School of Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Program
St. Luke's Hospital
P.O. Box 3026
1026 A Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

Admissions

Admissions Process

The applicant must submit the following by October 15 each year to:
    Program Director
    School of Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Program
    St. Luke's Hospital
    P.O. Box 3026
    1026 A Avenue NE
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-3026

1. Official application. Application forms may be obtained from the college/university advisers or by contacting hospital program officials at (319) 369-7309 or (800) 444-0224, extension 7309. You may also click on the following links to download and print the application forms.
   • Application Form
   • Reference Form
   • Technical Standards Form
2. Official transcript(s) of all college courses.
3. A non-refundable application fee of $25.00 must accompany the application.
4. Letters of reference. References from two science professors, preferably one chemistry and one biology. The third reference may be from a former employer or another professor.
5. Personal interview. Required after the official transcript and letters of reference have been evaluated. A tour of the clinical facilities will be given at that time.

Selection of Students

• The admission committee is composed of the Medical Director, Program Director, Program Coordinator and the clinical instructors.
• A maximum of seven students will be selected from completed applications received by October 15 for the class starting the second or third Monday in the following July. Successful applicants will be notified in December.
• Applicants who meet the requirements and have taken the prerequisite courses from affiliated colleges or universities are given priority.
• Applicants who meet the requirements and have received a baccalaureate degree from a non-affiliated college or university will be eligible for selection.
• The selection of students will be made on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion or disability. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, St. Luke's does not discriminate against qualified disabled individuals in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in any of its programs and activities.

Post Selection Requirements

Upon acceptance the applicant will be required to provide evidence of good health and proof of required immunizations. Students will be expected to complete the hepatitis B vaccine series prior to admission, unless alternate arrangements are made.

All candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment background check. The background check includes both national and state of Iowa criminal and abuse databases. In addition, candidates are required to pass a pre-employment physical, which includes a urinalysis drug screening. Both of these are done at the hospital's expense on site.

Prerequisites for Admission

The student must have satisfactorily completed 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of college level courses required for admission to the School of Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Program, and all degree requirements at the college or university affiliate. The successful completion of the 32 semester hours or 48 quarter hours of courses in the program will qualify the student to receive the baccalaureate degree from the college or university affiliate.

The student already possessing a baccalaureate degree must meet the prerequisite requirements for admission.

The prerequisite courses must include:

• A minimum of 16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours of chemistry, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chem/instrumental analysis and general biochemistry, lecture and laboratory.
• A minimum of 16 semester or 24 quarter hours of biology, including general biology, microbiology, human anatomy/physiology and genetics/molecular biology, lecture and laboratory.
• Recommended courses include: parasitology, hematology, immunology, ethics, and medical terminology.
• A minimum of one course in college level mathematics and/or statistics.
• The majority of the science courses should have been completed within the last five years.
• The applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in science courses and should have a total cumulative grade point of at least 2.5.
• Applicants must possess sufficient manual dexterity to perform procedures with accuracy and precision; adequate eyesight to perform accurate macroscopic and microscopic procedures; adequate hearing to be able to communicate functionally with patients and personnel, and to discern audible instrument alert signals and timing devices; full comprehension of the written and spoken word; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. These abilities are mandatory, and frequently must be demonstrated during stressful and/or critical situations requiring speed and accuracy for good patient care. Any reservations you may have about fulfilling these criteria should be indicated at the time of your interview.
• Applicants possessing a foreign baccalaureate degree must have their transcript evaluated by an agency in the U.S. (a list of approved agencies is available upon request) and obtained admission to an accredited graduate program in a college or university within the United States. The course work must meet the prerequisite requirements specified by NAACLS, and is subject to review and evaluation.
• Students who do not meet the minimal GPA requirements may apply for the program if they so choose. However, if the science GPA is calculated to be less than 2.5 (including Biology and Chemistry courses from all academic institutions), the application will be held for further consideration until all acceptable candidates' applications have been reviewed.
• GPA calculations for students who have had to retake courses, due to failing to meet the Program/Academic Institutions set requirements or not receiving a passing grade, will be an average of all grades earned for each course repeated.
• Students who wish to reapply to the Medical Laboratory Science Program must submit a new application, application fee and technical standards. It is in the best interest of the student to submit new references, but a student may opt to use previous references one year after their initial application. If a student selects to use previous references, the student must allow the Program Admission committee to contact each reference to verify they are willing to recommend the student again. If a reference does not respond or chooses not to endorse the student, a new reference must be selected and turned in for the application to be considered complete. Applications are kept on file for one year in a secure location. Year old applications are removed and confidentially discarded. If a student would like to reapply and they have either already used their one year grace period for the references or it has been greater than one year since their last application, all materials submitted must be new.

Advanced Placement

Students meeting the above criteria, and possessing prior certifications in laboratory sciences (i.e., CLA, CLT), may be allowed advance placement in the clinical rotations by demonstrating competency in all required procedures and passing the examinations with a minimum grade of "C." The lecture series (1-1/2 hrs., Monday through Thursday for the 48-week period) does not lend itself to advance placement.

Health Program

If frequent absences occur or exceed the allowable personal days, a physician's statement is required. Leaves of absence are allowed in cases of serious illnesses or emergencies. The time lost in excess of personal days must be made up prior to graduation. Any absence seriously interrupting the student's program may necessitate withdrawal from the school either temporarily or permanently. The hospital maintains a student health center.