Department of Medical & Research Technology
Professor and Interim Chair
Sanford A. Stass, MD
Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science) provides information crucial to the diagnosis and prevention of disease, the management of patient therapy and the maintenance of health. Medical technologists are involved in performing laboratory procedures ranging from identification of microorganisms to analysis of body fluids, and providing blood for emergency transfusion. Biomedical science focuses upon the discovery, development and production of diagnostic products and biopharmaceuticals. The biotechnologist uses skills in molecular and cellular biology, immunology, protein chemistry and microbial fermentation to produce reagents and products used in industry, medicine, and in basic and applied research.
Faculty Research Interests
Major research efforts are in areas of molecular regulation of Gram negative bacterial pathogenesis, specifically, Enterobacter cloacceae; the anti-cancer function of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), the molecular study of Bdellovibrios; and the taxonomy, identification, pathogenesis, and genomics of the genus Aeromonas.
Undergraduate Program
The department currently offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical and Research Technology with a concentration in either Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science) or Biotechnology Research. These programs combine the strengths of a major research university with the benefits of small classes and a high faculty-to-student ratio. As a component of a large academic health center, the Department of Medical and Research Technology affords students opportunities to participate in a stimulating educational environment while gaining practical experience in clinical laboratory science and biotechnology through clinical rotations in area hospitals and externships in industry.
Students transfer into the program in their junior year following the completion of 60 credit hours of prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited community college or university of their choice. Those attending two-year institutions may transfer directly to the Department of Medical and Research Technology. Most students complete the professional curriculum in two years; however, a three-year, reduced credit option is available for non-traditional students. The department has successfully developed a minority outreach program that has contributed to one of the highest percentages of minority enrollment in a science-based curriculum at a majority institution.
Students completing the Medical Technology program are eligible for certification from national agencies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathologists, MT(ASCP) and the National Certifying Agency, CLS(NCA). The Medical Technology concentration of study fulfills requirements set forth by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Graduate Education
The department also offers a Master of Science in Medical and Research Technology in which students may enroll in either the Biotechnology Research track or the Laboratory Management track. The graduate program is designed to provide advanced technological, managerial, and/or research skills to students with a BS degree in clinical laboratory science, the Biotechnology sciences, or other science-related fields. Laboratory Management track students must complete a Laboratory Management practicum that includes submission of a management dossier containing a professional paper written by the student. One-year of professional work experience is required for acceptance into the laboratory management track. Students in the Biotechnology Research track must complete a structured research project and a thesis and are encouraged to publish their research findings.
Categorical Certificate Training Program in Medical Technology
The Department offers a Categorical Certificate Training Program in Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Science) for individuals who possess a baccalaureate or advanced degree in chemistry, biology, or other basic sciences. Training is offered in four specialty areas: clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, blood banking, and hematology. Students enrolled in this program become eligible for certification as Categorical Technologists through the American Society of Clinical Pathology. This rapid-training program can be completed in one calendar year.
Clinical Affiliations
During the final component of the program, students in the Medical Technology track complete clinical practice courses in four specialty areas: hematology, blood banking, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. The department is affiliated with clinical facilities in the Baltimore-Washington area. Clinical facilities include university-based and community hospitals, as well as independent laboratories, located throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Research Affiliations
The Biotechnology Research concentration requires students to complete five months of externships which may be undertaken in an academic research laboratory or in industry. Externship sites are located predominantly in the Rockville/Gaithersburg research corridor. The number and variety of clinical and research sites are assets that set apart from others the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Medical Technology and Biotechnology Research programs, and allow students to experience several different work settings.
For additional information contact:
Office of Student Affairs
Department of Medical & Research Technology
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Building, Room 340
100 Penn Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(410) 706-7664