6/7/2010: WE ARE BACK, ready to accept students!! The program is now a career-pathway structure where MLTs are able to obtain bachelor's degree to become MLS. For new admission information, see ADMISSION below.

This is the University of Hawai'i at Manoa with Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean in the background. The world famous Waikiki is just to the right of Diamond Head. We are on the island of O'ahu, in the city of Honolulu. The pagoda at the lower left is the Biomedical Sciences Building where we are located.

September 10-14, 2012. Second class of international exchange students visited us from Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Japan.

June 4, 2010: The Chancellor has removed the admission stop-out so students can once again apply to major in Medical Technology at UHM. This is a GREAT news for everyone in Hawaii! The program is re-shaped into a 2+2 career-pathway structure, so a candidate must first earn the Med Lab Technician (MLT) credential from an accredited MLT program. Two more years of upper division courses at UH Manoa will lead to a BS degree in Medical Technology.

Much thanks to all the support from the community, affiliate labs, JABSOM administration, faculty, staff and students to allow our program to continue and grow. Special Mahalo to the Clinical Labs of Hawaii and the Diagnostic Lab Services for offering major financial support to the program.

The program still needs your support. Your donations will be critical for our students to have the supplies, equipment, reagents, kits, and many many other things they need to become competent lab professionals. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to us through the University of Hawaii Foundation (specific designation to Medical Technology fund).

University of Hawaii Foundation

ASCLS-HAWAII Student Forum is on the web. Visit NiceNet and join the class with class key m39347hz9.

Labs Are Vital: Great professional stories, from Abbott. Read what MLSs really do.

Diagnostic Detectives, a recruiting video by Michigan State University.

A recruitment flyer made by Kaiser Permaente.

A PDF presentation about medical lab profession made by Kaiser Permanente.

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. WHAT IS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY?
3. ADMISSION
4. CURRICULUM
5. FACULTY AND STAFF
6. USEFUL LINKS
7. FOR FUN

INTRODUCTION

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa is located in Honolulu, not very far from the world famous Waikiki beach. Being in the middle of the Pacific, we see people and cultures from all parts of the world.

The University has a number of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and the University of Hawai'i system includes Community Colleges on four islands. Research and service units such as the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and the Waikiki Aquarium are also part of the University.

The bachelor of science degree in Medical Technology is offered through the Department of Medical Technology in the John A. Burns School of Medicine. The program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, Phone 773-714-8880, URL http://www.naacls.org)

A brief history of the Medical Technology program, including a PowerPoint slide show.

Our Vision:

We aspire to be the top academic and technological center of Medical Laboratory Science in the world and maintain a focus on Asian-Pacific issues.

Our Mission:

• EDUCATE -- prepare students to become Medical Laboratory Scientists;
• COLLABORATE -- promote partnerships with the community to expand knowledge and resources; and
• INNOVATE -- discover, develop and implement advances in Medical Laboratory Science.

General Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Medical Technology curriculum, student is able to:

• Meet the MLS entry-level skills for each discipline as specified by the Curriculum subcommittees. Skills include pre-analytical (e.g., specimen procurement, preparation, equipment calibration), analytical (e.g., analysis, instrument operation, quality control), and post-analytical (e.g., reporting, follow up). Major disciplines within the field include Hematology/Hemostasis, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Urinalysis/Body Fluids/Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, Immunology/Serology, Immunohematology, Phlebotomy, and Laboratory Management.
• Demonstrate MLS entry-level knowledge of each discipline as specified by the Curriculum subcommittees. knowledge include principle of analysis, sources of error, correlations, interpretations, managing unexpected outcomes, communications.
• Demonstrate MLS entry-level professionalism as specified by the Curriculum subcommittees, Professional traits include reliability, flexibility, integrity, ethics, initiative, and interpersonal relations.

For more information, link to the following sites.

• About the University of Hawai'i
• Admission/Application to the University of Hawaii.
• University of Hawai'i at Manoa Catalog
• About the John A. Burns School of Medicine

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WHAT IS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY?

Here is an MLS examining a microscopic specimen. Among many skills a trained MLS is able to perform, he or she can identify leukemia cells, urinary sediments, microorganisms and other microscopic elements proficiently.

Using video microscopy, many people can view the image together. This technology is useful in professional conferences as well as a learning tool. The video image can be captured digitally for future reference.

Medical Technology is a healthcare profession where certified technologists (MLSs) perform laboratory procedures to help diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases, and to promote health. Many of the MLSs work in hospital or clinic laboratories. Their work directly affects the patients' welfare. An MLS must be able to perform such tasks as microscopic examinations, obtaining blood samples by venipuncture, manipulating various labware, operating automated and semiautomated instruments, and making critical decisions.

There are many areas in the hospital laboratory. One area is Microbiology where an MLS isolates and identifies bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that cause illnesses, and determines the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.

Immunohematology, also known as blood banking, is where an MLS tests and prepares blood units for transfusion. The blood type must be compatible between the patient and the donors and there must not be any harmful antibodies that could cause a transfusion reaction.

Another area is the Clinical Chemistry, where chemical components of blood and body fluids are measured using computerized instruments. Some of the components include glucose, electrolytes, cholesterol, and enzymes. This MLS is pipetting a reagent to begin a complex test.

In Hematology and Hemostasis areas, an MLS uses automated cell analyzers and a microscope to detect blood disorders such as anemia or leukemia, and determines the cause of various bleeding problems. Molecular diagnostic techniques are used to diagnose genetic disorders.

An MLS also performs Urinalysis, Body Fluid Analysis, Immunology, and Serology. Medical Technology is one of the few scientific careers that you can enter with just a bachelor's degree. Today, career opportunities in hospital and clinical laboratories are plentiful nationwide.

The education and training in Medical Technology can also open doors to lots of other careers. Many of our graduates are successful physicians, biomedical researchers, information (computer) system specialists, hospital administrators, laboratory managers, infection control specialists, college professors, research project coordinators, and governmental program coordinators (e.g., health, agriculture, environmental). Some have also gone into fields like forensic science, cytotechnology, nuclear medicine, and business.

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ADMISSION

To be able to major in Medical Technology, you must provide or document the following:

• Earned an associate degree and MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) certification
• Have a minimum of 2.5 GPA in the MLT program
• Apply to UH Manoa to major in Medical Technology (be aware of the deadlines)
• If your MLT degree is not from the Kapi'olani Community College, submit a separate application (available from the Department's Admissions Committee) and follow the process described in the packet (GPA calculation, essay, interview, evaluations/recommendations)

KCC MLT Program
Health Sciences Department
4303 Diamond Head Road, Kauila 122
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: (808) 734-9270
URL: http://programs.kcc.hawaii.edu/

• Academic Record: Minimum of 2.5 GPA in the MLT curriculum, or for those not from the KCC-MLT program, minimum 2.5 GPA on re-calculation with relevant courses (cumulative and math/science).
• Interest and Aptitude: Interest and aptitude in science, and knowledge and understanding of the profession.
• Communication Skills: Ability and willingness to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Scientific Orientation: Manual dexterity, logical thinking, scientific curiosity, organizational ability, foresight, preparedness, independence, responsibility, accuracy, ability to follow directions.
• Personal Traits: Integrity, initiative, cooperation, willingness to accept constructive suggestions, maturity, leadership, poise under stress, courtesy, self-reliance, appearance.

Student may apply to be admitted either in fall or spring semester. But because some courses are offered sequentially, the curriculum is generally completed at the end of spring semester. The lab capacity on campus is 14 students per class. Thus, enrollment may be limited if the number of applications exceeds the capacity.

An MLS performs various procedures that directly impact patient-care. While the University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution, it is important that every applicant meets certain technical standards (essential functions) prior to being admitted to the Medical Technology program. With appropriate accommodations if needed, all applicants must be able to perform activities such as those listed below.

• Manipulate labware to transfer or prepare reagents and samples (e.g., pipet, charge hemocytometers, prepare blood smears).
• Operate simple instruments according to instructions (e.g., cell counter, spectrophotometer, centrifuge).
• Perform microscopic examinations on various specimens and report the results (e.g., leukocyte differential count, cell morphology, urinary sediments).
• Follow written or verbal directions to perform laboratory tests and report the results.

While in the program, additional professional skills are taught. They include laboratory procedures of high complexity level, evaluating the methods and results, and making critical decisions that could affect the patient's welfare.

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CURRICULUM

The MLT degree prior to admission to our program must consist of all the required education and training specified by the accrediting agency (i.e., NAACLS). In addition, following courses should be completed before admission (these are required for the MLT degree at KCC, and are pre-requisite for higher level courses at Manoa).

CHEM 161/L, 162/L (General Chemistry)
BIOL 171 (General Biology) -- BIOL 171L is recommended
MATH 140 (Pre-calculus) or higher -- this fulfills GEC FS
ENG 100 (Composition) -- this fulfills GEC FW
General Education Core classes applicable to Manoa

Year 1 Fall Semester

MEDT 301 (The Clinical Laboratory)
MEDT 331 (Lab Management)
CHEM 272/L (Organic I)
PHYL 301 (Human Anatomy & Physiology I)

BIOL 172 (Introduction II)
MEDT 431 (Clinical Microbiology I)
TRMD 431 (Parasitology)
MEDT 471 (Clinical Biochemistry I)
CHEM 273 (Organic II)
PHYL 302 (Human Anatomy & Physiology II)

MEDT 472 (Clinical Biochemistry II)
MEDT 477 (Methods & Analyses I)
MEDT 451/L (Hematology)
MICR 461 (Immunology)

MEDT 464 (Immunohematology)
MEDT 481 (Professional Issues)
MEDT 478 (Methods & Analyses II)
MICR 463 (Pathogens)
BIOL 275 (Cell & Molecular Biology)

In addition to the courses listed above, you must fulfill the University's General Education Core (GEC) and Graduation requirements for a BS degree (see UHM catalog for details). Some of the MEDT courses fulfill the GEC focus requirements.

• Foundations: 12 credits in Written Communication (FW), Symbolic Reasoning (FS), and Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG)
• Diversification: 19 credits in Arts, Humanities and Literatures (DA, DH, HL), Natural Sciences (DB, DP, DY), and Social Sciences (DS)
• Focus Requirements: One course each in Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Issues (H), Contemporary Ethical Issues (E), and Oral Communication (O), and Writing Intensive courses (five including at least two numbered 300 and above). Transfer student who does not need the O-Focus must take SP 151 or SP 251.
• Hawaiian/Second Language: waived for our majors

For more detailed information about the University's General Education Core requirements, visit the Gen Ed website.

Much of the clinical experience is already obtained during your MLT training prior to being admitted to our program. Optional clinical training (MEDT 591) that focuses on the MLS-level skills are offered to our graduates. Training is conducted at affiliate laboratories, and workshops/seminars take place in classrooms on and off Manoa campus.

Our clinical affiliates (2010) are:

Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii
Diagnostic Laboratory Services
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Kuakini Medical Center
Tripler Army Medical Center

After successful completion of this six-month clinical training, a student becomes eligible to take the MLS national certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Alternatively, graduates may qualify for ASCP MLS exam via work experience. See the alternate qualification routes on the ASCP website below. A professional license as a Technologist is also required to be employed in Hawai'i.

• Catalog information about our curriculum
• Certification info from ASCP
• Hawaii licensing info from the Department of Health

University of Hawaii Foundation

FACULTY AND STAFF

	Dick Y. Teshima, MPH, MT(ASCP) Associate Professor & Chair
	Marsha Kato Secretary

There are many other instructors on campus as well at our clinical affiliates!

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USEFUL LINKS

Local Sites

• Hawaii State Department of Health laboratory licensing Personnel Licensing page
• Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii
• Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc.
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Hawaii (ASCLS-HAWAII) professional homepage with news, links to some local healthcare facilities, job openings...
• ASCLS-HAWAII Student Forum on the web. Use class key m39347hz9 to join the class.
• Kaiser Permanente, in Hawaii and links to other locations
• Kapiolani Community College, Medical Laboratory Technician Program
• Kuakini Health System
• Med Tech Tutors is a collection of multimedia tutorials developed by our faculty members here at the University of Hawaii. Requires an appropriate plug-in available on-line.
• Straub Clinic and Hospital, Inc.
• The Queen's Medical Center
• Tripler Army Medical Center

Educational and Reference Sites

• Bloodletting - article on history and practice by Tylor Hermanson (MEDTECH)
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Diagnostic Parasitology.
• CACMLEThe Colorado Association for Continuing Medical Laboratory Education, Inc.
• Doctor Fungus an online informationabout fungal infections.
• Med TechNet Online CLS Education
• Microbes.info, The Microbiology Information Portal
• Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics on-line certificate program by Michigan State University
• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)Formerly National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS)
• National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
• Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine
• Masters in Health Care, Links to online master's degree in health care degrees.
• Phlebotomy Quiz by Terry Kotrla, Medical Laboratory Technology Program, Austin Community College, Texas.
• StatSoft Electronic Statistics Textbook
• Weber State University CLS program homepage with a link to "The Case of the Month"
• Westgard Quality Corporation with a link to UW-Madison MT 520 page, Selection, Evaluation, and Control of Analytical Methods, by Dr. James O. Westgard.

Professional Reference and Academic Institute Sites

• American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
• American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
• American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science(ASCLS)
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
• American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
• Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
• MedExplorer, Health and Medical Information Center
• National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
• University of Alberta, Canada, Division of Medical Laboratory Science
• University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Galveston
• Usenet news group, sci.med.laboratory

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