BS Medical Technology

Biological sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh emphasize the principles and methods of the life sciences. Students learn about current advances in many frontier areas of biology. Their advisors keep them abreast of expanding job opportunities - not only in industry and research, but also in medicine and other health science professions.

Students in all biological sciences specializations receive a sound liberal arts education. They learn to think critically, to analyze problems, and to formulate and demonstrate solutions. Many qualify and are encouraged to work actively in original research with members of the faculty, thus earning credits through undergraduate research.

Program requirements ensure that all majors receive a sound, general education in biology and gain experience in their specialization in advanced studies. Some advanced courses do not necessarily meet a particular student’s career aspirations. When this occurs, substitutions determined educationally sound may be made, subject to approval by the chairperson and the dean. Such substitutions could include the pursuance of special topics via independent study.

The curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in biology and includes not only the core sciences that are prerequisites for these post-graduate schools (introductory biology, chemistry & physics, organic chemistry, anatomy & physiology) but allows students to choose from a diverse selection of elective courses to deepen their knowledge of those  topics in biology that are most relevant to their graduate school goals (e.g., histology, bioinformatics, medical microbiology, neurobiology, and molecular genetics). 

Microbiology - 8 credits*
Immunology-Serology - 1 credit
Hematology - 8 credits
Blood Bank - 4 credits
Urinalysis/Clinical Microscopy - 1 credit
Principles of Disease - 1 credit
Clinical Chemistry - 8 credits
Elective - No credit or 1 credit
* Credits for each of these subjects may vary by hospitals.

Students who successfully complete clinical training successfully receive a B.S. in medical technology and become eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Board of Certification examination. Those who pass the exam receive certification and privilege to use the title Medical Technologist (ASCP) and qualify for New York State Licensure.

Students who plan to apply to schools of medical, dental, or veterinary medicine should not enroll in the medical technology program. They should enroll in one of the other biology programs and seek advice from the Pre-Health Professions Committee.