Professional Recognition for the current 4-year B.Sc is the same as previously given to the graduates of the 3.5-year program Graduates receive a B.Sc and the title “Medical Technologist” as defined
3. LEVELS AND LENGTH OF TRAINING Pre-
Before the cultural revolution in 1979, and for a brief period between 1984 and 1988, Iran provided Medical Laboratory Science training at three levels:
(1) Technician -
2 to 2.5 years at the tertiary level for a total of 90 credits including 12 credits of practical training. A technician could advance to a technologist level with an additional 2 to 2.5 years of study.
(2) Technologist - B.S.M.T.
4 to 4.5 years at the tertiary level for a total of 146 credits including 16 credits of practical experience at a hospital laboratory.
(3) Master’s and Doctoral Level -
2 to 4 years after receiving the Technologist qualification.
Post-1988
(1) Technician -
Only the 2-year Technician program was available, between 1991 - 1995. (2) Technologist - B.S.M.T.
This program, which was phased out from 1985 and discontinued in 1988, was reintroduced in Fall 1995. (3) Master’s and Doctoral Level -
2 to 4 years after receiving the Technologist qualification. Master of Science, a Professional Doctorate and even Ph.D. programs in some areas are still available for former B.S. Medical Technologists (eg. at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences).
Directly following graduation, the male student must fulfill 2 years mandatory military service, and then must serve at least 1 year for the Ministry of Health. Thereafter, those who have successfully completed any of the Medical Laboratory Science programs, may work in a hospital or private laboratory, university laboratory or in the laboratories of equipment supply companies.
4. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the Technician courses and the Technologist program requires a high school diploma and the university/ college entry examination. Admission to graduate programs requires success in examinations following the Technician/ Technologist programs.
5. SCOPE OF THE FIELD
Because of the many past educational programs there are still a variety of differently trained Medical Laboratory personnel in Iran. These personnel are: those trained as Technicians and Technologists, those holding the Masters or Doctorate, assistant technicians (those who took part many years ago in short courses offered at institutes) and experimental technicians (those with no formal training).;
Technicians do most of the routine work under the supervision of a technologist or experienced technician. Technologists do specialized work or may function as Chief Technologist in a laboratory. Those with the Master’s degree do advanced tests in their specialty or work as supervisors and/or head of a department. Those with the Ph.D. serve as directors, administrators or managers of medical laboratories. Assistant technicians and experimental assistant technicians usually work as phlebotomists (or do simple tasks such as smear preparations, staining, culturing of specimens and assisting a colleague with higher qualifications).
6. CURRICULUM
Certification is based on credits for subjects (C.P.S.)
Credits for Technicians (91 credits)
Subject Credits
General subjects (English, Persian Literature, Religious Studies, Sports) Basic subjects (Anatomy, Physiol., Physics, Gen. Chem.)
Main subjects (Gen. Biochem., Lab. Physics, Basic Lab., Histology, Basic Pathology) Specialized subjects (Microbiol., Hemat., Clin. Chem., Blood Banking, Parasit.,Serology)
Practical training ( in the above specialized subjects)
18 18 17 26 12
Credits for B.S. Program (B.S.M.T.)
Subject Credits Theory (36 hrs/sem.) Credits Practicals (72 hrs/sem.) General subjects Islamic Text 1 Islamic Text 2 Islamic Behavior 1 Islamic Behavior 2 Quran Islamic History
Islamic Revolution of Iran Literature 1 Literature 2 Foreign Language 1 Foreign Language 2 Sport 1 Sport 2 Total 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 21 1 1 2
Subject Credits Theory (36 hrs/sem.) Credits Practicals (72 hrs/sem.) Basic subjects: General Physics Applicable Physics Biology Anatomy Physiology General Chemistry Bio-Statistics General Biochemistry Genetics Psychology 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total 20 7 Main Subjects: First Aid
Epidemiology & Sanitation Food Chemistry & Sanitation Laboratory Pre-requisites
Research Methods & Bibliography
1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total 7 3 Specialized Subjects: Clinical Biochemistry 1 Clinical Biochemistry 2 Endocrinology Histology Pathology
Nuclear Physics (Medicine) Parasitology
Mycology Virology
Immunology & Serology Blood Banking
Pharmacology Forensic Medicine Laboratory Management General Medicine
Advanced Foreign Language Photography & Typing Seminar
Application of Computers in Lab
3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 4 2 1 1 0.5 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 0.5 Total 49.5 22.5
Subject Credits Theory (36 hrs/sem.) Credits Practicals (72 hrs/sem.)
Clinical Training (in Hospitals): Clinical Training 1 Clinical Training 2 Clinical Training 3 Clinical Training 4 Practicing in Hospitals 3 3 3 3 4 Total 16
Credits for Masters (from Technician’s Degree)
Subject Credits
General subjects (as in Technician’s program but more advanced) Basic subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics and Biochemistry)
Main subjects (*Physiopathology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Lab. Practice) Specialized subjects (Clin. Chem., Hemat.,Micro., Immun., Serol., BB, Parasit., Mycol.) Seminar & Thesis (selected by the student from specialized topics)
Practical Training (Micro.,Hem., BB, Sero., Cl. Chem., Parasit., Immun., Myco., Cytol.
29 23 8 62 10 24
Credits for Masters (from Technologist Degree)
Subject Credits
General subjects (Physio., Anat., Sp. Eng., Religious Studies)
Specialized subjects (*Physiopathology, Hemat., BB, Serology, Microbiology) Seminar & Thesis (selected by the student & approved by teachers and advisors) Practical Training (Microb., Hem., BB, Serol., Cl. Chem., Parasit., Mycol., Cytology)
20 33 8 16
* Physiopathology includes Physiol. (Credits 4), Pathology (Credits 8), Infectious Dis., Pediatrics, Renal, Heart, GI, Neurology, Lung, Rheumatology & Blood Diseases ( as in the MD program)
7. LIST OF PROGRAMS
Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences Golestan Road
Ahwaz, IRAN
Tel: +98 (61) 833-936. Fax: +98 (61) 35200 Esfahan University of Medical Sciences Darvazeh Shiraz
Esfahan, IRAN
Tel: +98 (31) 685-141. Fax: +98 (31) 685-145
OR
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Hezar-Jerib Avenue
Isfahan, IRAN
Tel: +98 (31) 891-2505. Fax: +98 (31) 236014 Hamadan University of Medical Sciences Abbas Abad Boulevard
Hamadan, IRAN
Tel: +98 (81) 220-773. Fax: +98 (81) 220-683 Iran University of Medical Sciences
Corner of Gandhi and 20th Avenue P.O. Box 1587-6171
Tehran, 15179, IRAN
Tel: +98 (21) 688-191. Fax: +98 (21) 801-7399 Islamic Azad University
P.O. Box 19585-1466
9th Nayastan, Pasdaran Avenue Tehran, IRAN
Tel: +98 (21) 2588168. Fax: 98 (21) 249606 Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences Sorkheh Lizeh,
Kermanshah, IRAN
Tel: +98 (431) 58945. Fax: +98 (431) 708-094 Mashad University of Medical Sciences University Street
P.O. Box 91735-588 Mashad, IRAN
Tel: +98 (51) 8013-006. Fax: +98 (51) 8013-007 Shahid Behesti University of Medical Science Shahid Chamran Highway
Evin, P.O. Box 4129 19395 Tehran, IRAN
Tel: +98 (21) 299-691. Fax: +98 (21) 296-052 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
College Paramedical Sciences Zand Avenue
Shiraz, IRAN
Tel: +98 (71) 332-366. Fax: +98 (71) 59317 Tabriz University of Medical Sciences 29th Bahman Avenue, Poorsina Tabriz, IRAN
Tel: +98 (41) 369-190. Fax: +98 (41) 342-761 Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Enghelab St.Quds Street Tehran, IRAN
Tel: +98 (21) 640-5666. Fax: +98 (21) 641-6537
8. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Higher education is regulated by written regulations and is supervised and controlled by the Ministry of Health. This Ministry however, does not re-evaluate degrees or certification, and successful passage of examinations in the universities is accepted as qualification for practicing as a Medical Laboratory Technician or Technologist. Recent information indicates that there is an Iranian Association of Medical Laboratory Science. We have not yet been able to confirm the address.
9. EQUIVALENCY/RECIPROCITY
A board within the Ministry of Higher Education evaluates the degrees of all students trained abroad taking into account the university attended and the credits earned. If, for example, a student has a B.S. or M.S. from a qualified university with good grades, the degree may be considered as equivalent to a B.S. or M.S. in Iran (Factors taken into consideration in determining equivalency include length of study, credits earned and program content).
For further information please contact:
Shiraz University of Medical Science Tel: 98(71)335-023 College of Paramedical Sciences
Meshkin Fem. Ave. Shiraz, IRAN
or
Clinical Laboratories Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
U.S.A. Tel: (617) 522-8110 Fax: (617) 524-9779
JAMAICA
1. EDUCATIONAL OUTLINE
1973-1982
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 School Leaving Certificate Caribbean
primary secondary Examination Council (CXC)/General
Certificate in Education “O” Level (G.C.E.)
secondary schools or community colleges 12 13 General Certificate in Education
“A” Level (G.C.E.) 1 2 Certificate in Medical Technology 1 Diploma in Medical Technology (Specialization) Since 1983
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 School Leaving Certificate Caribbean
primary secondary Examination Council (CXC)/
General
Certificate in Education “O” Level (G.C.E.)
secondary schools or community colleges
12
General Certificate in Education“A” Level (G.C.E.)
1 2 3 B.Sc. in Health Science with Medical ↑ Medical Technology Option*
↑
3 General Diploma in Medical Technology
1.5 Diploma with Specialization in Cytology (CASMET)
West Indies College 1 3 B.Sc. Med. Tech.**
* Modular program conducted in 3 modules (over 3 summers). ** Was a 3.5-year Diploma program until 1992
2. COUNTRY BACKGROUND
Formal Medical Laboratory training programs began in Jamaica in 1973 when the College of Arts, Science and Technology ( renamed the University of Technology, Jamaica, in 1995) began offering 2-year certificate programs followed by a period of internship at the Government Medical Laboratory. Technologists who wished to specialize would then continue with one year of practical instruction, leading to a Diploma examination given by the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists and a Specialist Diploma. In 1983 the program was upgraded to a 3-year Diploma course leading to a General Diploma. However, because Cytology is taught only in the final year of the program, a specialized Diploma is still offered in this area. The Cytology specialization Diploma requires 18 months of study and is administered by the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists. During this same period the West Indies College was also offering a 3.5 year program leading to a Diploma in Medical Technology.
A B.Sc. in Health Sciences with a Medical Technology option was introduced in 1988 at the College of Science and Technology (now U-Tech.) This is a modular program conducted in 3 modules over 3 consecutive summers and offers specialization in Hematology and Microbiology. In 1992 West Indies College upgraded its Diploma program to a B.Sc. in Medical Technology.
A 2-year Certificate in Medical Laboratory course was also drafted at the Faculty of Pharmacology at the University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica, but never instituted.
3. LEVELS AND LENGTH OF TRAINING
1) General Diploma in Medical Technology
Since 1983 basic training for Medical Technologists has been provided by a 3-year Diploma program in Medical Technology, which is offered at the University of Technology (Formerly the College of Science and Technology.) Those with the Diploma perform routine bench work with some specialized techniques.
2) Diploma with Specialization in Cytology
The Cytology specialization diploma requires 18 months of study after the General Diploma and is administered by the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists.
3) Modular B.Sc. in Health Science with Medical Technology option.
A modular degree program conducted in 3 modules over 3 summers is provided by the University of Technology (U Tech). It is a modular program conducted in 3 modules (each approximately 12 weeks duration), delivered over 3 consecutive summers. During the inter-modular periods, students are given work assignments and a research project which forms part of the evaluation process. Personnel with the degree perform bench work but also assume supervisory functions.
4) Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
A 4-year full-time B.Sc. in Medical Technology is offered at the West Indies College, Manchester, Jamaica. The program, which replaced a 3.5-year Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology program, took in its first students in 19
4. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1) General Diploma in Medical Technology
Admission to the 3-year General Diploma in Medical Technology program requires five GCE “O” level or CXC passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and one other subject, preferably a science or technical subject or the equivalent.
2) Diploma with Specialization in Cytology
Admission to the Diploma with Specialization in Cytology requires 18 months of study after the General Diploma and is administered by the Caribbean Association of medical Technologists.
3) B.Sc. in Health Science with Medical Technology Option
a) Admission to the B.Sc. Health Science with Medical Technology Option program requires the General Certificate in Education (G.C.E) at “A” level. Students should have science subjects (This examination is U.K. based) ,or b) University of Technology, Jamaica, General Diploma in Medical Technology or a specialized Diploma from the
Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (CASMET) plus 2 years work experience or c) Post-Diploma Certificate
4. B.Sc. Medical Technology at West Indies College
Admission to the 4-year B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology program requires five GCE “O” level or CXC passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and one other subject preferably a science or technical subject or the equivalent. This B.Sc. program includes 3 years of pre-clinical and 1-year of clinical studies. Admission to the clinical year is conditional on acceptable professional, academic and practical performance.
5. SCOPE OF THE FIELD
Training at the Diploma level is polyvalent, covering Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Banking, Immunology and Histology with an introduction to Cytology. The B.Sc. in Medical Technology at West Indies College is also polyvalent.
The modular B.Sc. in Health Science with Medical Technology option gives the student the opportunity to specialize in 2 Medical Technology options, Hematology or Microbiology and is, therefore, not polyvalent.
6. CURRICULUM
3-year General Diploma program Medical Laboratory Technology University of Technology