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October 6, 2008
School fills need for medical technologists

By lance skelly

The United States is experiencing a labor shortage for medical technologists, with student enrollment in medical technology programs steadily declining. Emory Healthcare is working to address the community’s need for more medical technologists with the opening of the School of Medical Technology, which welcomed its inaugural class on Sept. 4.

The Emory Healthcare School of Medical Technology is a full-time, hospital-based program for applicants with a bachelor’s degree and an interest in laboratory science. Students will be awarded a certificate in medical technology after the completion of the 12-month program. And a new financial assistance option is offered for incoming students.

The initial class consists of seven students and a diverse group of instructors that include experienced medical technologists, pathologists and residents of Emory pathology and laboratory medicine.

“This is an exciting time for Emory as we work to fulfill our educational mission and answer the growing shortage of medical technologists,” says John T. Fox, president and CEO of Emory Healthcare.

Emory is the only medical technology school in the Atlanta area; three other universities in the state offer accreditation for medical technology. The program is in the process of earning accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, said laboratory education coordinator Stacy Steward.