The major in biology and medical technology is designed for the student planning for a career as a medical technologist. The major enables students to combine the theoretical aspects of an undergraduate biology major with professional training in a clinical laboratory.

Biology and medical technology students can fulfill requirements for the biology portion of the major in three years (if they attend full-time) and complete the medical technology requirements through a year of clinical training in the fourth year. This fourth year hospital program provides experience in clinical microbiology and chemistry, blood banking, hematology, body fluids, clinical immunology, and management. In most cases, tuition is waived for the year of professional training.

Graduates in this major earn a BS in Biology and Medical Technology and become eligible for the Medical Technologist certification exam of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

The major in biology and medical technology is competitive. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (overall and in the sciences) is required for application to the fourth-year hospital training program. Because competition is statewide for the limited number of hospital positions, admission to the hospital program is not guaranteed. Students not admitted to the clinical program, however, will have completed the requirements for a standard biology major, with the possible exception of one course (Biol 290). They can therefore easily complete the biology major. In addition, biology majors who have taken the appropriate courses can apply for the biology and medical technology major up to the application deadline for the hospital programs.

The major in biology and medical technology is intended for students wishing to work in a clinical setting who choose not to pursue graduate degrees upon completion of their undergraduate work. Students who complete the major will have a sound education in biology as well as the specific career skills of a medical technologist. The major is designed to address this specific career situation and to provide maximum flexibility for students.