Can a U.S hospital based Medical Lab. Technology program launch me into a successful career in the U.S?

Question

I have have the below listed diplomas from Nigerian Ploytechnics. I believe they should be equivelent to a U.S baccalaureate. (I'm still going to employ the services of a credential evaluation agency).

1) Ordinary National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology

2) Higher National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology - Biochemisrty Option from; graduated 8 years ago.

I am currently trying to explore the shortest route to becoming a Medical Laboratory Technologist in the U.S.with the diplomas I already have. I came across some 9 - 12 month NAACLS accredited hospital based Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Certificate Programs. On completion I would be qualified to sit for the National Certification exams (e.g the American Society of Clinical Pathologist certification exams).

Who knows the names and websites of hospital that have their NAACLS accredited CLS certificate programs open to foreign students? That is who a SEVP certified?

On graduation from this program will I be regarded as been as qualified as my collegues who have a Bsc in Clinical Laboratory Science, since I would only be awarded a certificate on completion of the hospital based CLS program?

In your opinion, do you think that it is better for me to enroll in a university based program?

What advantages does an hospital based CLS program have over a university based program and vice versal?

Please, I am open to more advise.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I would definately recommend a hospital based school of medical technology.  I'm sure you've heard that Board certified medical technologists are in high demand due to the growing shortage of laboratorians and will probably stay in high demand for quite some time.  You shouldn't have too much trouble finding medical technology (CLS) schools that except foreign students as long as you have the appropriate prerequisites or equivalent education.  I'm not aware of any list of these programs other than medical technology school listings (see link below).  You'll have to check with your local schools.  I graduated from a school of medical technology that typically takes 1-3 international students a year out of 6-10 students total.

As long as you have a bachelor's degree or equivalent after completing the program and pass your national certifying examination then you will be an MT/CLS, same as any other.  If you already have a BSc or equivalent coming into the program then you will be what is usually referred to as a "4+1" student meaning you already have a degree in a related field as opposed to a "3+1" student who has yet to complete theirs.  

As far as hospital vs. university based programs goes, hospital or clinical based is always recommended.  In fact, medical technology programs associated with colleges and universities usually only cover the first 3 years of curriculum toward a degree in medical technology used to prepare students for 50 week clinical internships (MT schools).  Even if you could find an online based or totally university based program, these would not expose you to actual hospital/clinical conditions.  Shadowing actual field/bench medical technologists will make you a better medical technologist.  Good luck!

P.S.  Most graduates of good MT/CLS internships agree the curriculum covers quite a bit of material and although rewarding are also fairly demanding, usually more so than undergraduate college.