Medical Laboratory Program

Medical Laboratory Techniques Program

The Medical Laboratory Techniques Program is one of the 7 programs currently offered at Fırat University Health Services Vocational School, which began its educational activities in 1990. The program is located within the Fırat University Rectorate Campus. During their two-year associate degree education, students take both theoretical and practical courses. The language of instruction is Turkish. Students complete their practical training at the Biochemistry and Central Laboratories of the Fırat University Faculty of Medicine Hospitals. The program has 4 academic staff members, and the student quota is 65. The program strives to provide students with an education that enables them to compete with other universities at both national and international levels by utilizing all the opportunities of modern education. The department’s technological infrastructure and educational resources are organized to help students develop the skills needed for the tasks and responsibilities they will face in their professional careers.

Graduates of the program are employed as professionals in both the public and private sectors. The program’s goal is to train individuals who perform the necessary medical analyses in diagnostic and treatment laboratories of healthcare institutions, based on the doctor’s request, and to train the supporting personnel required for these tasks.

Students undergo both theoretical and practical training on operating devices used in hospital laboratories and clinics and conducting various laboratory tests. Students wishing to enter this program should be well-versed in biology, physics, chemistry, and human sciences.

Those wishing to pursue this profession must be interested in biology and chemistry, excel in these areas, have the ability to focus on a task for an extended period, be patient, coordinate their hands and eyes effectively, not get bored with routine tasks, take responsibility, and have good communication skills with others.

2. TYPE OF EDUCATION AND OBJECTIVES

Full-time Day Program

3. DEGREE AWARDED

Associate Degree. To earn an associate degree in the Medical Laboratory Techniques Program, students must successfully complete 120 ECTS and obtain at least a 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale. Graduates will receive an Associate Degree diploma in Medical Laboratory Techniques and the title of Medical Laboratory Technician. The conditions specified in the Fırat University Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Education-Training and Examination Regulations apply.

4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students are admitted to this program through central placement by ÖSYM, based on their TYT score.

5. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of this program can work as healthcare professionals in both public and private hospitals. There is a significant demand for trained professionals in this field in our country, so graduates are likely to find employment immediately after graduation. Graduates can work in public and private healthcare institutions, state hospitals, social security hospitals, health centers, private clinics, and laboratory analysis units. They may also work in research centers of other healthcare institutions, public health institutes, food industry businesses, and organizations conducting research and development in the medical field.

Graduates can work in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Histology, Hematology, Serology, Pathology, Parasitology, Neurophysiology, Audiometry laboratories, IVF Centers, and Blood Centers. Additionally, they can serve as technicians in the microbiology research units of pharmaceutical companies and food industry companies, as well as research units in universities.

Graduates can also be appointed as Health Technicians according to the Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS). Those employed in the public sector are subject to the 657 Public Servants Law and begin their duties at the 10th grade, 2nd level in the Technical Services class. Salaries are determined annually according to the budget law.

Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to perform biochemical, microbiological, pathological, and hematological analyses of medical materials using laboratory equipment, machines, tools, and devices in the laboratories they work in. They can also develop their expertise by assisting specialists in their healthcare institution.

6. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The vocational education duration is 2 years. Students must successfully complete all courses in the program, obtain at least 120 ECTS credits, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.

7. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Students who have previously studied at other higher education institutions in Turkey or abroad and have enrolled in this program may apply for credit and grade transfer within the first week. Transfer requests will be evaluated by the relevant department’s management board and decided upon once, based on the student’s entire education.

Students who have completed secondary education or an equivalent program abroad and obtained the required score in the university entrance exam can register. Additionally, students can apply for lateral transfer from equivalent programs at other higher education institutions. For transferring courses from other institutions, Fırat University’s Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Education-Training and Examination Regulations apply.

8. PROGRAM PROFILE

The program’s objective is to train health technicians who possess the necessary qualifications to perform all required diagnostic tests in healthcare institutions for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The program also aims to develop individuals who can produce accurate solutions to encountered problems, have self-confidence, follow safety precautions in laboratory, environmental, and human health matters, and work as part of a team in accordance with professional ethics.

9. PROGRAM COORDINATORS

Program Chair
Dr. Lecturer Neslihan KELEŞTEMUR
Fırat University Health Services Vocational School
0424-237 00 00 / 6542

10. ADVANCED DEGREE TRANSFER

Graduates can transfer to undergraduate programs in Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering, Nursing, Nursing and Health Services, Molecular Biology and Genetics through the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS).

11. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOGNITION

Students must successfully complete all courses in the program, obtain at least 120 ECTS credits, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.

12. STRUCTURE OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The program consists of 4 semesters, with a total of 120 ECTS credits, 30 ECTS credits per semester. The courses are offered on a semester basis.

Students complete their practical training in the Central Laboratory units of the university hospitals.

13. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
14. Evaluate and apply the knowledge acquired from fundamental theoretical and practical courses, supported by textbooks, practical tools, and other resources related to the field of Medical Laboratory.
15. Demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills for taking biological materials from patients, storing them, and transferring them for medical laboratory tests.
16. Perform preparation processes before analysis, prepare specimens, and apply disinfection and sterilization techniques.
17. Apply basic tests related to different areas of medical laboratory, and prepare analysis solutions.
18. Possess both theoretical and practical skills related to preparing solutions for tests performed in the laboratory.
19. Use medical laboratory tools and equipment according to technical guidelines, perform their maintenance, and ensure the most efficient use.
20. Organize work in the medical laboratory, take individual responsibility when necessary, and fulfill professional duties with a sense of responsibility during teamwork.
21. Take necessary safety precautions in the medical laboratory, apply personal safety rules, and ensure a safe laboratory environment.
22. Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, adhering to professional and ethical standards.
23. Act in compliance with laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning duties, rights, and responsibilities in the medical laboratory field.
24. Successfully use information and communication technologies along with relevant software required in the medical laboratory field.
25. Continuously update knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field and participate in programs, in-service training activities, and other relevant professional development opportunities.