The Dr. Dennis J. Patterson
Center for the Health Professions

Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Sciences/Medical Laboratory Science

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 Hines VA Hospital for their Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Laboratory Science program to assist students with completing their clinical education. Students must apply to the CLS program and be a U.S. citizen to be eligible. If accepted, they spend three years at Elmhurst College majoring in biology and take their final phase of coursework and clinical training at Hines VA Hospital earning a degree from Elmhurst College after successful completion of the program. Interested students should contact the Patterson Center for the Health Professions to learn more about how to apply and eligibility requirements. The Elmhurst College affiliation does not guarantee admission for students.   

What should I major in?
To apply for the affiliation, students must be biology majors. However, students applying separate of the affiliation can major in any discipline taking care to complete the appropriate prerequisite courses.

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: six courses for the major including microbiology (BIO 321) and immunology and some physiology which may be included in a general course 
• CHM: four courses including some organic and/or biochemistry
• MTH: one course, statistics recommended 

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

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Patterson Center. You will meet with one of our expert advisors to discuss 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 successfully 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 Patterson 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

Any student interested in applying for the program is responsible for learning about all the requirements. Admission to Elmhurst College does not guarantee acceptance into a program affiliation.