Michigan State University CLS/MT Program

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Michigan State University Graduate Programs

Program Description
Admission
Masters Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science
Masters Degree Curriculum
The Faculty

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Michigan State University has been involved in Medical Technology education since 1926. Throughout the years the goal of this program has been that of a leader in the advancement of the clinical sciences through the dissemination and acquisition of knowledge pertinent to the field at both a graduate and undergraduate level. Consistent with the land grant philosophy and the mission of the College of Natural Science, the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program carries on this commitment through the promotion of our graduate program. This program addresses the needs of the practitioner in terms of understanding new emerging technologies and their application to the field of clinical laboratory science. A multiple disciplinary approach to the laboratory sciences is emphasized, which encourages innovative thinking that crosses traditional boundaries. The acquisition of a Masters Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science not only offers the opportunity to expand current knowledge but also personal credentials.

The Master of Science Degree can be acquired by following one of two available tracks. Plan A emphasizes scientific research with a written thesis and defense. Plan B requires a project, usually involving the review of the literature, with a written summary and defense. Both require prescribed course work which consists of a core set of courses and additional courses which suit the intent of the individual. The Plan B Masters Degree is usually considered terminal. Plan B is available on campus or on-line. Plan A research or Plan B projects may be conducted under the auspice of either a resident or adjunct faculty member. The minimum number of credit hours required for the Master's Degree is 30 semester hours beyond the Bachelor's degree.

ADMISSION

The Clinical Laboratory Science Graduate committee of the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program is responsible for screening candidates for admission, recommending graduate curriculum and establishing procedural guidelines. The committee is composed of CLS faculty members. The committee meets at least twice per year to evaluate applications. Only complete applications will be reviewed by the graduate committee. Prospective applicants for admission must possess or be a candidate for a Bachelors Degree in Science (B.S.) from an accredited college or university. Applicants must have at least an overall undergraduate 3.0 (B) grade point average. Preference is given to certified medical technologists/clinical laboratory scientists (ASCP or NCA). However, certification is not required. A complete application consists of the application form (this is available on line at http://admissions.msu.edu/apply.asp), official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, verification of laboratory credentials (if appropriate), a letter of intent or purpose, and the general GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score (Click here for GRE info). GRE scores can be up to 10 years old. For applicants in which English is not their first language, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be taken.

Applications are reviewed twice yearly. For on-campus students, applications for Fall admission (late August start), are reviewed in May and for Spring admission (January start) the review occurs in early November.

For on-line applicants, applications for Fall admission (late August start) are reviewed in mid-March and applications for Spring admission (January start) are reviewed in mid-August.

Further information regarding the application process can be obtained by contacting the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program office (medtech@msu.edu) or the Graduate School on the Internet at http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/apply.htm.

MASTERS DEGREE CURRICULUM

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required to complete the requirements for a Plan A or B Master's Degree. There are no specific tracks which reflect an emphasis within a specific discipline. Course requirements beyond the core requirements are determined by the student's guidance committee or the graduate advisor. Courses may be selected from either undergraduate and graduate courses in the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (formerly Medical Technology) Program or other departments in the College of Natural Science. Up to nine (9) hours of 400 level undergraduate courses may be taken and applied toward's the Master's Degree. Undergraduate Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (Medical Technology) courses will be required for those who do not have a background in this field. Undergraduate Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (Medical Technology) courses and a complete series of biochemistry are prerequisites for graduate MT courses. The course or courses which satisfy this requirement should reflect the student's goals and be approved by the guidance committee or the graduate advisor.

GRADUATE CURRICULUM CORE REQUIREMENTS

MT 801	Medical Technology Seminar	Spring semester (2 credit hours minimum)
MT 899 (plan A)	Thesis research	Minimum 7 hours^*
MT 890 (plan B)	Current Topics	Minimum 3 hours^*

Graduate Level Statistics

Two Electives from the below list

MT 820 Hematology MT 851 Clin Aps of Immunodiagnostics/Clinical Flow

MT 830 Concepts in Molecular Biology MT 852 Immunodiagnostics Laboratory

MT 831 Clinical Application of Molecular Biology MT 842 Managing Biomed Laboratory Operations

MT 832 Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory MT 846 Decision Process for Biomed Lab Operations

MT 850 Concepts in Immunodiagnostics/Clinical Flow MT 860 Clinical Lab Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases

*Although more than the required hours of MT 899 or MT 890 may be taken, only the indicated number will be applied towards graduation. Thus, a typical Plan A student will have 23 didactic credit hours and seven or more research hours (MT 899) at graduation. In a similar manner, a typical Plan B student will have 27 didactic credit hours and 3 or more topic hours (MT 890) at graduation.

THE FACULTY

MT 820	Hematology	MT 851 Clin Aps of Immunodiagnostics/Clinical Flow
MT 830	Concepts in Molecular Biology	MT 852 Immunodiagnostics Laboratory
MT 831	Clinical Application of Molecular Biology	MT 842 Managing Biomed Laboratory Operations
MT 832	Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory	MT 846 Decision Process for Biomed Lab Operations
MT 850	Concepts in Immunodiagnostics/Clinical Flow	MT 860 Clinical Lab Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases