A UNIVERSITY-BASED CATEGORICAL PROGRAM IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

In 1989, the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine developed on academic categorical program. The intent was to respond to decreased enrollment in its medical technology educational program and an increaed need for technologists in clinical laboratories in the Northwest. As of June 1993, the program had admitted 57 students; 49 had successfully completed their studies by mid-1994. Although the number of students applying for admission to the medical technology program has been increasing, it is expected that the alternative categorical program will continue to be offered. The program allows students to acquire training in clinical laboratory science with special competence in chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. Students and institutional employers alike have received the program with enthusiasm.