Course Descriptions

College Catalog

Medical Technology Courses

Below is a list of Medical Technology courses offered by Stevenson University. To earn a degree in Medical Technology, students must also complete coursework in other areas. To view a complete listing of all course requirements for the Medical Technology degree, please see the University catalog.

MT 210
Principles of Laboratory Science
3 credits, Spring
Introduces the student to the medical laboratory profession by providing a discussion of the organization of an accredited clinical laboratory and regulatory agencies, principles of laboratory and patient safety, instruction in medical terminology, and professional conduct and ethical considerations relevant to the clinical laboratory, including HIPPA regulations. The student will be able to perform metric conversions and calculations required to prepare laboratory solutions and dilutions, and demonstrate competency in the laboratory making specific dilutions and solutions. The course includes an introduction to the principles of quality control and quality assurance with basic statistics, and instruction in phlebotomy. Prerequisites: CHEM 207 or CHEM 210 and MATH 235. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 310
Hematology I
4 credits, Spring
Introduces the fundamental concepts in hematology. Topics include hematopoiesis, erythropoiesis, normal reference ranges, basic laboratory procedures, and anemias, including the hemoglobinpathies. Body systems related to normal and abnormal hematology will be reviewed, and the discussion of topics will include normal physiology as well as pathophysiology. Students will be introduced to medical terminology appropriate to an introductory course in hematology. Laboratory information systems will be introduced which will stress patient confidentiality, critical values and appropriate verification techniques. Laboratory skills will be practiced to reinforce routine hematology and morphologic skills. Students will learn cellular identification techniques and will identify normal, as well as abnormal cellular morphology and inclusions in peripheral blood smears. Abnormal morphology will be correlated to disease states. The laboratory will also include an introduction to automated cell counters and hemoglobin electophoresis. Case studies will be used to reinforce information and to train students to correlate laboratory information to aid in diagnosis. Prerequisites: BT 130, mt 210, CHEM 207 or CHEM 211. (07 Sept 2007)

MT 320
Urinalysis & Body Fluids
3 credits, Spring
Includes an in depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system and principles and procedures of the complete urinalysis, including physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations. This course includes specimen collection and handling, analysis, and correlation with disease states. It also covers other body fluids, including cerebrospinal, synovial, serous, seminal, anmiotic, gastric, and fecal analysis. Prerequisites: CHEM 325 and MT 310 (or concurrent). (07 Sept 2007)

MT 335
Clinical Laboratory Management
3 credits, Spring
Provides an introduction and overview of management concepts strategic to the successful operation of a clinical laboratory. Students are introduced to management theory and practice, organizational structures, supervisory and leadership functions, job descriptions, personnel performance management and appraisal, basic accounting and financial principles, cost and revenue accounting, laboratory operations, and computer applications. Professional responsibility, ethics, problem solving, team building, and interpersonal skills are integrated throughout the course content. Four core areas of management will be explored: organizational theory, human resource management, laboratory operations and quality initiatives, and budgeting and financial management. Modes of instruction will include case studies, group exercises, role-play, oral presentations and written assignments. Additional discussions of current trends in laboratory services will be included throughout the course. Using a problem-based learning approach, students will develop managerial skills in the following areas: oral and written communication, managerial problem solving, critical thinking, team building and leadership. Prerequisites: ENG 215 and junior status in the MT program. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 338
Molecular & Immunologic Diagnostics
4 credits, Fall
Provides the basic skills, concepts and theoretical background needed to work in a clinical immunology or molecular laboratory. The basic concepts to be discussed include immunity,antigens, antibody structure and function, B and T cells and their role in the immune system, immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, MHC, immune response to infection, hypersensitivity, Transplantation and tumor immunology, and molecular biology principles. The theory of antibody/antigen and nucleic acid-based testing is discussed, as well as specific applications of these techniques in the clinical laboratory. In the laboratory, students will gain experience in specific molecular, immunological and serological techniques used to diagnose infectious disease, including nucleic acid amplification and screening, anti-body screening, ELISA, compatibility screening and basic identification. Prerequisites: MT 210, BIO 255 and BIO 203. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 400
Senior Medical Technology Seminar
3 credits, Spring
Introduces the principles and practices of research design sufficient to evaluate published studies in the field of clinical laboratory sciences such that research results can be applied to practice. Students will understand how a research study is conceptualized, implemented by the researcher, and disseminated in published format to peers by stating an appropriate research hypothesis, performing a literature search, writing a research proposal and presenting findings as part of a poster session. Most health professionals are also educators in that they may be involved in teaching/training patients, colleagues and/or students. Through participation in the P.A.C.E-approved course Clinical Laboratory Education, the student will demonstrate an understanding of educational methodologies and their application to clinical education to begin to prepare them for their role as an educator. Prerequisites: ENG 215 and senior year status in the MT program. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 405
Transfusion Medicine
3 credits, Fall
Discusses the theoretical and practical concepts of blood banking and transfusion medicine. Introductory topics include donor screening and selection, basic blood group serology, component processing and therapeutic use, hemolytic disease of the newborn, adverse reactions to transfusion, and quality assurance in the blood bank. Topics for expanded and advanced knowledge include transfusion therapy, adverse complications of transfusion, blood and inventory management, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and regulatory issues in the blood industry. In the laboratory, students perform ABO/Rh grouping, antibody screening,compatibility testing, and basic antibody identification on wet samples, as well as, component preparation and issue of simulated blood components. Prerequisites: MT 310 and MT 338. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 410
Hematology II
3 credits, Fall
Continuing with the foundation and concepts of MT 310, this course is an advanced study of the pathophysiology, laboratory diagnosis, clinical correlation and peripheral blood identification of quantitative and qualitative white cell disorders,acute and chronic leukemias, and myeloproliferative, myelodysplastic, lymphoproliferative and plasma cell disorders. Cytochemical staining patterns and the World Health Organization leukemia classification in the diagnosis of the acute leukemias are stressed. Information realated to anemias (MT310)is reviewed and recalled through case studies and problem-based learning. Topics in coagulation will cover hemostasis from normal platelet and clotting physiology to disorders in the clotting mechanism, such as platelet, clotting factor and fibrinolytic disorders, therapeutic anticoagulants, pathologic inhibitors, and thrombotic disorders. Laboratory exercises will build on the skills gained in Hematology I and will concentrate on identification of precursor white cells and white cell disorders in peripheral smears. Students will be introduced to bone marrow evaluation and coagulation testing procedures. Flow cytometry will be introduced and integrated as a diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of leukemias. Prerequisites: MT 310. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 420
Clinical Microbiology
4 credits, Fall
Uses a specimen approach to the study of diagnostic microbiology, emphasizing the correlation of in vitro and in vivo findings in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. The systems of the body will be discussed in terms of anatomy, physiology, normal flora, possible pathogens and related diseases. Students will be familiar with proper specimen collection and handling, and the isolation, identification, including the application of molecular techniques, and treatment of pathogens from various body sites. It also includes the detection and laboratory identification of commonly isolated pathogenic fungi, parasites and viruses. Laboratories are designed to simulate a clinical microbiology laboratory experience by having students work with real or simulated patient cultures. With the laboratory techniques and skills developed in BIO 320 and using the MT 420 Laboratory Manual, the student will be expected to work independently to isolate and identify clinically significant pathogenic microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIO 320 and MT 338. (04 Oct 2007)

MT 435
Management Practicum
1 credit, Spring
Putting management theory into practice in the daily operation of the laboratory through the mentoring of a laboratory manager. The student will gain experience in generic management roles common to all affiliates such as personal scheduling, CAP (College of American Path ologists)inspection preparation, turn around time studies, procedures for laboratory procedure manuals,audits and workload recording, and competency assessment procedures, and perform tasks that are unique to the facility such as instrument comparison studies, method evaluation studies, and patient case management. This course will give the student the opportunity to use the problem-solving and critical thinking skills learned in the classroom. This course is Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: MT 335 and senior status in the MT program. (04 Oct 2007)