health agencies, research facilities, and pharmaceutical facilities.

Will I need further study?
What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
How do I get certified?
Where can I find additional information?

Will I need further study?
Yes. After you complete your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete at least one year of professional/clinical education as part of a medical technology program. Elmhurst College has an affiliation with VA Hines Hospital for their Clinical Laboratory Science program to assist students with completing their clinical education. Students participating in the CLS program spend three years at Elmhurst College majoring in biology and take their final year of coursework at VA Hines Hospital earning a degree from Elmhurst College after successful completion of the fourth year of study. Students are able to finish four years at Elmhurst College and then go to VA Hines Hospital after graduation as well. Interested students should contact the Center for the Health Professions to learn more about how to apply and eligibility requirements.  

What should I major in?
Most students major in biology or chemistry, taking care to complete the appropriate elective courses for medical technology.

What are the course requirements?
The minimum courses required by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for admittance to a medical technology program for those holding a bachelor’s degree are:

• BIO: four courses including microbiology
• CHM: four courses including some organic and/or biochemistry
• MTH: one course

Students should speak with an advisor in the Center to learn about recommended courses and the prerequisites for the VA Hines affiliation.

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

How do I get certified?
After completing a medical technology program, students are eligible to write one or more national registry examinations.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions or check out these useful websites:

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Allied Health Schools: Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Mayo Clinic: Laboratory Sciences Career Overview