This is adopted from a medical technologist named Janice L. Putnam on how to survive education in Medical Technology:
1. Be honest with yourself and others – the career you have chosen is one that requires personal integrity and absolute honesty. As a medical technologist, you will be part of a patient care team. It will be your responsibility to perform accurate tests and interpret them carefully so that physicians and other health care workers can determine an appropriate course of patient treatment. If honest work is your policy while in school, it will carry over into your work as a practicing medical technologist. Copying or cheating in school is of course, dishonest and may be grounds for dismissal. However, as a medical technologist, cheating is much more serious, because it will be harmful to the well-being of the patient. Always think of your work as providing service to others. Make a commitment to give the same quality service to patients that you would expect to receive as patient.
2. Practice respect for your fellow classmates – you and your classmates are pursuing a mutual goal – graduation in the field of medical technology. Along the way, you will spend numerous hours together in lecture, in laboratories and between classes. Some of you will become close friends; others will not share the same closeness. Each student however is unique and any differences among students should be respected. Competition, jealousy and other personal conflicts benefit no one. As a professional, you will also have contact with people from varied backgrounds and personalities. If you learn to respect the differences among your classmates, you will be more kind, gentle and caring of both the patients and other health care providers you will work with as a medical technologist.
3. Never hesitate to ask for help from your instructors – the information presented in lectures and practiced in the laboratory is sometimes intense. It may be difficult to comprehend the details, even when reviewing lecture notes and laboratory experiments after class. The main goal of instructors is to educate qualified medical technologists. If you do not understand the material presented, make an appointment to see the instructor. No question is too trivial and most instructors will gladly take the time to help you understand.
4. Budget your time wisely – the high cost of college education leaves most students with no choice but to work in addition to attending classes and studying. Wise utilization of each day is important for successful completion of a program. If outside work is a financial necessity, try to find a job with some flexibility, so that as class schedules change, you can adjust your work schedule accordingly. Attending classes, finishing assigned homework and studying should be your primary priority. While it is important to be financially secure, do not allow outside employment to jeopardize your ultimate goal.
5. Take care of your health – the demands of college course work can be exhausting. It is important to take care of your health in order to function at your fullest capacity. A healthy diet, regular exercise and an adequate amount of sleep will keep you alert and energetic enough to meet the challenges of a Medical Technology program.
6. Always view new information with a questioning mind – a medical technologist is a scientist. A scientist learning new information should want to know not only what it means, but also how it came about and how it can be expanded upon. As a Medical Technology student, you will be presented with new material every day. Rather than just memorizing the facts for an exam, question what you have learned. Discuss it with fellow students and with your instructors. Expand upon it. Success and personal satisfaction in your career will come about if you learn to think as a scientist.
7. Listen to upperclass students, but use your own best judgment – whether or not you choose to accept upperclassmen’s words as sacred should be determined by your own experiences. An unpleasant experience or encounter for one student is hardly reason for other to form prejudices. Enter every class and meet every new instructor with an open mind. Then, based on your experiences, you may agree or disagree with the opinions of upperclass students.
8. Never stop learning – Medical Technology is an ever-changing profession with newer methods, better technology and increasing responsibilities. It is imperative that as a graduate, you continue to learn so that you may progress further in your profession. Continuing education may be the farthest thought from your mind while an undergraduate. However, you must think ahead toward directions that will broaden your future as a professional.
9. Take time for fun – extracurricular enjoyment is essential for ones mental and physical health. While it is important to put forth your best effort as a student, it is impossible to learn every detail. Sometimes, you need to take a break. Go to a movie, have dinner with a friend, engage in a hobby or sports activity you enjoy, or sit back and watch TV. Relax your mind when the need arises. You will then be better able to enjoy learning.
10. Act as a professional – the 1st 9 rules are guide towards becoming a professional. Integrate them into your life. Do not ignore laboratory test results that are out of control range or do not make sense. Learn how to resolve these and other problems. Treat all patients humanely by putting aside personal matters or prejudices that might otherwise interfere. Keep yourself well-groomed, well-mannered and able to get along with others. Keep up to date on the latest advances in diagnostic medicine. Practice the knowledge and skills you have acquired in order to assure quality patient care and always act as a profession medical technologist.
Saturday, January 1, 2000
How to survive Medical Technology Education
Planning involves setting realistic objectives and standards as well as prioritizing tasks appropriately by breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable, ones. One should prepare personal timetables to ensure that all timetabled sessions are attended, enough time is set aside for private study, set work can be completed in time and that a healthy balance is maintained between work and other activities. Demonstrate the self discipline necessary to adhere to timetables and choose appropriate times and places for study
Monitoring of own progress and planning accordingly by setting realistic personal targets and reviewing own learning activities and their outcomes critically, identifying what does and does not work, and modifying targets and learning strategies accordingly
Evaluate own work critically against criteria provided by teaching staff. (In later years students should develop the ability to set their own criteria, setting out clear assessment criteria at level 1 will give students something to build on in later years). Identify own strengths and weaknesses and either plan and execute measures to overcome weaknesses or seek help from a tutor or counselor. One should not be afraid to make use of feedback. It should be accepted as something constructive. Read feedback on returned work and use this to work out how to produce better work “next time.”
Interacting constructively with others by providing constructive feedback to teaching staff and working effectively with others as a member of a group and meet obligations to others (for example, tutors, peers, and colleagues).
General learning attributes include preparing to abandon previous conceptions (misconceptions) and trying different ways of doing things. Persevere with difficult topics and look for links between new material and prior learning. Look for links between course material and the “real world” and for links between different modules
Personal administration involves obtaining course information from student handbooks, university web-sites etc., using program information to manage a sensible balance of effort on different elements of a program, organizing notes etc. systematically, knowing how the marking/grading schemes work at all levels from individual items of coursework to final degree classification, keeping a systematic track of work that needs to be done, monitoring own progress in completing it and keeping a systematic record of marks achieved and other feedback, to support monitoring of own progress
Attend all timetabled sessions and arrive on time. One should maintain concentration throughout lecture. Ask questions if necessary. Take useful notes in lectures, for a range of different lecture styles and identify the key concepts explained in a lecture. Review lectures shortly after attending (to reinforce material before it is forgotten) and reformat lecture notes, if necessary, to be accessible for revision purposes and if possible, carry out any recommended reading
Arrive at tutorials properly prepared - e.g. having attempted exercises, done recommended reading etc. Participate actively in tutorials, and ask questions if anything is not understood. Prepare questions to be asked in formal or informal tutorials - when seeking help, assemble all available information first
Identify the purpose of laboratory work i.e.: is it
a. To see a practical demonstration confirming the validity of taught theory?
b. Develop/practice investigative research skills?
c. Develop/practice design or construction skills. In laboratories, focus on what is to be learnt (rather than merely follow instructions)?
Record the results of laboratory experiments systematically (and honestly) and interpret them, relating empirical observations to theory. Write clear accounts of laboratory experiments
During private study, review lectures (or other new material) can be read shortly after attending/first contact. Choose appropriate times and places for study. Identify and do work that should be done in preparation for tutorials, labs etc. Identify the intended learning outcomes of modules and focus efforts on achieving them, using assessment criteria to help prioritize effort. Understand (and be able to explain) the difference between knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes, recognize which of these needs to acquired or developed in any given learning context and choose learning methods accordingly. Identify materials (e.g formulae) that need to be memorized and adopt a systematic approach to learning this material (repetition, self-test etc.). Understand the need to practice skills, plan appropriate practice and demonstrate the self discipline to carry out such plans. Identify key concepts and concentrate on understanding them.
Use concept maps to visualize the relationships between concepts. Use textbooks actively to develop understanding of concepts. Constantly monitor effectiveness of study and self-test. Practice writing systematic descriptions of processes in systems studied. Prepare questions to be asked in formal or informal tutorials - when seeking help, assemble all available information first. One must judge when to ask for help and when to work things out independently, and when asking for help judge who to ask (e.g. know when a fellow student's explanation cannot be relied on). Be aware of their own learning style preferences, and of the need to work on any weaknesses, such as the need to get used to using diagrams (visual), or to practice reading for understanding and writing with precision.
Monitoring of own progress and planning accordingly by setting realistic personal targets and reviewing own learning activities and their outcomes critically, identifying what does and does not work, and modifying targets and learning strategies accordingly
Evaluate own work critically against criteria provided by teaching staff. (In later years students should develop the ability to set their own criteria, setting out clear assessment criteria at level 1 will give students something to build on in later years). Identify own strengths and weaknesses and either plan and execute measures to overcome weaknesses or seek help from a tutor or counselor. One should not be afraid to make use of feedback. It should be accepted as something constructive. Read feedback on returned work and use this to work out how to produce better work “next time.”
Interacting constructively with others by providing constructive feedback to teaching staff and working effectively with others as a member of a group and meet obligations to others (for example, tutors, peers, and colleagues).
General learning attributes include preparing to abandon previous conceptions (misconceptions) and trying different ways of doing things. Persevere with difficult topics and look for links between new material and prior learning. Look for links between course material and the “real world” and for links between different modules
Personal administration involves obtaining course information from student handbooks, university web-sites etc., using program information to manage a sensible balance of effort on different elements of a program, organizing notes etc. systematically, knowing how the marking/grading schemes work at all levels from individual items of coursework to final degree classification, keeping a systematic track of work that needs to be done, monitoring own progress in completing it and keeping a systematic record of marks achieved and other feedback, to support monitoring of own progress
Attend all timetabled sessions and arrive on time. One should maintain concentration throughout lecture. Ask questions if necessary. Take useful notes in lectures, for a range of different lecture styles and identify the key concepts explained in a lecture. Review lectures shortly after attending (to reinforce material before it is forgotten) and reformat lecture notes, if necessary, to be accessible for revision purposes and if possible, carry out any recommended reading
Arrive at tutorials properly prepared - e.g. having attempted exercises, done recommended reading etc. Participate actively in tutorials, and ask questions if anything is not understood. Prepare questions to be asked in formal or informal tutorials - when seeking help, assemble all available information first
Identify the purpose of laboratory work i.e.: is it
a. To see a practical demonstration confirming the validity of taught theory?
b. Develop/practice investigative research skills?
c. Develop/practice design or construction skills. In laboratories, focus on what is to be learnt (rather than merely follow instructions)?
Record the results of laboratory experiments systematically (and honestly) and interpret them, relating empirical observations to theory. Write clear accounts of laboratory experiments
During private study, review lectures (or other new material) can be read shortly after attending/first contact. Choose appropriate times and places for study. Identify and do work that should be done in preparation for tutorials, labs etc. Identify the intended learning outcomes of modules and focus efforts on achieving them, using assessment criteria to help prioritize effort. Understand (and be able to explain) the difference between knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes, recognize which of these needs to acquired or developed in any given learning context and choose learning methods accordingly. Identify materials (e.g formulae) that need to be memorized and adopt a systematic approach to learning this material (repetition, self-test etc.). Understand the need to practice skills, plan appropriate practice and demonstrate the self discipline to carry out such plans. Identify key concepts and concentrate on understanding them.
Use concept maps to visualize the relationships between concepts. Use textbooks actively to develop understanding of concepts. Constantly monitor effectiveness of study and self-test. Practice writing systematic descriptions of processes in systems studied. Prepare questions to be asked in formal or informal tutorials - when seeking help, assemble all available information first. One must judge when to ask for help and when to work things out independently, and when asking for help judge who to ask (e.g. know when a fellow student's explanation cannot be relied on). Be aware of their own learning style preferences, and of the need to work on any weaknesses, such as the need to get used to using diagrams (visual), or to practice reading for understanding and writing with precision.
Characteristics of a Medical Technology Student
General Characteristics
These set of characteristics are present not only in the profession, but also to other allied health professions. If one must succeed in this particular profession, he must have:
1. Physical stamina – he/she must have the energy capacity to do tedious works because the work of a Medical Technology is tiresome and requires enough strength and stamina.
2. Good eye sight and normal color vision – someone must have a 20/20 vision as one will be engaged in viewing specimens under the microscope. One must clearly visualize the cellular structures and elements viewed microscopically and macroscopically.
3. Manual Dexterity – this involves multitasking and application of skills to multiple varieties of works.
4. Intellect – one must know how to apply the principles and knowledge learned theoretically in the lectures.
5. Aptitude for the biological sciences – the divisions of Medical Technology involves biological sciences, particularly hematology, histopathology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, virology, blood banking and even clinical microscopy.
6. Caring attitude – all health professions are entailed to give care to patients as one aims to promote the wellness of the sickly patient.
7. Communication Skills – one must know how to speak fluently and must ensure that their (sender) message is received by the receiver (patient).
8. Observant – he/she must be alert in his/her surroundings as dangers or accidents may happen. With it, a corrective action can be applied at a fast pace.
9. Motivated – as one works with interest, work will feel lighter.
10. Able to perform precise and accurate measurements and calculations – avoid doing mistakes as this will endanger the life of the patient. One must know how to double-check his/her results obtained to ensure accuracy and precision.
11. Organizational skills – a medical technologist can be a potential leader in the future, and having this skill will help him motivate and inspire others to work harder.
Specific Characteristics
There are also special characteristics found in a medical technologist. These attributes are basically and must be found in a medical technologist to call one as such:
1. Service Oriented – it is a fact that the profession is not really a materially rewarding one especially here in the Philippines, but the self satisfaction one feels of helping the doctor diagnose a disease and seeing the patient rise up from his bed is certainly beyond measure. Always extend your helping hand to all people.
2. Patience – this is a must have trait for all professionals. A medical technologist deals with people with an array of personalities, commonly the irritable ones like the sick and the children. A service with a sincere smile is a great help to the clientele
3. Honesty, Accuracy and Skills – these are critically important because a medical technologist deals with human lives. Any discrepancies with these specific traits will endanger the life of the patient. With practice and learning, one achieves these.
4. Dedication – this enables one to work devotedly and conscientiously in fulfilling duties and responsibilities. This also makes service a source of pride and pleasure. Be proud of your profession.
5. Emotional Maturity – this helps deal with other professionals harmoniously. With it, it avoids conflicts between the patient, doctor or other workers and the medical technologist. It also gives dignity and respect, and the feedback is that people will start to listen to you, becoming a good example of a professional.
6. “X” Factor – this refers to the appeal of the medical technologist to other people, the overall evaluation. This will makes one likeable not only as a professional, but as a total person.
Personal Attributes of a Medical Technology Student
To become a laboratory professional requires intelligence, a commitment to working hard in school, a desire to help humankind and a love of science, especially biology. The following is a checklist used in helping to determine whether one is suited to become a medical technologist (answerable by yes or no).
YES NO LIST
1. It is important to me to have a career that involves helping others.
2. To my friends, family and teachers, I am known to be a person of honesty and integrity.
3. I have good manual dexterity and can translate thinking skills into doing skills.
4. I like a certain amount of order or structure in the things I do.
5. I am able to plan and carry out work with little supervision.
6. It is important to me to have a sense of accomplishment (achievement) for the work I do.
7. In a work situation, I prefer to be busy and use my time well.
8. I enjoy problem solving.
9. I am capable of working effectively in stressful situations.
10. I am able to prioritize and carry out tasks when given several of them to do at the same time.
11. I have good communication skills
12. I enjoy using various instruments (such as microscopes) as well as computers.
13. I like to know why things happen and what causes certain biologic conditions to occur.
14. I enjoy learning new ways of doing things.
15. I wish to play a significant role in finding the causes of disease and in helping people to improve their lives.
16. I like and do well in science courses, especially biology.
17. I know the work in Medical Technology involves testing blood and other biological substances for their cellular, chemical or biological components.
18. I understand that with a degree in Medical Technology, I can work in laboratories in hospitals, clinics, research, veterinary medicine, industry and a number of other areas.
19. I know that in Medical Technology, I will use the latest scientific discoveries in my work.
20. Following high school, I am willing to spend 4-5 years (depending on the program chosen) to prepare for a profession in Medical Technology.
21. Following high school, I would enjoy studying science and other courses needed to prepare for a profession in Medical Technology.
22. In college, I understand that in order to enter a professional program in Medical Technology, I will need to demonstrate my academic abilities by earning good grades.
23. I understand that a degree in Medical Technology can be the basis for graduate work in laboratory science as well as in the biological and physical sciences, medicine, dentistry, law, education and administration if an advanced degree is desired.
24. I know that in some settings, laboratory personnel work with patients with infectious diseases, but that precautions for safety are well established.
25. I like medically related activities, but not 100% direct patient contact.
26. I understand that Medical Technology is a profession based on the team concept in which health care providers work together to achieve positive outcomes.
27. I understand that the starting salaries for medical technologists are usually comparable to those of other allied health professionals.
28. I recognize that in this profession, I may have to work evening, night or weekend shifts depending on the work setting I choose.
29. I am willing to treat all patients and their families equally and humanely, with respect and caring.
30. As a health care professional, I will be able to keep all patient or client information in the strictest confidence.
To score this assessment instrument, give 2 points for a yes response to items 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17 and 22. These items have been chosen by 40 laboratory educators as the 10 key statements for a potential student to become a successful medical technologist. Give 1 point to a yes response for each of the other 20 items. If the total score is 30 or more, a person is an excellent candidate for becoming a successful medical technologist. If the score is from 20-29, a person is a good candidate. If the score is 19 or less, a person should probably investigate other career options.
The checklist can also be grouped in 2 ways; knowledge of self (items 1-16) and knowledge of the field (items 17-30). Both are important in choosing a career, especially one in Medical Technology. The 30-item checklist above includes some of the personal characteristics that will enhance one’s chances of becoming a successful practitioner who enjoys his/her work.
A student of Medical Technology should believe that the course is enjoyable, interesting, rewarding and is a positive step to a future career. The student should understand learning as a changing the way we think and act, rather than simply as the acquisition of knowledge, and understand that the by-products of education (such as confidence, self-motivation and enthusiasm for new challenges) can be valuable personal qualities that can be applied to life and employment. He should also understand that learning is his own responsibility, and should recognize that results will and should depend on effort.
She/he should appreciate that the lecturers' job is to teach students how to think and act like professionals and not just provide information and appreciate the need for hierarchies of assessment criteria and the different approaches required for different marks. e.g. threshold level performance might be achieved through simple recall and demonstration of single step problem solving, while higher marks can only be gained by solving more complicated problems without being told how to do them first, and without necessarily being provided with all the information required in advance.
YES NO LIST
1. It is important to me to have a career that involves helping others.
2. To my friends, family and teachers, I am known to be a person of honesty and integrity.
3. I have good manual dexterity and can translate thinking skills into doing skills.
4. I like a certain amount of order or structure in the things I do.
5. I am able to plan and carry out work with little supervision.
6. It is important to me to have a sense of accomplishment (achievement) for the work I do.
7. In a work situation, I prefer to be busy and use my time well.
8. I enjoy problem solving.
9. I am capable of working effectively in stressful situations.
10. I am able to prioritize and carry out tasks when given several of them to do at the same time.
11. I have good communication skills
12. I enjoy using various instruments (such as microscopes) as well as computers.
13. I like to know why things happen and what causes certain biologic conditions to occur.
14. I enjoy learning new ways of doing things.
15. I wish to play a significant role in finding the causes of disease and in helping people to improve their lives.
16. I like and do well in science courses, especially biology.
17. I know the work in Medical Technology involves testing blood and other biological substances for their cellular, chemical or biological components.
18. I understand that with a degree in Medical Technology, I can work in laboratories in hospitals, clinics, research, veterinary medicine, industry and a number of other areas.
19. I know that in Medical Technology, I will use the latest scientific discoveries in my work.
20. Following high school, I am willing to spend 4-5 years (depending on the program chosen) to prepare for a profession in Medical Technology.
21. Following high school, I would enjoy studying science and other courses needed to prepare for a profession in Medical Technology.
22. In college, I understand that in order to enter a professional program in Medical Technology, I will need to demonstrate my academic abilities by earning good grades.
23. I understand that a degree in Medical Technology can be the basis for graduate work in laboratory science as well as in the biological and physical sciences, medicine, dentistry, law, education and administration if an advanced degree is desired.
24. I know that in some settings, laboratory personnel work with patients with infectious diseases, but that precautions for safety are well established.
25. I like medically related activities, but not 100% direct patient contact.
26. I understand that Medical Technology is a profession based on the team concept in which health care providers work together to achieve positive outcomes.
27. I understand that the starting salaries for medical technologists are usually comparable to those of other allied health professionals.
28. I recognize that in this profession, I may have to work evening, night or weekend shifts depending on the work setting I choose.
29. I am willing to treat all patients and their families equally and humanely, with respect and caring.
30. As a health care professional, I will be able to keep all patient or client information in the strictest confidence.
To score this assessment instrument, give 2 points for a yes response to items 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17 and 22. These items have been chosen by 40 laboratory educators as the 10 key statements for a potential student to become a successful medical technologist. Give 1 point to a yes response for each of the other 20 items. If the total score is 30 or more, a person is an excellent candidate for becoming a successful medical technologist. If the score is from 20-29, a person is a good candidate. If the score is 19 or less, a person should probably investigate other career options.
The checklist can also be grouped in 2 ways; knowledge of self (items 1-16) and knowledge of the field (items 17-30). Both are important in choosing a career, especially one in Medical Technology. The 30-item checklist above includes some of the personal characteristics that will enhance one’s chances of becoming a successful practitioner who enjoys his/her work.
A student of Medical Technology should believe that the course is enjoyable, interesting, rewarding and is a positive step to a future career. The student should understand learning as a changing the way we think and act, rather than simply as the acquisition of knowledge, and understand that the by-products of education (such as confidence, self-motivation and enthusiasm for new challenges) can be valuable personal qualities that can be applied to life and employment. He should also understand that learning is his own responsibility, and should recognize that results will and should depend on effort.
She/he should appreciate that the lecturers' job is to teach students how to think and act like professionals and not just provide information and appreciate the need for hierarchies of assessment criteria and the different approaches required for different marks. e.g. threshold level performance might be achieved through simple recall and demonstration of single step problem solving, while higher marks can only be gained by solving more complicated problems without being told how to do them first, and without necessarily being provided with all the information required in advance.
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