Frequently Asked Questions
What is the due date for applications?
The published due date is December 1 of the year preceding enrollment
in September. However, due to the critical shortage of laboratory personnel,
we sometimes extend the deadline for a short time.
What “counts” in admission decisions?
Grades in prescribed courses are very important (at least a 2.0 is necessary
for serious consideration); however motivation and knowledge about the
field of Medical Technology are also very important. These are discussed
during the interview conducted with invited applicants who qualify based
on their GPA. To be prepared for this discussion, applicants should visit
a clinical laboratory at least once before coming for the interview. Also,
remember that UTHSC calculates GPA’s by including all attempts at
a course, not just the last grade earned in a repeated course. You must
have at least a 2.0 overall by UT calculations in order to enroll.
Can I be accepted before I have completed all my prerequisite
courses?
Yes, you can be accepted, but before you enroll in September, all prerequisite
coursework must be successfully completed.
Will my MLT professional course credits transfer to UTHSC?
MLT professional course credits transfer only as electives. General education
credits do transfer. You must make sure to take transferable courses,
particularly in chemistry and biology. Your college advisor knows which
courses are transferable.
 I
think I have already taken some of the courses listed in the Medical Technology
curriculum. Do I still have to take them at UTHSC?
Yes, you must take all the courses here at UTHSC listed in the professional
curriculum. Even though some of the courses may appear to be similar from
their titles, they are really quite different and there should be little
overlap.
What electives should I take?
We urge you to take liberal arts and humanities rather than additional
science courses. This is to ensure a well rounded education because you
will get plenty of science at UTHSC. Courses in microcomputer applications
are desirable.
Are there many job opportunities for Medical Technologists?
Yes! There is a great need for Medical Technologists in a variety of health
care settings and students usually have several job opportunities upon
graduation. Beginning salaries in Tennessee range from $42,000 to $45,000
per year depending on the institution and the shift worked. Salaries are
expected to increase yearly.
What kind of financial aid is available?
For students who do not already have a B.S. degree, several federal scholarship
and loan programs are available, eg., Pell, Stafford, etc. For students
with a B.S. degree, loans are available but at a higher interest rate
than federal subsidized loans. In addition several laboratories in Memphis
have established scholarship loan programs for individuals who agree to
work for them upon graduation. Many labs also employ MT students evenings
and weekends.
Is it possible to go to MT school part-time or in the evening?
No. At this time we have only the full-time program.
What about a state license to practice and national certification
as a laboratory professional?
Tennessee is one of several states that require a license in order to
work as a Medical Technologist in many laboratories in the state. To apply
for a state license one must pass a written national certification examination
that recognizes competence. Graduation from the Medical Technology program
confers eligibility for the various exams that are available.
Will I get clinical experience at more than one hospital?
Yes, and this is one of the advantages of the UTHSC program. We assign
students to many of the major hospitals in Memphis and several outside
of Memphis, in West and Middle Tennessee. We
are fortunate to have the strong support of the laboratory community in
this area who are major employers of our graduates.
What makes the UTHSC Medical Technology Program special?
In addition to the wide variety of sites where students gain their clinical
experience, UTHSC has a number of unique educational opportunities available
because Memphis is a major medical center. Students are able to interact
with many other health professionals and to experience a wide variety
of laboratory settings which prepare them for any type of work responsibilities
they may encounter after graduation. As the oldest Medical Technology
program in the United States, UTHSC has a long history of distinguished
graduates who have been successful in every aspect of clinical laboratory
science. Thus we feel a responsibility, not only to provide an excellent
technical and scientific education, but also to prepare students for roles
as laboratory managers, educators, and leaders in the profession. The
professional curriculum has been designed with these goals in mind. Our
faculty and curriculum also enjoy a national reputation for excellence
and for contributions to the field of Medical Technology through publications
and leadership roles. It is important to note that the UTHSC Program in
Medical Technology graduates more clinical laboratory professionals than
any other program in the state, and our graduates are in great demand
by employers throughout the state and region.
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