Why medical technology?
The medical laboratory is a place for someone who enjoys scientific testing using modern technology, in a fast-paced, collaborative, and independent environment. We are laboratory experts who understand how to get accurate information to patients and providers — so they can make important health care decisions. It is a bonus that the jobs in the field are plentiful and often include signing bonuses on top of paying well.
For me personally, the medical technology/clinical laboratory sciences field is a great middle ground between my love of science and medicine and the ability to directly impact the lives of people in my community. The work we do has immediate effects on patients' ability to receive appropriate healthcare, and I find that very satisfying. In the same way, the students that I teach go on very shortly to make that same impact in their communities.
Naz students are engaged
What I think is most impressive about Nazareth students is their engagement and commitment to thoughtfully considering how to connect their learning with their life's goals. More broadly, Nazareth is the perfect environment for someone in a professional program to seamlessly incorporate the liberal arts into their education. Nazareth will provide students with the clinical training, which is then coupled with the understanding of the impact our students will be able to make in their communities.
Knowledge goes beyond grades
Grades are an important component of education, but our students are a few semesters from providing medical care in the Rochester area. It is essential that our students learn about what traits are needed beyond the standard knowledge base. Skills such as interpersonal communication will be part of our students' lives going forward.
What I teach
Clinical Chemistry is my favorite course because it relates to my core clinical laboratory discipline from when I worked in the clinical labs. Clinical Chemistry includes everything from metabolic and organ testing to autoimmune disease testing and clinical toxicology. I also teach Clinical Blood Banking, Laboratory Medicine, The Science of Medicine, Clinical Laboratory Management and Operations, and Capstone in Clinical Laboratory Science.
I strive to include student-driven learning as part of my teaching.
Preparing students to be changemakers
The CLS field and our testing became a central experience to public health and safety during the pandemic. I'm helping train students to perform clinical testing while also serving as leaders and ambassadors who promote the work we do to support the health of Rochester's communities.
Alumni say
"Dr. Schoell helped to prepare me for my career now as a clinical laboratory technologist by giving me multiple opportunities to work independently throughout my time at Naz. He gave me the opportunity to work as his lab assistant for a year and to speak on behalf of the CLS department at multiple Q&A events, which all helped me become more confident in my own abilities and made me more comfortable with working on my own." — Krissy Chatt '19
Support & preparation
"We've created simulated laboratories in our clinical classes, which really gives students an early chance to develop professional behaviors without pressure." — Matt Schoell (at right), shown with students
Clinical laboratory sciences
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