Excelsior Biology Degree and Transferring to University for Medical Technology

[Sapphyreopal5]

(New member here)
I am a 23 year old college student who has several credits from my local community college (I live in North Carolina). Unfortunately I didn't have much direction in my life for a while and the most I have is an Associate's of Arts degree and multiple science courses (considering taking a few more classes to have my AA in business administration). Previously I completed some coursework for cardiovascular technology, although I decided the field was not for me. After I began volunteering at a local hospital doing some clerical work for the cytology and medical transcription departments, I realized how interesting laboratory work is to me. I am considering obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology and transferring to a university or local college to become a medical technologist.

I was looking at getting my bachelor's in biology degree online, as local colleges and universities require a bachelor's degree for their medical technology program. I am wondering if getting my bachelor's in biology from Excelsior would be an acceptable degree in order to pursue further education as a medical technologist locally. Any and all help is seriously appreciated, as I want to get out of my house ASAP with a nice paying job and minimal tuition expenses.

[bluebooger]

.. as local colleges and universities require a bachelor's degree for their medical technology program..

so you're saying these colleges won't accept you into their medical technology program unless you have a BS first ?
if that's what you're saying then I just don't believe it

please link to the school's website where this is the case

[Jonathan Whatley]

I was looking at getting my bachelor's in biology degree online, as local colleges and universities require a bachelor's degree for their medical technology program.

Are you saying that in your area, there are only what they describe here as "4+1" programs?

Medical laboratory scientist: Educational requirements (Wikipedia)

It's possible that there are also 3+1 or 2+2 programs, even from the same schools, but that you're only looking at descriptions of 4+1 programs and assuming that's the entire universe. There may also be the option of a 2 year associate's program to become a Medical Laboratory Technician, even as a stepping stone on the way to technologist/scientist.

[Sapphyreopal5]

First of all, thank you guys for your quick responses to my thread.

so you're saying these colleges won't accept you into their medical technology program unless you have a BS first ?
if that's what you're saying then I just don't believe it

please link to the school's website where this is the case

Are you saying that in your area, there are only what they describe here as "4+1" programs?

Medical laboratory scientist: Educational requirements (Wikipedia)

It's possible that there are also 3+1 or 2+2 programs, even from the same schools, but that you're only looking at descriptions of 4+1 programs and assuming that's the entire universe. There may also be the option of a 2 year associate's program to become a Medical Laboratory Technician, even as a stepping stone on the way to technologist/scientist.

Carolinas College of Health Science
Program Overview
The Medical Laboratory Science program at Carolinas College is a 12-month program for applicants who have a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science. Experienced faculty members teach students the skills and theory needed to be a successful medical laboratory scientist.

Didactic lectures and student laboratory training take place at the college, with clinical experiences conducted in the laboratories of Carolinas Medical Center. Areas of study include clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology, tuberculosis, mycology, molecular pathology, urinalysis, toxicology, education and management.
Medical Laboratory Science > Academic Programs | CCHS
***********************************************************************
UNC Charlotte
Medical Technologies Option

What opportunities does UNC Charlotte offer in Medical Technology?
UNC Charlotte has two specially designed programs for students in medical technology. Students taking a "3+1" option complete the equivalent of three years of coursework required for a baccalaureate degree. The courses include those needed to qualify for clinical training at Bowman Gray/Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. Upon successful completion of the University phase, the student can apply for entrance into the hospital for a fourth year of specialized clinical training. The "4+1" option allows the student to complete a baccalaureate degree from UNC Charlotte prior to applying for clinical training in a medical technology program. Students may apply to the programs affiliated with UNC Charlotte or to any of the dozens of medical technology programs offered across the nation.

What major should I choose?
A UNC Charlotte student interested in medical technology may work toward any major or degree program. However, a major in the sciences is the most compatible with the required course work. Whatever program a student chooses, a core of courses must be taken in order to qualify the student for admission to a medical technology program. Students interested in a degree in Biology generally choose to fulfill the requirements for a B.A. With careful planning it is possible to fulfill requirements for a B.S. degree in Biology with an Option in Medical Technology.

What courses are required by the Medical Technology programs affiliated with UNC Charlotte?
Biological Sciences: A minimum of 16 semester hours acceptable towards a biology major is required. Immunology (BIOL 4251) and Microbiology (BIOL 4250 and 4250L) must be included.
Chemistry: A minimum of 12 semester hours (lecture and laboratory) acceptable towards a chemistry major, including at least one semester of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 2131). Some programs require 16 hours of chemistry
Mathematics: A minimum of one course in mathematics is required, with basic statistics highly recommended.
In addition, all students must meet the course requirements of their particular major and the general requirements of the University. For students interested in completing a "3+1" option, application to affiliated hospitals is generally is made at the beginning of the junior year (or its equivalent). A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required for admission. Additionally, letters of recommendation and an interview contribute to decisions concerning admission into programs.
https://biology.uncc.edu/undergraduate-p...ies-option
***********************************************************************

These are the only local one as far as the Charlotte area goes that I have been able to find (one that's basically a 4+1 and the other being a 3+1). I know there is the Medical Technology program at UNC in Chapel Hill and also at East Carolina University, although that is a bit of a hike from here to there (am trying to stay local). I could just go for the MLT program at my local community college and finish off the bachelor's degree down the road, although I feel I'd have more opportunities for advancement with a bachelor's degree over an associate's.

[cookderosa]

(New member here)
I am a 23 year old college student who has several credits from my local community college (I live in North Carolina). Unfortunately I didn't have much direction in my life for a while and the most I have is an Associate's of Arts degree and multiple science courses (considering taking a few more classes to have my AA in business administration). Previously I completed some coursework for cardiovascular technology, although I decided the field was not for me. After I began volunteering at a local hospital doing some clerical work for the cytology and medical transcription departments, I realized how interesting laboratory work is to me. I am considering obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology and transferring to a university or local college to become a medical technologist.

I was looking at getting my bachelor's in biology degree online, as local colleges and universities require a bachelor's degree for their medical technology program. I am wondering if getting my bachelor's in biology from Excelsior would be an acceptable degree in order to pursue further education as a medical technologist locally. Any and all help is seriously appreciated, as I want to get out of my house ASAP with a nice paying job and minimal tuition expenses.

Hi neighbor, I'm in Charlotte too!
I've edited my answer since I read ahead and found your answer where you provided links.
I have a couple quick questions. I'm not 100% sure I understand your education situation. Do you already have an AA degree or are you working toward one? If you don't have the degree, how many credits do you have? I'm going to assume you don't yet have the AA.

Have you taken General Biology 1 and 2 with lab and General Chemistry 1 and 2 with lab? If not, I'd suggest that be first up. I'd suggest you take those two science sequences at CPCC (registration is now). The program you are considering at CCHS is an accelerated post-bac program for degree holders and competitive. The program at UNC-C is more traditionally paced. I think it would be best to take all of your sciences and prereqs with STRONG GRADES at CPCC and then use Excelsior or TESC to complete the bachelor's degree if you want to head to CCHS. If you're looking more heavily at UNC, they have a terrible transfer policy. You can also use CLEP exams if you'd like to accelerate the process and lock them into a degree at CPCC, but if you don't finish the degree, they may not transfer. There's really a lot going on in your question. In my opinion, everything starts with what classes you've already taken.
The prepreq process will take no less than 1 year if you're eligible for general science, if not, then longer. Then, earning the bachelor's degree give another year (assuming you skip the associates and go directly to the big 3 and then go back and re-apply to CCHS). If you're looking harder at UNC-C then there is a transfer option out of CPCC that you should lock into. Have you talked to a CPCC advisor yet?

So, I'd set this up as a 2 year game plan of GETTING IN if it were me. The program you're considering isn't like the fast test-out degrees a lot of people here go after (I'm not saying to change your goals, I'm saying just don't compare what you're trying to do with someone testing out of a business degree in 6 months). But the options you presented, as far as I can tell, both require 2 years before you even start the medical lab technology courses. ... unless I'm missing something, which is possible.

Let's go back, do you already have an AA and if so/if not, will you post what courses you have credit in already?

[Sapphyreopal5]

Hi neighbor, I'm in Charlotte too!
I've edited my answer since I read ahead and found your answer where you provided links.
I have a couple quick questions. I'm not 100% sure I understand your education situation. Do you already have an AA degree or are you working toward one? If you don't have the degree, how many credits do you have? I'm going to assume you don't yet have the AA.

Have you taken General Biology 1 and 2 with lab and General Chemistry 1 and 2 with lab? If not, I'd suggest that be first up. I'd suggest you take those two science sequences at CPCC (registration is now). The program you are considering at CCHS is an accelerated post-bac program for degree holders and competitive. The program at UNC-C is more traditionally paced. I think it would be best to take all of your sciences and prereqs with STRONG GRADES at CPCC and then use Excelsior or TESC to complete the bachelor's degree if you want to head to CCHS. If you're looking more heavily at UNC, they have a terrible transfer policy. You can also use CLEP exams if you'd like to accelerate the process and lock them into a degree at CPCC, but if you don't finish the degree, they may not transfer. There's really a lot going on in your question. In my opinion, everything starts with what classes you've already taken.
The prepreq process will take no less than 1 year if you're eligible for general science, if not, then longer. Then, earning the bachelor's degree give another year (assuming you skip the associates and go directly to the big 3 and then go back and re-apply to CCHS). If you're looking harder at UNC-C then there is a transfer option out of CPCC that you should lock into. Have you talked to a CPCC advisor yet?

So, I'd set this up as a 2 year game plan of GETTING IN if it were me. The program you're considering isn't like the fast test-out degrees a lot of people here go after (I'm not saying to change your goals, I'm saying just don't compare what you're trying to do with someone testing out of a business degree in 6 months). But the options you presented, as far as I can tell, both require 2 years before you even start the medical lab technology courses. ... unless I'm missing something, which is possible.

Let's go back, do you already have an AA and if so/if not, will you post what courses you have credit in already?

I got my Associate's of Arts degree actually after completing a class over this past summer (finished in July). I was looking at UNC Charlotte moreso as a backup plan if the degree at Excelsior were to not be an "acceptable" bachelor's as far as going into any post-bac Medical Technology program goes. Now for General Biology I and II as well as General Chemistry I and II, I was actually going to take the CLEP for the I classes (and take the labs separately, should they be absolutely required for the CCHS program), then taking the II classes in the spring. I'm not sure how my employer would take my signing up for classes at the last minute, as they plan the schedule ahead of time. But then again I guess they would have to just get over it if I do, now wouldn't they? Ha ha.

The reason I want to accelerate my schooling right now is because I want to move out of my house with a decent paying career in a reasonable amount of time. I guess the bottom line question I have is whether or not getting a biology degree from one of the big 3 would be considered acceptable by the brick and mortar medical technology schools around me (or if I have to get the degree from another brick and mortar institution).

[KayV]

You might look at Straighterline for science classes with labs. As Jennifer mentioned, if you will list the courses you already have ("ENC-101 English Comp I 3 hrs"), we can help you better.

[Sapphyreopal5]

You might look at Straighterline for science classes with labs. As Jennifer mentioned, if you will list the courses you already have ("ENC-101 English Comp I 3 hrs"), we can help you better.

You might look at Straighterline for science classes with labs. As Jennifer mentioned, if you will list the courses you already have ("ENC-101 English Comp I 3 hrs"), we can help you better.

I have a lot of college credits and comes down to about 85 overall. I also intend on possibly pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Healthcare Administration down the road (or something similar), so I can eventually become a supervisor of sorts within the medical field. Anyways, this is what my transcript looks like with the credit hours included

ENG-232 American Literature II 3.00
MED-120 Survey of Med Terminology 2.00
BIO-163 Basic Anat & Physiology 5.00
HEA-110 Personal Health/Wellness 3.00
PHY-110 Conceptual Physics 3.00
PHY-110A Conceptual Physics Lab 1.00
PSY-281 Abnormal Psychology 3.00
BIO-110 Principles of Biology 4.00
CHM-121 Foundations of Chemistry 3.00
CHM-121A Foundations of Chem Lab 1.00
ART-111 Art Appreciation 3.00
ART-121 Two-Dimensional Design 3.00
ART-131 Drawing I 3.00
BIO-145 Ecology 4.00
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers 4.00
COM-231 Public Speaking 3.00
ECO-251 Prin of Microeconomics 3.00
ENG-111 Expository Writing 3.00
ENG-113 Literature-Based Research 3.00
HIS-112 World Civilizations II 3.00
MAT-161 College Algebra 3.00
PHI-215 Philosophical Issues 3.00
POL-110 Intro Political Science 3.00
PSY-150 General Psychology 3.00
SOC-210 Introduction to Sociology 3.00

[cookderosa]

I got my Associate's of Arts degree actually after completing a class over this past summer (finished in July). I was looking at UNC Charlotte moreso as a backup plan if the degree at Excelsior were to not be an "acceptable" bachelor's as far as going into any post-bac Medical Technology program goes. Now for General Biology I and II as well as General Chemistry I and II, I was actually going to take the CLEP for the I classes (and take the labs separately, should they be absolutely required for the CCHS program), then taking the II classes in the spring. I'm not sure how my employer would take my signing up for classes at the last minute, as they plan the schedule ahead of time. But then again I guess they would have to just get over it if I do, now wouldn't they? Ha ha.

The reason I want to accelerate my schooling right now is because I want to move out of my house with a decent paying career in a reasonable amount of time. I guess the bottom line question I have is whether or not getting a biology degree from one of the big 3 would be considered acceptable by the brick and mortar medical technology schools around me (or if I have to get the degree from another brick and mortar institution).

>>

I'm going to say with 99% certainty that you won't gain admission to CCHS with CLEP biology/chemistry followed by 1 credit labs. Those exams are not for science majors, they are for NON SCIENCE majors. You have ALREADY COMPLETED THOSE CREDITS based on your transcripts above. You need to complete General Biology 1&2 with lab and General Chemistry 1 & 2 with lab. If you take the CLEP exams, they will duplicate credit (count as zero).

I'm also going to say with 99% certainty that what CCHS will look at is the COMPOSITION of your degree (your classes and grades that went into it) not that the degree was completed at a distance. (Excelsior is a regionally accredited degree, so that's fine for admission)

Send your AA transcript to EC, and look at the requirements necessary for completion. Use CLEP, DSST, ECE, etc to complete the degree requirements, but use GRADED CREDITS for every science you need.
I also think, that if you'd like to work in a lab as a career, you should log as many contact hours in a lab as possible. You can arrange your test-out credits to happen asap, while you're completing the lab courses. *are you opposed to TESC? I'd consider their Natural Science degree to be a faster option.* Also, know that CLEP won't be the brand you'll get to use the most of at this point. CLEP is 100/200 level credit, and your options for more 100/200 level are less than if you were starting from scratch. You'll need to look at other testing options like DSST, TECEP, ECE. But you can also take online classes, which are upper level. Those shouldn't interfere with work.

In your shoes, I'd say take every lab science in person (you can get experience as well as letters of rec from teachers), earn an A in every course (high GPA is important at CHS), and use CLEP for general education humanities and social science for your Excelsior degree (if you still need credit in those areas) and use other brand testing + online courses for the upper levels. EVEN IF you don't need sciences for your EC degree, you'll need them for admission to CCHS, so take them anyway.

[KayV]

Here's one way you could complete a BA in Natural Science and Mathematics through TESC, as Jennifer suggested above. I put in all of the science testing options I could find, but of course you could take them in person instead; just remember that all community college classes are lower level now.

TESC BA Natural Science and Mathematics
I. General Education Requirements
1. ENG-111 Expository Writing 3.00
2. ENG-113 Literature-Based Research 3.00
3. MAT-161 College Algebra 3.00
4. COM-231 Public Speaking 3.00
5. CIS-110 Introduction to Computers 4.00
6. BIO-110 Principles of Biology 4.00
7. ENG-232 American Literature II 3.00
8. ECO-251 Prin of Microeconomics 3.00
9. POL-110 Intro Political Science 3.00
10. ART-111 Art Appreciation 3.00
11. PSY-150 General Psychology 3.00
12. HIS-112 World Civilizations II 3.00
13. SOC-210 Introduction to Sociology 3.00
14. NEED TECEP Environmental Ethics 3.00
15. HEA-110 Personal Health/Wellness 3.00
16. PSY-281 Abnormal Psychology 3.00
17. ART-131 Drawing I 3.00
18. PHI-215 Philosophical Issues 3.00
19. ART-121 Two-Dimensional Design 3.00
20. BIO-145 Ecology 1.00 (+3.00 biology)

II. Area of Study: Natural Science and Mathematics (33 hours, 19 UL)
A. Biology (18 hours, 10 UL)
1. BIO-163 Basic Anat & Physiology 5.00 (TESC BIO-210)
2. BIO-145 Ecology 3.00 +1 gen ed (TESC BIO-299 from cc)
3. NEED SL Microbiology with Lab BIO-351 4.00 UL*
4. NEED Uexcel Genetics BIO-341 3.00 UL*
5. NEED Uexcel Pathophysiology BIO-413 3.00 UL*
B. Physics (3 hours)
1. PHY-110 Conceptual Physics 3.00 (TESC PHY-113)
C. Chemistry (3 hours)
1. CHM-121 Foundations of Chemistry 3.00
D. Computer Science (6 UL)
1. NEED CMP-354 TECEP Network Technology 3.00 UL
2. NEED CIS-301 DSST Management Information Systems 3.00 UL
E. NEED Liberal Arts Capstone LIB-495 3.00 UL (3UL)

III. Free Electives
1. MED-120 Survey of Med Terminology 2.00 (HEA-203)
2. PHY-110A Conceptual Physics Lab 1.00
3. CHM-121A Foundations of Chem Lab 1.00 (CHE-121)
4. NEED BIO-208 TECEP Science of Nutrition 3.00
5. NEED SL BIO-213 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab 4.00
6. NEED SL ENS-200 Environmental Science 3.00 or DSST Environment and Humanity 3.00
7. NEED Any 15 hours of TECEPs to enroll in Pay Per Credit plan (no enrollment fee)

I am hoping that science experts will chime in with suggestions to tweak this plan.