Medical laboratory technology program at king faisal university: a 10-year experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Laboratory Technology Education
• Health Sciences Training
• Higher Education in Saudi Arabia

Background:

• Established in 1989 (1408/1409 H), the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program at King Faisal University's College of Medicine and Medical Sciences aimed to address a growing need for skilled professionals.
• The program's inception was driven by the necessity to develop local expertise in medical laboratory sciences within the Kingdom.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the historical evolution and key components of the MLT program.
• To outline the program's rationale, objectives, curriculum structure, and assessment methods.
• To review student enrollment, graduation rates, and employment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive documentation of the MLT program's development since its establishment.
• Analysis of student enrollment data, graduation statistics, and employment records up to September 2000.
• Review of instructional and evaluation methodologies employed within the program.

Main Results:

• The MLT program enrolled 270 students and graduated 138 technologists across ten batches by September 2000.
• A significant majority, 115 (83.3%) of the graduates, secured employment in various health sectors and educational institutions within the Kingdom.
• The program's curriculum, instructional methods, and internship components were detailed.

Conclusions:

• The Medical Laboratory Technology program at King Faisal University has demonstrated success in training qualified professionals.
• The high employment rate of graduates confirms the program's relevance and effectiveness in meeting the demands of the healthcare sector.
• The study provides a comprehensive overview of the program's journey and its positive impact on the Saudi Arabian health workforce.