Medical Technologist program Ft Worth

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2006

I know they offer one and I know the classes are offered at the offsite ft worth campus but thats about all I know. I go to school there and every time I get my book of classes they list these courses in the back of the book under courses taught off campus. I recommend you go online to their website and do a search. Let me know if I can help you more.

I know this is a nurses forum, but does anyone know about the medical technology program offered through Tarleton State? I know the lab is located in the hospital district in dowtown FT Worth. Has anyone done this program or know of anyone who has?? Has anyone worked as a MT?? What is work enviro like??
Flora

mama_flora · Aug 4, 2006

Yeah I spoke to someone in the lab there who told me about the program but wanted to klnow if anyone actually went through it. I know they accept 20 students and its a very intense program because its so short. I would like to talk to a med technologist to see if they like it.

lifeLONGstudent · Aug 9, 2006

Hi,

I WAS a MT... and I went through TSU for my last year (MT school in Fort Worth - near All Saints).

To get a MT degree, you take about 100 - 120 hours at a university (in my case, UNT) and then your last year is through TSU -- about 6-7 months of classes (8a-3p x 5 days a week) and then the last 3-4 months of residency (free labor at a hospital x 40 hr weeks). All in all, it takes about 4-5 years to get your degree. ... then you take a national registry... plus you must recert each year.

When I went 12 years ago, it was only a Bachelor's program. Now, I think they are teaching MLT classes (associates)...and cytotechs.

I definately DON'T recommend the field if you would like to eat anything besides beans and rice for the rest of your life. The pay SUCKS and everyone in the hospital disresepcts you... or they think you are just a phlebotomist (actually, the don't know the difference between a phlebotomist who has no formal training, but is OTJ trained and a tech with a degree that performs the tests.... people in the hospital just call anyone from the lab a "lab tech"). The lab is everyone's whipping boy -- whenever the nurses forget to order the test, you can bet that the story that the doc hears is "I don't know why the lab doesn't have it done yet"....

With a bachelor's degree (that will take you 5 years to get through all the biology and chemistry classes), you will make less than an ADN nurse. Lab does not get paid bonuses for picking up additional shifts. Shift diff is usually like 2.50 - 3.00/hour for weekends where nurses are getting $6.00. No one acknowledges lab week (other than the lab). These sound like little petty things, but it just shows how little you are valued when you work in the lab.

I am not trying to burst your bubble, but I am just telling you the truth. It is a very hard program (MT school) and you are not compensated for your time or your knowledge. I loved actually "doing" my job, but it is all the other crap that brings you down. Talk to some other techs who have been doing it for a while and be really sure that you are willing to take all the ups and downs that come with the job before you go through hell (MT school) to get your degree.

LifeLONGstudent,

BS(MT), MT(ASCP) 1994-2006

accelerated BSN graduate on 8/14/06 --- did my last clinical today

mama_flora · Aug 9, 2006

thanks for the infro lifelongstudent. Its good to hear from someone who is actually in that field. I revc my BS in biology a few years ago and worked as a chemist doing pharmaceutical testing so since I had experience in a lab, MT sounded like an interesting career. I heard that they MT jobs are increasing and there is a need for them. I however do like to be around people and enjoy interacting with people so Im not sure if I would like to be in the lab all the time. So-are you still a MT or are you in a different field?

Flora

lifeLONGstudent · Aug 23, 2006

Don't get me wrong... I loved the job, but just hated the stuff that went with it (especially the lack of pay & respect).

I'm a GN - currently studying for NCLEX. Plan to start the Parkland critical care residency on 9/18. :smokin: Can't wait!

Good luck with whatever you decide. I just want you to know both sides, good and bad, before you commit that much time, money and effort into being a tech. Of course, every job has good and bad aspects.

IU95 · Sep 2, 2006

Hi,
I WAS a MT... and I went through TSU for my last year (MT school in Fort Worth - near All Saints).
To get a MT degree, you take about 100 - 120 hours at a university (in my case, UNT) and then your last year is through TSU -- about 6-7 months of classes (8a-3p x 5 days a week) and then the last 3-4 months of residency (free labor at a hospital x 40 hr weeks). All in all, it takes about 4-5 years to get your degree. ... then you take a national registry... plus you must recert each year.
When I went 12 years ago, it was only a Bachelor's program. Now, I think they are teaching MLT classes (associates)...and cytotechs.
I definately DON'T recommend the field if you would like to eat anything besides beans and rice for the rest of your life. The pay SUCKS and everyone in the hospital disresepcts you... or they think you are just a phlebotomist (actually, the don't know the difference between a phlebotomist who has no formal training, but is OTJ trained and a tech with a degree that performs the tests.... people in the hospital just call anyone from the lab a "lab tech"). The lab is everyone's whipping boy -- whenever the nurses forget to order the test, you can bet that the story that the doc hears is "I don't know why the lab doesn't have it done yet"....
With a bachelor's degree (that will take you 5 years to get through all the biology and chemistry classes), you will make less than an ADN nurse. Lab does not get paid bonuses for picking up additional shifts. Shift diff is usually like 2.50 - 3.00/hour for weekends where nurses are getting $6.00. No one acknowledges lab week (other than the lab). These sound like little petty things, but it just shows how little you are valued when you work in the lab.
I am not trying to burst your bubble, but I am just telling you the truth. It is a very hard program (MT school) and you are not compensated for your time or your knowledge. I loved actually "doing" my job, but it is all the other crap that brings you down. Talk to some other techs who have been doing it for a while and be really sure that you are willing to take all the ups and downs that come with the job before you go through hell (MT school) to get your degree.
LifeLONGstudent,
BS(MT), MT(ASCP) 1994-2006
accelerated BSN graduate on 8/14/06 --- did my last clinical today

I too am a medical technologist for 11 years now and sadly have to agree completely. I get called the phlebotomist all the time even though I have earned a very difficult BS in Medical Technology degree. :madface:

I will complete an LPN program in a few more months and then RN thru Excelsior. I too like the work but was driven out for all the other reasons too.