Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does payment of tuition work?

Tuition currently stands at $5800 per year and books run around $650-700 for the entire year. For tuition, students who are 3+1 adhere to the arrangements preferred by their home college. Some colleges prefer their students to simply pay the Program directly. Other colleges prefer that the student pay tuition at their home college, and the Program bill the college. If there is a slight tuition balance after the Program is paid by the college, the student will pay the difference to the Program. Students who are attending as fifth year students (4+1) until the Class of 2013, will pay the Program directly.
 

2. When is tuition due?

Tuition bills are prepared in the fall (1/2) and mid-winter the following year (1/2). For instance, if the tuition is $5800.00, a bill for $2900.00 will be generated in September and another bill for $2900.00 will be generated in February.
 

3. When does the Program start?

The program usually begins the first working Monday in August. Every few years the start date will be the second working Monday in August because the calendar progresses ahead each year; an adjustment needs to be made.

Graduation takes place 51 weeks later, in July of the following year.
 

4. Do students obtain final grades at the end of the program?

Yes. A final transcript is prepared with a grade for each major discipline. These transcripts are mailed to the college registrars on graduation day in July, and the clinical year is then posted on the student’s transcript, in fulfillment of degree requirements.
 

5. When do students take the national certifying exam which is also the NYS licensure exam?

Students are eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification exam after graduation from the Program. Most students will sit the exam within 6-8 weeks after finishing Program, although some wait a little longer if they have extenuating circumstances. We urge students to review thoroughly and sit the exam shortly after graduation.
 

6. When can graduates start doing clinical work as Medical Technologists?

In New York State individuals must at least have the Limited Permit in order to do any clinical work as Technologists. The Limited Permit allows the individual to work as a Technologist until such time as a passing score on the Board of Certification exam (also used for NYS licensing exam) is submitted to NYS Dept of Education from the ASCP. The Limited Permit is good for one year only. The graduate must have their permanent License in place by the end of that 12 month period. Any specific questions need to be directed to the NYS Department of Education, Office of the Professions. (www.op.nysed.gov).

7. What are employment opportunities and outlook?

They are excellent. With increasing numbers of retirements, increased laboratory testing, and an aging population, the demand for qualified Medical Technologists is strong and projected to remain strong. Many graduates of our program elect to stay within the Rochester General Health System and build rewarding careers. Others join other health systems, attend graduate school, or join large instrument manufacturers/vendors, or biotechnology companies.
 

8. Can students work while in the internship program?

Yes, students can act in a specimen management of phlebotomy capacity a few hours per week during the clinical year. Because students do not have licenses to practice, they cannot do actual clinical analyses in a work setting, but these critical pre-analytical jobs are available for students if they wish. These are compensated positions and in this capacity, students become employees of the health system. This is entirely at the student’s discretion; employment is not required. We urge students to limit their work hours to 8, 10, or 12 hours per week maximum because the study load is heavy in the Program.
 

9. How does housing work?

There are myriad apartment complexes surrounding the Hospital, as well in suburban areas North, West, and East. Many students live in complexes within a block of the hospital, splitting rent on two bedroom apartments. One bedroom and studio apartments are available as well.
 

10. Where do students park?

We are very fortunate that Rochester General Hospital has a large parking lot adjacent to the Wilson Building next to the Hospital that has been designated for all student parking.

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