Biology - Clinical Sciences Concentration
The Clinical Sciences concentration enables students who are interested in Medical Technology, Histotechnology, Cytotechnology or Respiratory Therapy to include their clinical training as part of their B.S. in Biology degree requirements.
The Clinical Sciences Concentration
Students in this concentration may enter a clinical program in medical technology (aka: medical laboratory science), histotechnology, cytotechnology, or respiratory therapy after their junior year of college and then, following successful completion of their clinical education, transfer credits from the clinical program back to Shippensburg University in order to earn their B.S. in Biology degree.
Professional accrediting agencies for the respective programs require that clinical certification in these disciplines include a baccalaureate degree: either that the clinical education is part of the baccalaureate program or the clinical education is completed after a baccalaureate degree is already earned. This requirement for clinical certification makes medical technology, histotechnology, cytotechnology, and respiratory therapy ideal for inclusion in a “3+1” type of undergraduate curriculum (three years at SU, one year of clinical education). Certification for the clinical discipline is earned through the successful passing of a national certification exam following completion of the undergraduate degree and the formal clinical education program.
What kind of courses will I take?
All biology majors must complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. In addition to the core science requirements, upper-division courses will be required to meet professional program prerequisites and to help prepare you for the professional education. For example, students preparing for medical technology will include upper-level courses in Pathogenic Microbiology, Immunology, and Hematology. Those preparing for respiratory therapy, histotechnology and cytotechnology will include Human Anatomy in their junior year electives in addition to Molecular Biology (for cytotechnology) and Histology (for histotechnology).
Where are the clinical sites for the clinical science education?
Formal affiliation agreements and informal associations exist with several clinical sites.
Medical Technology — Altoona Hospital (Altoona, PA), Augusta Health (Fishersville, VA), Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Lancaster, PA), Memorial Medical Center (Johnstown, PA), Reading Medical Center (Reading, PA), Saint Vincent Medical Center (Erie, PA), Williamsport Hospital (Williamsport, PA), and York Hospital (York, PA) all serve as formal affiliate hospital sites for Shippensburg University students to complete their education In medical technology.
Histotechnology — Only two educational sites exist in Pennsylvania for histotechnology. Shippensburg University is affiliated with Memorial Medical Center (Conemaugh Hospital) in Johnstown, PA for this clinical program. Magee Women’s Hospital (Pittsburgh) is another site that students can consider for clinical training in this discipline.
Cytotechnology— Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia) is a current Shippensburg affiliate that offers a program in cytotechnology. Additionally, Magee Women’s Hospital (Pittsburgh) serves as another site for clinical education in this field.
Respiratory Therapy— An articulation exists between Millersville University and Shippensburg University that enables Ship students to complete their clinical education in respiratory therapy in Millersville’s program. Lancaster Regional Medical Center serves as the host medical facility at which the respiratory therapy educational program is held.
Why attend Shippensburg University?
Incorporating clinical studies within a four-year degree permits entry into the job market immediately upon graduation. Clinical program directors state that their graduates find jobs are readily available with starting salaries in the $45-$50K range in most regions of Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Class sizes are small at Shippensburg University, often allowing professors to provide students with individual attention. Laboratory sessions for biology classes usually have from 14 to 22 students per session. Lectures and laboratories are taught by university professors; not by graduate students. The close formal and informal association Shippensburg University maintains with clinical sites ensures proper guidance of students through the Shippensburg curriculum. Shippensburg students have a proven record of success in the clinical programs over many years. Shippensburg University has been recognized nationally as one of the top regional universities.
Where can I get more information on the Biology-Clinical Sciences Program at Ship?
For more information regarding the curriculum, call or write:
Department of Biology
Franklin Science Center 142
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1401
E-mail: biology@ship.edu
http://www.ship.edu/biology/