Warning: This article contains strong and provoking words that may discourage some of the readers who are currently taking bachelor of science in medical technology and/or bachelor of science in laboratory science as it is called now.
BS Medical Technology (BSMT) or also known as medtech was one of the best science course one can take in Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) during my study there. The sight of medtech clinical students (CD) wearing white uniform and black pants for the guys with a silver name tag shining sent an exclusive image for those who wear it.
The course was designed to only allows the smartest and the brightest to survive. It was famous for its hectic schedule, long laboratory hours, and difficult curriculum. All of these create a mysterious impression of the course itself and its students altogether.
Having all of these characteristics plus the banner that constantly announced the course’s top notchers in the Philippines medical technology board exam, the course receives high respect from the campus community. Thus the future seems bright for the medtech graduates.
However, the question is, is it true? Is the future really going to be dazzling for the medtech graduates, who are mostly the brightest students of the campus? This is the question that I’m trying to answer through this article.
Medical Technology Graduates Different Professions
Three years after I graduate from medical technology and I realize it is still a short period for concluding about the course’s graduate performance. However, from my observation there is no much difference though the period is lengthened. Most of the medical technologist are working in hospital and clinic laboratories, which does not provide much room for career advancement besides to become the laboratory department head.
Then there are medical technologist who work in hospitals but not necessarily in laboratories, they might work in other hospital departments.
The remaining of the medical technology graduate does not work in hospital nor clinic at all.
Different Motivations
Every individual has different motivations, something that drives the individual to choose what he/she choose. There are certainly many different reasons why someone chose medical technology as bachelor’s degree course.
I personally chose BSMT because I was going to take medical school (which deferred permanently) and also because for the course pride. I thought I deserve to be in one of the most respected course in AUP. I wanted to be one of the elite.
I know some of my batchmates who have motivation that is not so difference with mine.
Other medical technologists I know have different stories about how they took the course. One that I personally know said that she took medical technology because it was the course that has the shortest ‘pila’ (queue) during registration day.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to motivations why someone take BSMT. However, if money was one single motivation then I suggest the person to take a course shift form immediately and that person will thank me later on.
Why? Not because BSMT cannot bring money, but because it is too much hassle if making money is the only motivation. There are certainly other course that consumes less time and resource, and allow the graduates to work in a profession that can bring a lot more money than BSMT.
When The Brightest Is Not The Richest
This is the part that may disappoint most of the BSMT students.
I think I’m going to tell you upfront that some BSMT graduates I know make less money than other course graduates. Not only that, the BSMT graduates also have lower work opportunities than other course graduates.
Why?
It’s just the way it is. That’s how the real world value the medical technologist profession. In investing terms, the BSMT sadly gives lower Return On Investment (ROI) compared to other course degree.
But how could this possible?
I’m not really sure about the exact answer. But partly, it could be because of the market law of demand and supply. Somehow the demand for medical technologist is not that much compared to other profession, and thus the medical technologist’s salary may not be as good as the other profession.
But how about in US? I heard the salary there is good..
Yes. Fortunately the medical technologist salary in US is good enough compared to other coutries such as Philippines and Indonesia. But are all medical technologist will be able to go to US? I’m not sure about that. Plus, if you notice, other profession in US can give the same salary with medical technology, if not better.
The Lessons, Wisdoms, and Thoughts
Keep in mind that the reason why I write this post is not to discourage the BSMT students nor to disrespect any BSMT graduates. Medical Technology, in my opinion, is still one of the best course one can take in AUP.
If you have passion to be a Medical Doctor, then by all means try to take medtech as your undergraduate course. It is so far the best course you can take to prepare for medical school because you will find most of the medtech subjects repeated in the medical school. Most of the brightest medical school students I know are medtech graduates.
Or if you have passion to be a Medical Technologist, I also strongly recommend you to listen to your heart and take BSMT. There is no one more successful than someone who be the person who that someone wants to be. The field of medical technologist is indeed an interesting and challenging one.
But if you are not sure and you neither wants to be a medical technologist nor medical doctor, I suggest you to take other course that suits you better. Because the pain that needs to be undergone in medtech clinical division and internship is really not for everyone.
I personally believe that money is not everything and is not a measurement of success. Although I brought the issue of salary, it is not my intention to measure medical technology course using salary. I only wanted to present the fact that the medtech students should know.
Lastly, this post is not about discrediting BS Medical Technology course. But it is rather about asking one’s motivation taking BSMT, the course that I’m really proud to have as my bachelor’s degree.
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Tags: medical-technology
37 comments ↓
hi, i just read ur article about medtech. i am a 1st year student of medtech and i really dont know if i can survive the pressure. i choose medtech as my course instead of ece because my grade and the result of my ncae is about science because im not pretty good in math.
hi jen, thanks for the comment!
regarding ur situation, unfortunately the pressure of medtech can only be felt in the clinical division year. Before clinical, the pressure can hardly called as medtech pressure…
are u studying in AUP?
go take computer science for your own sake!!!
hahahha
HeLo..I’ve just read ur post..I’m currentLy a medical technology intern and I strongly agree when u defined medtech as “nightmare”..I took up medtech coz I planned to take medicine after graduation..but ryt now,I’m currently having a refreshment of plans coz I just realized a few weeks ago that I wanted to work my profession first as medtech (in the future) before I take medicine so that I can earn money to help my parents in the finances of my future medicine course..what do u think?y’s ur med study deferred temporarily anyway?if u don’t mind..=)
hi anne!
i really admire your decision in helping your parents and in taking med school.
you might want to check what brother Ivan wrote in the comment section of “5th Tips for Medtech Intern” post, where he mentioned about alternatives position for medical technologist in hospitals.
I think I wrote ‘deferred permanently’ instead. :p
Well, I felt that med school was not my calling back then, and I might perform better where my heart is at. If you really believe that med school is your calling, then I fully support you anne!
Bottom line, at this time of global crisis, it’s all about $$$$$$$$MONEY$$$$$$$$$. Here in the US, MT ASCP do NOT earn as much as a Registered Nurse (new grad).
Problem is, there’s a freeze of visas for Nursing grads coming from that country. Have seen Med Techs switching to Nursing (here in the US) and never looked back.
Once you’re here in the USA, there’s plenty of opportunities for Registered Nurses. CA and NY states pays higher than the national average but in CA, the cost of living is HIGH- i. e. (studio apartment will cost you $800. That was years back). In NY, the state tax will wipe out your salary. Same with the cost of living.
Enough said.
Bottom line, it’s your choice.
Good luck folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@MT grad 1972,
thank you for your comment and advice..
it’s indeed the choice of the students themselves, this article just tells the lessons, wisdom, and thoughts of medtech grads so they are better informed of what is ahead.
Hi to whoever owns this website, i just want to know if i can survive Med tech as a degree? i just entered as a 1st year student of Medical Technology It’s because My Parents want me to Finish A degree in Any field of medicine so i took up med tech instead of Nursing because in my own opinion there’s too many Nursing Graduates nowadays and the Competition in stiff, from the start i really wanted to finish a course that deals with the English Language but i know that my Future is better if i’m going to finish a degree in medicine.. what should i do? should i shift to another course? or continue my Studies as a Med Tech Student? Please Help me i’m really Confuse. Thanks in advance
@Kevin,
Are you from Philippines?
I think medtechs in different country have different opportunities, so if possible, ask the medtechs you know in your country about the opportunities.
Career as Medical Doctor really pays off in the long run because generally the profession is storm proof in economical crisis, unlike most other professions.
In relation with your interest, I believe you can still fully pursue it after you completed your studies. However, you might feel a bit frustated during your studies if you cannot enjoy the medicine courses, because they will really take most of your time.
hi…
u know what?,,,After reading ur post i was somewhat like discouraged with the course i am in…
i shifted BSMT from nursing and i am now a 2nd yr stude…
it wasnt really my decision to take this course in the first place, i was just forced by my significant others…in fact, when i was still in high school, i didnt know this kind of course existed…
now im in a course that i just started to like but i really hate the preparatory majors(chem)…and maybe i cant survive the n”nightmares” u are saying in the near future…
i cant shift to other course co’z this is my last chance to study… what should i do?
good luck to me and my new journey…lolz
Devhaugne,, i think you’re familiar to me.. are you from SLU – Baguio City anyway,, from block 1 of SLU-CON?
,.,.halu!!^_^
ahm im sAi,.i flt sad when i read ur thought bout “MEDTECH”my mom want me to take a med tech course,.,but im not too good in sciences & i havnt any fashion of thatT_T,.,but i think to pursue that course is great as my mom says,. i don’t know what to do!!im still confusing now what course im going to takeT_T!!! im a 4th yr student,.,.,elp MEh^_^
hi sAi!
wow, don’t get sad.. it’s okay to be confused now rather then later, and that was the reason I write the post.
At least it was from my point of view that becoming a med tech requires determination and self motivation, without this I’m afraid you will easily discouraged along the way.
Like one of my medtech batchmate says, “u cant be gud at something…u dont really like.”
If you are not sure yet, I suggest you take several general subjects in your first year, so that if you are thinking to shift from science you won’t lose too much credits.
,.,halu,.,ahm thanx for the advise.,.,hmmmp^_^now i know u elp a lot!!i love ur site!!keep it up^_^GOD bless,.,
I will be attending a bs-medtech this fall of 2010. I agree with you about “money is not the answer to everything” when trying to choose a path in one’s career. This was a lesson learned from me!! I was a nursing student prior to changing my major in medtech. At first, I knew that there were more opportunities being a nurse in terms of job and financial security(here in the US). I quickly learned that nursing school was not for me after I started doing my clinical rotation. One should work at job that they find comfort and happiness as well as take pride in , not simply because of money and making your parents proud of you. In the end, it’s all about “you.” It will be “you” who will be getting up to get ready for work not your “parents” and if don’t like your job, “it’s going to be drive you nuts”!!
^ typo hehe
It will be “you” who will be getting up for work not your “parents” and if you don’t like your job, “it’s going to drive you nuts”!!
I guess I wasn’t meant to be a nurse…. God has better things stored for me =)
Correct me if I’m wrong… but I think nurses are paid more than medtech in the US?!?
Hi Lyn, thank you for your comment!
I pray for your success on your new major as a medtech student. If you really have that passion to study medtech, I believe you will be a lot happier everytime you wake up in the morning.
As far as I know, nurse get higher salary than medtech in US.
I’m currently an incoming Sophomore Medical Technology student. A year after what seemed like hell, here I am alive and finally going to the next level. The real difficulties of MT student’s life is 2 years ahead of me so I can’t say much about the difficulties.. I hope I’ll reach there and graduate!
Hi Andi, I pray you will not only pass, but also excel in your study!
If possible, find friends who you can study with so that you can encourage and help each other when facing some difficulties. GBU!
hi there med tech is one of the best course
Hi Tomas,
You got it right!
hi,
I will be attending BSMT this sy2010.. and after reading your post I felt somewhat like discourage me.. and ask many question to my self.. I choose to take up this course because i’m going to take a medical school after I finish this one like what my father’s plan for me…
but my interest is about computer.. and when I’m in highschool I really plan to take up any course that is related to computer… but I really like to be a doctor someday, so if I failed to this course (BSMT). i know that my father will be very dissappointed to me..
But I’m slightly good in genetics and chemistry when i’m in higschool..but i’m really good in our computer subject.
and now after reading your post and all the comments here.. I just think that maybe I’m just lack of trsut to myself because when my friends told me that in 1styear there are 200+ students of BSMT and 20+ only are going to graduate…so now i feel that I can do this,, I can survive… but tomorrow I can’t…
Can you help me, give me some advise to think positively
or anything that you think its good for me, to decide before the class will start??
I’m from Philippines…
Don’t loose heart! You are in demand in the Philippines…Send your resumes at gen.1hrs@gmail.com…we are HIRING NOW!
To every MT who are looking for job, I don’t know about the Gen 1 HR reputation, but probably it worth to try..
Hi Ivonne, kumusta?
Thank you for reading my post, but I’m sorry if I disappoint you.
First, for a positive encouragement I want to share a quote from Henry Ford.
“Whether You Think You Can or Can’t, You’re Right”.
What I want to say is, you haven’t even enter any class for BSMT so you shouldn’t think that you cannot pass it.
Regarding the statistic, I agree that it’s true. But not merely because the other 90% didn’t pass the subjects. Some shifted because of other reasons, such as family request, change of interest, etc.
Second, to think what is good for you is the harder answer. Because I don’t know you.. But I believe your parents do.
However, these are my advice.
You said that you like to be a doctor someday. It means that you are in the right track, because BSMT is the best pre-med course.
Regarding your interest in computer subject, do you mean you have interest in programming or in using computer itself?
Career in computer requires one to be techie somehow, that means to solve computer problems, both software and hardware. This area requires analytical thinking and logic.
My point is, don’t confuse the interest in using computer and having interest in computer field, because they can be so different.
So, my ultimate advice is, just continue your plan to attend BSMT this year. And similar to my suggestion to @Sai (see one of the comments), I suggest you to take more general subjects in the first year so you won’t lose many units should you shifted someday.
Give BSMT a try, and you will have better knowledge whether it will suit you or not.
God Bless You!
..thank you for the advice…
i’ll try my best…
Hello…. Med tech is Not only the Best Pre Medicine course but it is really the Best Pre Medical Research Scientist Course!!!!! if you find hard try to find Career as Clinical laboratory scentist then why not enter the Research Field. theres a lot of Opportunities and in terms of salary so good!!!!! or enter forensics. becoime forensic chemical officer/ Toxicologist/ DNA analyst. or Industrial Lab like be a corporate Microbiologist or if you want Biotechnology. hellow…. this could be the best answer why Medical technology is the Best course ever!!!!!!! and most of the Genius area take this.
By the way im a registered medical technologist by profession and now im currently working as Lead Clinical research associate/ Clinical trial manager. pharmacology. i am the team leader in our division. im working with pharmacist one as Quality assurance associate, one regulatory affairs associate then one as my (back up) also a pharmacist CRA and Local trial manager but me as the lead trial manager and Officer inchrage as Medical affairs manager
How hard is the clinical rotations?Do you take classes during the rotation?
i really appreciate this thing you have written…im not a bsmt student but my brother is…
well,,i guess you are right by this article but its just a matter of choice..thank you for the information…
by the way im a bsece…:))
Hi Young Scientist!
It’s great you given another career option for our fellow medtech graduates to choose.
You didn’t mention on what country you are currently working. Are you in the Philippines or any other country?
@Student,
During my time, in Medtech clinical division we were having classes full time, and no work duty yet in the hospital. We started our work in the hospital in the last year, the internship year.
Before I graduated, there was a bit change in that the clinical students already start working in the hospital, but only once a week, that is on Sunday.
Different school probably have different policy.
Dear Iahn,
Thank you! I’m glad you like my post, hope it can give something to thought for. God bless for you and your brother in both of your studies!
Im currently here in the Philippines but after i finnished all of my trainings abroad like in denmark,Malaysia, japan and China… wow i can say im a big time na here and abroad!!!! Clinical Research Associate is now a growing field. anywhere in the world Theres a place for Clinical Research Associate. Med tech what are you waiting for???? or if you want pursue to a laboratory Research
hi! thanks for the one who owns this page. actually, I was just trying to search for some assignments on our MT subject then I got the chance to pass through this article..ow btw, I’m a freshman student of MedTech at UST.. and for the first months of my study, i can already feel the pressure.. I’m always left behind my classmates. I do admit that science courses are really my waterloo but still I have in me this dream of pursuing medicine someday.. It’s just that, I don’t know if I can still manage to go.. I have already disappointed many people.. and I don’t know if I can go further though this is really my dream! any piece of advice?
hi nins!
You’re welcome, I’m very happy whenever someone is benefited from my blog post.
Wow! UST student ha, cool!
About your case, honestly I advise you to keep going if being a doctor is your dream. I know it’s not easy, but you’re probably just need to find ‘how’ to ace your study. From my experiences, getting good grades is not always because we have the brain, it can also be achieved because we have the ‘how’.
Try to discuss and befriend with the smart students in your school and you will learn from them. In this information age, what you need is really the right information.
So just persists for a while, give yourself a year or even two years to see how you perform. I believe if you have the strong will, you’ll make it!
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