From left, IRMC Medical Laboratory Science Program Director Christine Baum; students Anastasia Rabickow, Rebecca Hollobaugh, Sarah Stephenson, and Odessa Vallies; IRMC Administrative Laboratory Director Jackie Sansig; IUP Nursing and Allied Health faculty member and Coordinator of the IUP Medical Technology Program Lei Hao.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) have finalized an affiliation agreement that provides IUP students with the opportunity to complete their clinical experience at IRMC for the IUP Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology.
The Medical Technology bachelor’s degree program is part of IUP’s Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. There are two phases of study in the program: 90 credits of coursework at IUP in liberal studies and preclinical sciences including chemistry, biology, physics, and math (typically six semesters at IUP), followed by a 48-credit clinical year of study.
In addition, students who successfully complete the program and their clinical training at IRMC could receive loan forgiveness if offered a position and agree to sign a three-year contract to work at IRMC as medical laboratory scientists.
Students who successfully complete the IUP coursework and the clinical training will receive a bachelor’s degree from IUP and will be eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists board certification exam. In addition to working in laboratories in hospitals and other medical centers, graduates of the program also are prepared for graduate degrees in chemistry, biology, medicine, pathology, administration, and other areas.
The first cohort of students will begin clinical study at IRMC starting in July 2024. Enrollment is limited to five students; four IUP students, all medical technology majors, have already been accepted into the first cohort at IRMC: Rebecca Hollobaugh, from Freeport; Anastasia Rabickow, from Apollo; Sarah Stephenson, from Smicksburg; and Odessa Vallies, from Creekside.
Hollobaugh is the daughter of Thomas Hollobaugh and Joyce Hollobaugh and is a 2019 graduate of Freeport High School. She is a dean’s list student.
Rabickow is the daughter of Patrick Rabickow and Laura Rabickow and is a 2021 graduate of Apollo Ridge High School. She is a dean’s list student and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Stephenson is the daughter of Mark Stephenson and Maryann Stephenson and she is a 2020 graduate of West Shamokin Junior-Senior High School. She is a dean’s list student and provost scholar.
Vallies is the daughter of Mark Vallies and Julie Vallies and is a 2019 graduate of Marion Center Junior Senior High School. She is a dean’s list student.
Prior to the IRMC agreement, IUP students would complete their clinical year at one of nine hospitals located in Altoona, Erie, Johnstown, Lancaster, Reading, Philadelphia, Williamsport, York, or Jamestown, N.Y.
IUP graduates of the medical technology program have a 100 percent job placement rate.
“This agreement is another demonstration of IUP’s commitment to addressing the critical need for trained health care workers in the commonwealth and nation,” IUP Provost and Vice
President of Academic Affairs Laura Luetkehans said. “It’s a win for our students and for our program, providing a high-quality experience for our students right here in our community,” she said. “IUP and IRMC, through our partnership, are committed to benefitting our students and to meeting workforce needs in healthcare, and we are very pleased to add our portfolio of agreements and collaborations with this important program.”
There is a great demand for trained medical laboratory scientists, both now and for the future according to national studies including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“As the coordinator of IUP’s Medical Technology Program, I am delighted to see the enthusiasm among our students for the opportunity to complete their clinical experience at Indiana Regional Medical Center,” Lei Hao said. “This affiliation not only allows our students to stay within the community they know and love but also enhances their educational experience by providing exposure to diverse clinical settings.”
“The field of laboratory medicine is in dire need of qualified and properly trained medical laboratory scientists,” IRMC Administrative Laboratory Director Jackie Sansig, MHA MLS (ASCP), said.
“The IRMC Medical Laboratory Science Program, in partnership with IUP, will ensure that laboratory professionals will be trained to provide top notch patient care in the community of Indiana and its surrounding areas. This affiliation between IRMC and IUP is a testament of how two organizations can collaborate to provide quality education, fill healthcare positions facing critical staff shortages, and serve the community of Indiana and beyond,” she said
IRMC officials note that graduates of the program will be prepared for future roles in clinical laboratory science, research, education, and administration.
“The ever-growing field of laboratory medicine and medical diagnostic testing needs young, talented, energetic individuals to fill these roles,” IRMC Medical Laboratory Science Program Director Christine D. Baum MS MLS (ASCP) said. “We are excited to see the program come to fruition and support local students with their healthcare careers and goals.
“The medical laboratory scientist is an unseen – but critically important -- partner in patient care. Together with physicians, nurses and the medical community, the medical laboratory scientist is an indispensable member of the healthcare team,” Baum said. “There is little public awareness of this laboratory profession, and it is part of our mission to promote the field of medical laboratory science and educate the public on the indispensable role we play in the serving the needs of the patient and healthcare system.”
“The medical laboratory scientist uses a variety of skills to both diagnose and treat patients, so the background they receive in the IUP program is an essential part of their training,” Hao said.
“Our curriculum is designed to reflect the latest advancements in the field, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. We emphasize critical thinking, attention to detail, and adherence to ethical standards, instilling in our students the values necessary for success in their careers as medical laboratory scientists,” Hao said.
Currently, IUP has agreements with the IRMC Social Services department for students from the School Psychology, Special Education, and Sociology and psychology departments; with the IRMC Institute for Healthy Living for students from the Department of Food and Nutrition; and with the IRMC Cardiac Rehabilitation Department for students from the Department of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Science.