Introduction

Medical technology education in the Philippines is governed and regulated by the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) under CMO no. 13, series of 2017. The medical technology program
leads to a degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science/ Bachelor of Science in
Medical Technology which is a four-year course with professional licensure examination upon
the completion of the required units. To become a professional/practicing medical laboratory
scientist/medical technologist, a graduate of this program needs to pass the licensure
examination in medical technology, following which a license is granted by the Professional
Regulation Commission by virtue of RA 5527 (Medical Technology Act of 1969). A practicing and
duly licensed medical technologist/ medical laboratory scientist can then become a member of a
professional organization, namely the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
or the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology/Public Health (PASMETH), and
enjoy the benefits and Privileges extended by such organizations. In other countries, medical
technology education is regulated by the ministry of education, except those universities where
the program is accredited by the accreditation agency or enjoys autonomous status. There are
international professional organizations that can absorb registered medical technologists or
clinical laboratory scientists of other countries under the provision of a reciprocity clause.

Medical Technology Curriculum

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was established on May 18, 1994 through the
passage of Republic Act No. 7722, the Higher Education Act of 1992. CHED is the government
agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines that covers institutions of higher
education both public and private. It is tasked to organize and appoint members of the technical
panel for each discipline/program area. Under CHED is the Technical Committee for Medical
Technology Education (TCMTE) which is composed of leading academicians and practitioners
responsible for assisting the Commission in setting standards among institutions offering
Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science program and in
monitoring and evaluating such institutions. The BSMT/BSMLS program is considered one of the
allied health programs (others, to name a few, are Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, among
others.).

The BSMT/BSMLS is a four-year program consisting of general education professional courses

that students are expected to complete within the first three years. Fourth year is dedicated to
the students' internship training in CHED-accredited to laboratories affiliated with their
college/department. The Commission issued CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 13,
series of 2017 (Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology/ Medical Laboratory Science program) as a guide for institutions offering the
program, CMO contains the goals, program outcomes, performance indicators, and the minimum
course offerings (general education core courses, and professional courses with allotted units) of
the BSMT/BSMLS program. This new CMO is compliant with the K-12 Curriculum Educational
institutions offering the program are given certain leeway in enhancing the curriculum for their
program.
The prescribed minimum number of units per course, and whether each course has a laboratory
or lecture component, are also indicated in the new CMO. One unit of lecture is equivalent to
one hour of class meeting every week. Thus, a 3-unit lecture course renders 3 hours of class
meeting per week which is equivalent to 54 hours per semester (if one school year is divided into
two semesters, with each semester equivalent to 18 weeks). Principles of Medical Laboratory
Science 1 is an example of a 3-unit lecture without a laboratory component. One unit of
laboratory is equivalent to 3 hours of class meeting every week. An example is Clinical
Bacteriology which is a 5-unit course composed of 3 units of lecture and 2 units of laboratory.
This is equivalent to 3 hours of lecture and 6 hours of laboratory work (total of 54 lecture hours
and 108 laboratory hours per semester).
In the MT/MLS curriculum, the policy of taking prerequisites for some courses is followed. A
student taking the BSMT/BSMLS program must be aware of the courses he or she needs to take
in order to move on to more advanced courses in the curriculum. For example, before taking the
course Immunology and Serology, one should have already completed the course Clinical
Bacteriology.

General Education Courses

General Education (GE) course offerings cut across different programs. These courses aim to
develop foundational knowledge, skills, values, and habits necessary for students to succeed in
life, to positively contribute to society, to understand the diversity of cultures, to gain a bigger
perspective and understanding of living with others, to respect differences in opinions, to realize
and accept their weaknesses and improve on them, and to further hone their strengths. Thus, GE
courses aim to develop humane individuals that have a deeper sense of self and acceptance of
others. The general courses included in the new CMO are
1. Understanding the Self
2. Readings in Philippine history
3. The Contemporary World
4. Mathematics in the Modern World
5. Purposive Communication
6. The Life and Works of Rizal
7. Science, Technology, and Society
8. Art Appreciation
9. 9. Ethics

Professional Courses
Professional courses are taken for learners to develop the knowledge, technical competence,
professional attitude, and values necessary to practice and meet the demands of the profession.
Critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration, and teamwork are also developed. Some
of the professional courses are
1. Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 1: Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science,
Laboratory Safety, and Waste Management
This course deals with the basic concepts and principles related to the Medical
Technology/Medical Laboratory Science profession. Its emphasis is on the curriculum, practice of
the profession, clinical laboratories, continuing professional education, biosafety practices, and
waste management.
2. Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 2: Clinical Laboratory Assistance and Phlebotomy
Clinical Laboratory Assistance encompasses the concepts and principles of the different
assays performed in the clinical laboratory. Phlebotomy deals with the basic concepts, principles,
and application of the standard procedures in blood collection, transport, and processing. It also
involves the study of pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic variables that affect reliability of
test results.

3. Community and Public Health for MT/MLS 1 Public Health for MT/MLS
This course involves the study of the foundations of community health that include human
ecology, demography, and epidemiology. It emphasizes the promotion of community, public, and
environmental health and the immersion and interaction of students with people in the
community.

4. Cytogenetics
This course is focused on the study of the concepts and principles of heredity and
inheritance which include genetic phenomena, sex determination, and genetic defects rooted in
inheritance, among others. It also discusses the abnormalities and genetic disorders involving the
chromosomes and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Emphasis is given to the analysis of nucleic acids
and their application to medical science.

5. Human Histology
This course deals with the study of the fundamentals of cells, tissues, and oro with
emphasis on microscopic structures, characteristics, differences, and functi The laboratory
component of this course primarily deals with the microscopic identification and differentiation
of cells that make up the systems of the body.

6. Histopathologic Techniques with Cytology

This course covers the basic concepts and principles of disease processes, etiology and the
development of anatomic, microscopic changes brought about by the disease process. It deals
with the histopathologic techniques necessary for the preparation of tissue samples collected via
surgery, biopsy, and/or autopsy for macroscopic and microscopic examinations for diagnostic
purposes.
Some of the tests that students perform for the laboratory component of the course in a
school-based laboratory are
• Tissue processing techniques
• Cutting of processed tissues
• . Staining
• Mounting of stained tissue for microscopic examination
• Performing biosafety and waste management

7. Clinical Bacteriology
This course deals with the study of the physiology and morphology of bacteria and their
role in infection and immunity. Its emphasis is on the collection of or to specimen and the
isolation and identification of bacteria. It also covers antimicrobial susceptibility testing and
development of resistance to antimicrobial substances.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory Dos
component of the course in a school-based laboratory are .
• Preparation of culture media
• Collection of specimen
• Preparation of bacterial smear
• Staining of smear
• Inoculation of specimen on culture media
• Characterization of colonies of bacteria growing in culture media
• Performing different biochemical tests for identification of bacteria.
• Biosafety and waste management
• Quality assurance and quality control
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

8. Clinical Parasitology
This course is concerned with the study of animal parasites in human and their medical
significance in the country. Its emphasis is on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, life cycle,
prevention and control, and the identification of ova and/or adult worms and other forms seen
in specimens submitted for diagnostic purposes.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory component of
the course in a school-based laboratory are
· Microscopic identification of diagnostic features of different groups of parasites pathogenic
to man (e.g., nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, protozoa, plasmodium, among others)
· Different methods of preparing smear for microscopic examination (direct fecal smear,
Kato-Katz, among others)

9. Immunohematology and Blood Bank

This course tackles the concepts of inheritance, characterization, and laboratory
identification of red cells antigens and their corresponding antibodies. It also covers the
application of these antigens and/or antibodies in transfusion medicine and transfusion reactions
work-up.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory component of
the course in a school-based laboratory are:
• ABO and Rh typing
• Coombs test (direct and indirect Coombs)
• Blood donation process
• Compatibility testing
• Transfusion reaction work-up
• Preparation of RBC suspension

10. Mycology and Virology

This course deals with the study of fungi and viruses as agents of diseases with emphasis
on epidemiology, laboratory identification and characterization, and prevention and control.
11. Laboratory Management
This course looks into the concepts of laboratory management which are to the planning,
organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling as applied in clinical laboratory setting. It also
tackles the process of solving problems, quality assurance and quality control, preparation of
policy and procedure manuals, and other activities necessary to maintain a well-functioning
laboratory.

12. Medical Technology Laws and Bioethics

This course encompasses various laws, administrative orders, and other any legal
documents related to the practice of Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science in the
Philippines.
Bioethics looks into the study of ethics as applied to health and health care delivery and
to human life in general. Different bioethical principles, philosophical principles, virtues and
norms, and the Code of Ethics of medical technologists are also discussed.

13. Hematology 1
This course deals with the study of the concepts of blood as a tissue. Formation,
metabolism of cells, laboratory assays, correlation with pathologic conditions, special
hematology evaluation are given emphasis. Quality assurance and quality control in hematology
laboratory as well as bone marrow studies are also discussed.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory - component
of the course in a school-based laboratory are:
· Complete blood count (CBC)
· Hematocrit blood test
· Platelet count
· Preparation of blood smear and staining
· Red cell morphology
· Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
· Fragility test
· Erythrocyte indices
· Reticulocyte count
· Instrumentation
· Osmotic fragility test
· Quality assurance and quality control
· Biosafety and waste management

14. Hematology 2
This course deals with the concepts and principles of hemostasis, and abnormalities
involving red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Laboratory identification
of blood cell abnormalities, quantitative measurement of coagulation factors, and disease
correlation are emphasized.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory component of
the course in school-based laboratory are
· Identification of abnormal RBC and WBC
· Special staining techniques
· Coagulation factor test (e.g., activated partial thromboplastin time (API, Prothrombin time
[PT], Bleeding time [BT), Clotting time P retraction time [CRT])
· Instrumentation

15. Clinical Microscopy

This course focuses on the study of urine and other body fluids (excluding blood). It
includes the discussion of their formation, laboratory analyses, disease processes, and clinical
correlation of laboratory results.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory component of
the course in a school-based laboratory are:
· Routine urinalysis (macroscopic, microscopic, chemical examinations)
· Special chemical examination of urine
· Examination of other body fluids (seminal fluid, gastric juice, cerebrospinal fluid)
· Pregnancy tests
· Chemical examination of stool specimens

16. Clinical Chemistry 1

This course encompasses the concepts and principles of physiologically active soluble
substances and waste materials present in body fluids, particularly in the blood. The study
includes formation, laboratory analyses, reference values and clinical correlation with pathologic
conditions. The course also looks into instrumentation and automation, quality assurance, and
quality control.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory component of
the course in a school-based laboratory are
· Instrumentation
· Quality assurance and quality control
· Glucose determination
· Lipid testing (triglyceride, lipoproteins)
· Renal function tests (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood uric acid (BUA),creatinine]
· Protein testing (total proteins, albumin, globulin)
· Biosafety and waste management

17. Clinical Chemistry 2

This course is a continuation of Clinical Chemistry 1 and deals with the concepts and
principles of physiologically active soluble substances and waste materials present in body fluids,
particularly in the blood. It also covers the study of endocrine glands and hormones and their
formation, laboratory analyses, and clinical correlation. Therapeutic drug monitoring and
laboratory analysis of drugs and substances of abuse as well as toxic substances are also
emphasized.
Some of the procedures and tests that students perform for the laboratory component of
the course in a school-based laboratory are:
· Bilirubin test
· Clinical enzymology (transferases, dehydrogenase, hydrolases)
· Electrolyte testing
· Hormone testing
· Drug tests

18. Seminars 1 and 2

This course is taken during the student's fourth year in the program together with the
internship training. It deals with current laboratory analyses used in the dra oniqe of medical
technology.

19. Molecular Biology and Diagnostics

Molecular Biology deals with the nucleic acid and protein molecule interactive within the
cell to promote proper growth, cell division, and development. It covers the molecular
mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, transcription, translation, protein synthesis, and gene
regulation.
This course is focused on the concepts, principles, and application of molecular biology in
clinical laboratory. It also deals with the application of different molecular e techniques as tools
in the diagnosis of diseases.

Research Courses
Research courses required in the BSMT/BSMLS program are Research 1: Introduction to
Laboratory Science Research and Research 2: Research Paper Writing and Presentation.
Research 1 deals with the basic concepts and principles of research as applied in Medical
Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science. Ethical principles, as applied in research, are also
emphasized. Research 2, on the other hand, covers the methodology of the research (approved
in Research 1), writing the research paper in the format prescribed by the institution and
international research agencies for possible publication, and presentation of the finished and
completed research in a formal forum.

Clinical Internship Training

Clinical internship training is taken during the students' fourth year in the program. Only those
who have completed and passed all the academic and institutional requirements for the first
three years of the program, and other requirements as specified in the official documents of the
institution, college and/or departments are qualified for internship. Before proceeding with the
actual training, students are required to undergo physical and laboratory examinations which
include, but not limited to, complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, fecalysis, chest X-ray and/or
sputum microscopy, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, and Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)
screening, and drug testing (for methamphetamine and cannabinoids). Proof of vaccination for
hepatitis B is also a requirement.
This intensive training aims to apply the theoretical aspects of the profession into practice.
Students are assigned to CHED-accredited clinical laboratories affiliated with their academic
institution on a 6-month or one-year rotation. This rotation ensures that all students experience
to work in the different sections of a clinical laboratory, namely clinical chemistry, hematology,
immunohematology (blood banking), clinical microscopy, parasitology, microbiology,
immunology and serology, histopathology/cytology, and other emergen technologies.
The intern is required to render 32 hours of duty per week not exceeding a total of 1,664 hours
in one year. This is broken down per section as follows (based on CMO 13 s. 2017): Clinical
Chemistry
300 hours Clinical Chemistry
200 hours Clinical Microscopy and Parasitology
250 hours Microbiology
300 hours Hematology
200 hours Blood Banking
100 hours Histopathologic techniques and Cytology
220 hours Immunology and Serology
40 hours Laboratory Management (collection, handling, transport, and receiving of specimens,
quality assurance, safety and waste management)
54 hours Phlebotomy for a TOTAL of 1,664 hours
The academic institution is required to conduct an orientation to prospective interns regarding
the policies and guidelines on internship training as contained in the Internship Training Manual.

Licensure Examination
The Medical Technologist Licensure Examination is conducted in order to identify graduates who
possess the basic qualifications or the minimum conceptual skills and technical competencies to
perform the tasks with minimum errors.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the government agency, under the Office of the
President of the Philippines, tasked to administer licensure examinations to different
professionals. Meanwhile, the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) for Medical
Technology/Medical Laboratory Science, under the PRC, is tasked to prepare and administer the
written licensure examinations for graduates qualified to take the examination. PRB is composed
of a chairperson, who must be a duly licensed pathologist, and two members should be both
registered medical technologists. All members of the PRB are required holders of PRC licenses.
At present, the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination is administered twice a year, on the
months of March and August.
Listed below are some of the provisions included in Republic Act 5527, "The Technology
Act of 1969," in relation to the licensure examination:
1. The courses included in the licensure examination and their corresponding percentages are
as follows:
· Clinical Chemistry 20%
· Microbiology and Parasitology 20 %
· Hematology 20 %
· Blood Banking and Immunology and Serology 20%
· Clinical Microscopy 10%
· Histopathologic Techniques (MTLaws and Bioethics and Laboratory Management -
not written in R.A. 5527, but are now included in the board exam) 10%

2. To pass the exam, an examinee must:

· receive a general weighted average of 75%
· have no rating below 50% in any major courses, and
· Pass in at least 60% of the courses computed according to their relative weights.

3. If an examinee passed the examination and is 21 years old and above, he or she will be
issued a certificate of registration and a PRC card as a licensed medical technologist. If an
examinee is younger than 21 years old, he or she will register as a professional after his or her
21st birthday.
4. If an examinee failed to pass the licensure examination three times, he or she needs to
enroll in a refresher course before retaking the examination.
5. If an examinee failed to pass the examination but garnered a general weighted average of
70%-74%, he or she may apply for certification as a medical laboratory technician.

Competency Skills of Medical Technologist//Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the 21 st century

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
All higher educational institutions (HEIS) offering any graduate and/or undergraduate degree
programs must have a written document stating the program goals, vision and mission,
objectives, and learning outcomes based on the institutions' philosophy.
Learning outcomes are general statements that define what the learner has to achieve. These
learning outcomes serve as the foundation of curriculum development and teaching
methodologies that shape a program. When learning outcomes are clearly stated, shared
responsibilities and accountabilities for learning are developed in both students and teachers.
The learning outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT)/ Bachelor of
Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) program state the knowledge, skills, values, and
ethics that graduates of the program should demonstrate. Demonstration of such outcomes will
result in competent and skillful professionals who are ready to skillfully perform the tasks of the
profession enabling them to contribute to the welfare of the country and to improve the quality
of life of the people whom they serve.

The program outcomes of the BSMT/BSMLS degree expect students to

1. demonstrate knowledge and technical skills needed to correctly perform laboratory
testing and ensure reliability of test results
Knowledge is comprised of facts, information, and concepts acquired through experience
and education. Knowledge is important in order to understand the task to be accomplished-be it
technical and/or management of a section or a whole laboratory. A knowledgeable graduate
must have the confidence and necessary competencies to contribute towards the resolution of
the problem or conflict at hand.
Technical skills relate to the psychomotor domain of learning. Medical technology/medical
laboratory science practice is primarily concerned with the laboratory analyses of specimens
carried out with utmost consideration for reliability of test results. A BSMT/BSMLS graduate
should be able to perform the tests in each section of the laboratory, to control possible sources
of errors or variability, and to understand the plausibility of test results. A graduate's technical
skill will be employed in specimen collection, transport, and processing, manual testing and
automation of equipment, molecular biology techniques, as well as in biosafety and waste
management practices.
2. be endowed with the professional attitude and values enabling them to work with their
colleagues and other members of the health care delivery system
Attitude deals with the affective domain. Learning outcomes in this domain look into the
feelings, emotions, tone of voice, attitude, and disposition of a BSMT/BSMLS graduate when
confronted with favorable or unfavorable situations in the workplace. It also deals with his or her
motivation to further improve himself or herself; how he or she reacts to criticism, rejection, and
praise; and his or her enthusiasm and desire vito contribute to the well-being of the stakeholders.
3. demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills when confronted with to
situations, problems, and conflicts in the practice of their profession
Critical thinking is the ability of an individual to objectively and systematically analyze,
without bias, facts and information to come up with reasonable decisions and to guide behavior.
Problem solving involves the detailed analysis of the problem at hand by focusing on present
facts and information before making a decision. Decision making entails one's ability to gather
and synthesize facts, information, and opinions about the problem at hand. It also involves
looking into alternative courses of action to be undertaken at the shortest time possible, even
under extreme pressure. After a decision is made, there is a need to monitor the effect and
importance of the decision on the department or the organization as a whole. Corrective
activities should be instituted if the desired outcomes are not attained.
These skills are necessary for one to function well in the workplace as solving problems
and making decisions are constant.
4. actively participate in self-directed life-long learning activities to be update with the
current trends in the profession
The emergence and re-emergence of infectious agents, changes in demographics
demands of patients for efficient health care services, changes in medical technologies, state and
local legislations on the BSMT/BSMLS practice, and clinical laboratory personnel taking more
complex roles are some of the issues in the medical technology profession. To address these
issues, clinical laboratories must always be updated with the current trends and employ the
necessary changes. The education of the medical technologists/medical laboratory scientists is
part of the upgrade. Being a BSMT/BSMLS graduate does not entail that the process of learning
has already been completed and acquired. MT/MLS practice involves a state of constant learning
and re-learning to efficiently carry out the responsibilities and accountabilities of being a medical
technology professional.
Thus, there is a need to engage in self-directed learning to be updated with the constant
changes in the medical technology practice. It is also ideal for one to take part in training
programs, workshops, and even enroll in graduate programs related to the profession.
5. actively participate in research and community-oriented activities
Research is the systematic and organized study of materials to come up with new
conclusions or to establish facts. It involves experimentation, and gathering and analyzing data
to solve a problem or reach a conclusion. Research involves identifying a problem or topic, using
appropriate methods to gather data, analyzing, and interpreting data, and disseminating
research results through publication and paper presentations.
In community-oriented activities, a BSMT/BSMLS can be involved in planning, organizing, and
leading institution- and/or hospital-based activities. The activities may include blood sugar
testing, routine urinalysis, routine stool examination, and other basic laboratory tests with an
end-in-view of improving quality of life of the target community.
6. be endowed with leadership skills
A leader sets the direction of a group for it to achieve its full potential while having a consolidated
vision toward the attainment of goals and objectives. A leader is someone who has excellent
communication skills, motivates and inspires others, and is not afraid to develop others who may
end up better than him or her.
No one is born a leader. Becoming an effective leader entails learning through experiences that
include failures inside and that include failures inside and outside the academic and work
environment.
7. demonstrate collaboration, teamwork, integrity, and respect when working in a
multicultural environment
Collaboration and teamwork are two important social skills necessary to work in a
complex and, at times, multicultural environment like the clinical laboratory Collaboration means
working together with multiple individuals and finding a common ground to work toward
achieving a set goal. Likewise, working with others in a team means working with people you
disagree with but coming to terms with such disagreements by sharing a common goal. It requires
listening close paying attention to what others contribute to the team.

Employment opportunities for the graduates of the program

Job Opportunities for the Graduate of the Program

A BSMT/BSMLS graduate can practice as a/an
· Medical technologist/clinical laboratory scientist in a hospital-based or non-hospital based
clinical laboratory
· Histotechnologist in an anatomical laboratory
· Researcher/research scientist
· Member of the academe (faculty, clinical instructor. clinical coordinator, dean/ department
chair, academic coordinator)
· Perfusionist
· Molecular scientist
· Diagnostic product specialist
· Public health practitioner
· Health care leaders
A graduate may also practice in the following fields
· Molecular Biology
· Public Health and Epidemiology
· Veterinary Laboratory Science
· Food and Industrial Microbiology
· Veterinary Sciences
· Forensic Science
· Nuclear Medicine/Science
· Health Facility Administration and Management
· Quality Managements