Tecnología Médica

General Information

Medical Technology is the study of the application of clinical laboratory analysis to the diagnosis or prevention of disease and to the monitoring of patient therapy. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly practice the profession. Students are also expected to develop a true sense of humanism and a professional attitude.

Post - Bachelor Certificate

This is a three semester and a summer session professional program beginning in August.  First year (S1 and S2) at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus includes lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory work.  Students then spend six months of supervised practice in a clinical laboratory setting during summer session and continuing until the end of the first semester of the second year.

Upon completion of all requirements, students receive a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Medical Technology. Program graduates are eligible to take certifying examinations given by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the American Society for Clinical Pathology-BOR and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel. Upon licensure, they are qualified to work in hospital and private clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical/biomedical industries or research settings. As a valuable member of the healthcare team, the medical technologist must be academically and ethically capable of providing quality laboratory-related services.

Bachelor

This is a three semester and a summer session professional program beginning in August. Fourth year (S1 and S2) at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus includes lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory work.  Students then spend six months of supervised practice in a clinical laboratory setting during summer session and continuing until the end of the first semester of the fifth year.

The Medical Technology Program is one of the academic offerings of the College of Health Related Professions, located within the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. The mission of the Program is to prepare highly-trained clinical laboratory scientists, qualified to practice as members of the healthcare team and contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human disease in accordance with the evolving needs of the Puerto Rican community. The curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, behavioral and attitudinal skills required for technical, supervisory, consultive and teaching roles in a variety of clinical or research settings.

Students are admitted into the professional program following a minimum of three years of undergraduate study. General requirements provide the basics of communication, math, critical thinking, social and ethical values. Prerequisite science courses establish the background know- ledge necessary for the professional courses. Upon completion of the 15-month program, graduates qualify for a B.S. degree in Medical Technology or receive a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, as appropriate.

The Program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The curriculum consists of two didactic semesters, offering the theory, knowledge and analytical skills in each major area of clinical laboratory science; and a six-month clinical practice, providing the opportunity to further develop and integrate the psychomotor, cognitive and attitudinal aspects of the profession. Graduates are competent in performing analytical tests on blood and other body fluids according to appropriate quality assurance standards, interpreting and reporting results, using modern instrumentation and methodologies, and applying the principles of management and education. Students are exposed to diverse educational/clinical experiences including practice rotations in hospital or private laboratory settings.

The faculty are all highly qualified and licensed as general clinical laboratory scientists, with diverse academic preparations and experience as clinicians, supervisors and educators. They are committed to continuing professional development through participation in professional organizations, attendance at national/international meetings and the pursuit of advanced degrees. Their continual awareness of emerging trends in healthcare is the framework for clinical service, consulting, education and participation in legislative matters related to the profession.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Post-Bachelor Certificate program must present evidence of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university, including the courses required for admission to the Bachelor’s Degree Program. For specific course accepted within each area, please contact the program.

Required Courses

1 (in addition to an introductory mathematics course)
2 (which must include general biology, microbiology or bacteriology, and immunology)

Course Descriptions

(Please click here to download the course description in PDF format)

Informative Sheet

(Please click here to download the Informative Sheet of the Program)

Graduation Requirements

In order for students to be recommended for the Post-Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, they must:
· Satisfactorily complete (with C or above) all didactic and clinical practice courses (54 credits) within a three year period.
· Earn an overall grade point average of 2.00 or higher in the professional program.
· Demonstrate professional conduct and attitudes.

Program Faculty

Dra. Carmen O. Meléndez Torres
Prof. Nelson Colón Rodríguez
Prof. Wilma J. López Ortiz
Dra. Migdalia Martínez Vázquez
Prof. Sharon McDowell Nixon
Prof. Ruth Rosario Hernández

Physical Address

Medical Center Complex
Monacillo Area, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico
· School of Nursing Building, 2ndFloor

Telephones
Director – (787) 758-2525 Ext. 7040
Secretary – (787) 758-2525, Ext. 2106
Fax – (787) 756-7220

Last Modified: 02/18/2009