Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical Laboratory Sciences | Cytotechnology | Dental Hygiene|

Health Informatics and Information Management
Physical Therapy | Occupational Therapy

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Cytotechnology

Dental Hygiene

Health Informatics and Information Management

Do HIIM applicants need an observation in a health information management department?
No. Observations are no longer required.

Do HIIM prerequisites include Biology or Zoology?

The only science prerequisites for HIIM are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, with labs. Biology and Zoology are not required, but may be taken as electives.

Occupational Therapy

What does an OT do?
Occupational therapists work in numerous settings with people of all ages. Their primary goal is to restore individuals to the highest level of independent functioning.

What is the difference between an OT and a PT?
A significant portion of the OT curriculum focuses on psychosocial and cognitive issues as a part of treatment. These areas, as well as physical dysfunction are addressed by occupational therapists through the use of purposeful activity. Occupational therapists treat individuals with physical and psychosocial dysfunction. Physical therapists focus on exercise as a treatment modality and treat physical dysfunction.

How is the new healthcare management issue affecting the OT profession?
The healthcare system is in a constant state of change. All health care professionals are in the process of adapting to meet the changes in the health care delivery system, the market needs, and the incorporation of new technology. Due to this constant change it is hard to predict the affect on occupational therapy at any one given point.

What is the salary for an OT?
The salary for starting occupational therapists varies from region to region in the United States. The most current information can be obtained at stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm.

Do you accept out-of-state residents? How can I establish residency?
Preference is given to residents of the State of Mississippi. The Office of Student Records and Registrar determines the status of residency.

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I am in my 50's. Am I too old to apply? Do I have less of a chance to be selected?
The Department of Occupational Therapy of the University of Mississippi Medical Center adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. This policy extends to all programs and activities supported by the Medical Center. Under the provisions of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the University of Mississippi at the Medical Center does not discriminate on the basis of age in its educational programs or activities with respect to admissions or employment.

How many are accepted each year into your program?
Currently, the Department of Occupational Therapy accepts 36 students one time a year. The resources available and the market demand determine the number accepted.

How many applicants receive an interview?
The Admissions Committee of the Department of Occupational Therapy determines the exact number of individuals who are offered an interview. Historically, this has been approximately twice the number of available admission slots.

What is the average GPA accepted into the program?
The average GPA is usually over 3.5. This is based on an average which means there are lower and higher GPAs, however, the range usually is from 3.00 to 4.00.

Does it help to be a COTA when I apply?
Preference is not given to anyone with an associate, baccalaureate or masters degree. Everyone is evaluated based on the prerequisites and their GPAs.

Does it help to get my pre-requisites from a senior college, preferably Ole Miss?
The Department of Occupational Therapy does not distinguish between where the courses are taken. The common number system of the Community Colleges and the Institutions of Higher Learning assures that the content is the same in the courses.

What can I do to improve my chances of being accepted?
Maintaining a high GPA and exploring as many facets of occupational therapy as possible will help initial ranking and performance on the interview.

I've been out of school for a long time. Do I have to retake any coursework?
Science courses over ten years old must be re-taken. The other prerequisites are accepted no matter when they were taken.

If I have already graduated from college, can I go back to a junior college to take my pre-requisites?
Yes.

I only lack one course in the summer. Can I take it simultaneously with my OT courses if I am accepted?
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program.

How do I find out if my courses transfer?
The Office of Student Records and Registrar determines the courses that can be transferred. Their telephone number is (601) 984-1080.

Does it matter if I take courses out-of-state?
No, as long as they have been taken at an accredited university or college

How many classes do you accept each year?
The Department of Occupational Therapy accepts one class each year.

I have a family. May one work while attending the OT program?
The faculty of the Department of Occupational Therapy does not recommend that students work while going through the program. The average classroom time is approximately 30 contact hours a week with additional readings and papers required.

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Is financial aid available?
The Student Financial Aid Office can supply information only after an individual is accepted into the occupational therapy program. Their telephone number is (601) 984-1117. Other sources may be identified through the American Occupational Therapy Association or the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.

Where do I go to observe? Who sets it up?
Observation must be done with either an occupational therapist or a certified occupational therapy assistant. It is up to the individual applicant to set up his or her own observation hours. The documentation forms are included in the application packet sent out from the Office of Student Records and Registrar.

Do I have to observe eight hours in the same facility?
Observation hours are presently required at a minimum of two sites with a total of 16 hours. This could be 8 and 8, 12 and 4, etc. Each application packet clearly states the number of hours required.

Are their living accommodations available on campus for male students?
The University of Mississippi Medical Center does not have accommodations for students.

Do you require a degree before applying to the OT program?
No.

Do you require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission?
No.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

What is a clinical laboratory scientist?
The clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) is a highly skilled scientist who functions in multiple roles. Some of these roles include performing and evaluating diagnostic laboratory procedures on body fluids, developing new diagnostic procedures, supervising biomedical research projects, providing technical expertise, consulting, managing clinical and research laboratory departments, and analyzing and implementing laboratory information systems. The major areas of interest in laboratory science are hematology, immunohematology (transfusion medicine), clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, clinical immunology, body fluid analysis, and molecular diagnostics.

What is the difference between a clinical laboratory scientist and a medical technologist?
None. Over the last decade the profession has pushed to change its name from medical technology to clinical laboratory science to better define our role in health care. As such, we feel that the term clinical laboratory scientist is more descriptive of who we are and what we do.

When should I apply for your program?
Our application deadline is March 1 but you may apply any time between July 1 and March 1 for entrance into the following fall semester. You do not need all of your prerequisites completed before applying. However, you are required to have all prerequisite course work completed before entering the program in the fall semester.

Why should I spend two years in your program when I can go to a one-year hospital-based program?
Technically, one-year hospital-based programs and two-year university-based programs are the same. However, the focus of the programs vary significantly. The hospital-based programs were initially designed to train students as future employees of the hospital laboratory and traditionally most students took positions in the institution in which they were trained. With downsizing occurring in many health care institutions it is becoming more difficult for these facilities to provide job opportunities upon completion of the program. University-based programs are focused more on developing a student into a professional clinical laboratory scientist who has the skills and knowledge to accept positions in various health care settings, biotechnology/molecular biology industries, biomedical manufacturing industries, and research institutions.

Who are the faculty?
All of our faculty (academic and clinical) are credentialed professionals. The majority of the faculty in the department hold terminal degrees in areas related to the profession and have extensive teaching experience. Our faculty are well published and have presented papers, posters, and workshops at the national, regional, and state levels. All of the faculty are involved with professional organizations and encourage students to become actively involved.

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May I take electives during the professional phase of the CLS program?
The department is implementing a new curriculum that allows students to take at least 16 hours of elective courses. This will provide students with the opportunity to work with faculty and researchers at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in areas including molecular diagnostics/ molecular biology, laboratory information systems, management, clinical sciences, and the basic sciences. In the past, our students have national recognition for paper and poster presentations made about research projects they have completed.

I want to go to medical school. Should I major in Clinical Laboratory Sciences?
Yes. Several of our students have continued their education by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine degree. A bachelor of science degree in clinical laboratory sciences is an excellent preparation for medical school. Laboratory medicine is a very important part of medical diagnosis and by obtaining a CLS degree you will have additional knowledge to enhance your diagnostic skills during your third and fourth year of medical school. Our department offers a premed option for prerequisite courses.

What electives should I take as prerequisite courses?
Clinical Laboratory Sciences is a very diverse profession. It will be to your advantage to take courses in the advanced sciences (genetics, cell biology, embryology, quantitative analysis, physical chemistry) and business (management, marketing, accounting, information systems).

Cytotechnology

What is a cytotechnologist?

Cytotechnology is a laboratory science which utilizes morphologic and biochemical analyses of human cellular material in the evaluation of disease processes. Most of this analysis takes place by means of microscopy, and cytotechnologists are the health care professionals who are skilled in examining human cellular material in search of abnormalities that are the warning signs of cancer. They perform a variety of diagnostic and research procedures in the cytology laboratory including basic cytologic examinations, staining and processing cell specimens which have been removed by non-invasive techniques, surgery, or fine needle aspiration.

What are the career opportunities for a Cytotechnologist?
Graduates may find employment in:
hospital laboratories
private laboratories
scientific companies (sales)
university research laboratories
education

Where do cytotechnologists work?
They work in hospitals, private laboratories, and universities, usually in a pathology department under the medical direction of a pathologist. With experience, they may work in management, education and research if they choose. Experience is required for positions in education and management.
What characteristics or personality traits should I have to become a cytotechnologist? Cytotechnologists must sit at a microscope and concentrate for long periods of time. Since they work with very little supervision, cytotechnologists must make independent decisions and take responsibility for them. The cytotechnologist issues the final report on specimens that contain normal cells. When abnormal cells are present, the cytotechnologist works with a pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis.

How is the job market for cytotechnologists?
The job market changes rapidly in small professions such as cytotechnology and varies depending on location. Currently there is a critical shortage of cytotechnologist which may vary from region to region.

How does one become a cytotechnologist?

To be a nationally registered cytotechnologist, a person must attend an approved/accredited program in cytotechnology, earn a bachelor's decree and successfully complete the national certification examination.

Can one attend the program as a part-time student?
No. At present the program does not offer a part-time option.

Is the cytotechnology program difficult?
Since the program is two years long, it is extremely intense and fast paced. Students are in classes and laboratory sessions from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Excellent time management skills and good study habits are essential.

How much does the program cost?
Program fees are established annually by the university. For more specific information one should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Will I be able to work while enrolled in the program?
While we cannot prohibit you from working while in school, most students find it very difficulty to keep up with their studies if they are also working. There is little opportunity for work related to the profession of cytotechnology until you have completed the program.

Is financial aid available?

The Office of Student Financial Aid, located on the medical center campus, can provide information on loans and scholarships.

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Dental Hygiene

What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental assistant?
A dental hygienist must be licensed and registered by the state in which he/she practices. Dental hygienists have a minimum of two years post high school education, must pass a written national board examination and a regional or state clinical board. Dental hygienists have delegated patient care responsibilities and provide direct patient care. In some states, dental hygienists work under general supervision and in 35 states dental hygienists are allowed to give local anesthesia. A dental assistant needs no formal training and assists the dentist under his/her direct supervision. Some dental assistants do elect to receive formal training and apply for certification from the national dental assisting certifying board.

What is the difference between a dental hygienist with an associate degree and one with a bachelor's degree?
Pre-licensure education in dental hygiene is offered throughout the U.S. at both degree levels and both degrees result in a candidate prepared to apply for licensure. The registered dental hygienist with an associate degree is employed as a clinical dental hygienist while the dental hygienist with a bachelor's degree has a wider variety of employment opportunities. Baccalaureate-educated dental hygienists often find careers in research or marketing, education, a commission in the public health corps, federal, state and county public health positions, patient advocates, and various entrepreneurial opportunities.

What is the starting salary range in private dental practices in Mississippi?

Salaries vary depending the state, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics has information on earnings in the US that can be accessed through the Internet - http://www.bls.gov/

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Does your program have summer school?
Yes. Summer school will begin in the summer of 2007.

Can I attend the program on a part-time basis?
No, students in the dental hygiene program attend full-time.

Can I work while I am attending school?
The educational experience for two years at the medical center is sufficiently intense that working takes away from necessary study time. Therefore, working is discouraged. A variety of financial aid is available for dental hygiene students. This information is obtainable through the Office of Student Financial Aid once an applicant has been accepted into the program.

When do dental hygiene students begin providing patient care?
Dental hygiene students work with their peers as patients the fall semester of the junior year. In the spring semester of the junior year, students treat patients in the dental hygiene clinic located in the dental school.

What is a clinical rotation?
Clinical rotations are those experiences obtained in dental facilities outside the institution's dental hygiene clinic, for example, at a veteran's hospital, a correctional facility, etc.

Physical Therapy

Are there differences between the entry-level masters and doctoral degrees in physical therapy?

The status of the entry-level physical therapist graduate with either degree is the same. All accredited professional entry-level programs are designed to provide a broad physical therapy background. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education uses the same evaluative criteria to accredit these levels. The institution determines the degree to be offered. There may a difference in emphasis as a result of a specific program mission or individual faculty strengths.

Is there a ranking of Physical Therapy programs?

The American Physical Therapy Association does not rank programs. The accreditation process assures quality in physical therapy education.

Why a post-baccalaureate degree?

This educational process provides time for the student to obtain a broad liberal arts background and integrate the significant amount of material included in the physical therapy curriculum. Over the years, the volume of scientific technology and literature in educational programs has grown well beyond what can be reasonably included in a baccalaureate program. There are additional expectations of the physical therapy professional with the changes in the health care delivery system and needs of society which are best met with the additional coursework.

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How can I enhance my chance of admission to a physical therapy program?

A high overall grade point average, especially in the prerequisite course work, and exploring as many aspects of the field as possible are helpful in the admissions process. A record of observations and/or volunteer experiences in a variety of physical therapy practice settings, excellent writing and good interpersonal skills, and above average GRE scores are additional areas of emphasis.

What factors should I consider in selecting an educational program?

Personal considerations such as geographic location, cost, class size, faculty composition, degree awarded and design and length of the program will help you decide on a school. Present students, recent graduates and employers of graduates are sources of information on the strengths and weaknesses of programs.

Is the physical therapist assistant program a stepping stone to a physical therapist program?

No. The curriculum of the physical therapist assistant student differs from that of the physical therapist and does not provide the prerequisites needed for physical therapist education. However, there are accredited programs that are designed to permit experienced physical therapist assistants to continue working while they attend a physical therapist degree program on the weekends.

What are the course requirements in the sciences?

Required courses include one academic year of physics for science majors, a statistics course (education, math or psychology), and two courses in advanced sciences are required. Examples of advanced science course work are genetics, histology, comparative anatomy, embryology, and microbiology. The higher-level science courses should include laboratory work. It is recognized that laboratories are not offered with all advanced sciences.

What undergraduate degree should I have?

Any undergraduate degree is acceptable as long as the student completes the required pre-requisite courses. All entering students are required to have at least an undergraduate degree with background in the humanities, social sciences, physical and biological sciences. Non-science majors are encouraged to apply. All applicants must complete prerequisite courses before entering the program.

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What Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required?

No minimal score required. All three sections of the exam are required. The reservation for taking the examination is due approximately 6 weeks prior to the date of the exam and scores are available a month after the exam. Availability of exam results must be considered when applying by a specific deadline.

Does my application need to be turned in as a complete packet?

No, an applicant should submit the application data form and the deposit early. The other application materials (transcript(s), observation forms, resume, and official GRE scores) must reach the registrar's office by the deadline.

What are the qualifications of program faculty?

The academic and clinical faculty includes a diverse group of credentialed professionals and outstanding educators who are recognized for their expertise. Expertise within the program faculty includes clinical practice specialty areas, administration and research. Faculty members have publications and make poster, paper and workshop presentations regularly. They are recognized as leaders in professional and scientific associations locally, nationally and internationally. Faculty members encourage students to become actively involved in their chosen profession.

Can I apply to more than one program on the medical center campus?

Students are encouraged to apply to multiple programs. Each admissions process is a separate activity.

What is the length and sequence of coursework within the program?

The program is three calendar years in length. Learning activities within the program include lecture, practical laboratory experiences and clinical education assignments. The first year of the program focuses more upon classroom and laboratory activities on the campus, the second and third years include more clinical applications coursework and clinical education experiences.The clinical education experiences require the student to temporarily relocate with at least one period being at an affiliated organization outside of the state. Students are responsible for their own living expenses during this time.

When can I apply?

Applications are available in July preceding the date of enrollment. Students may apply for the program during their final year of enrollment in a baccalaureate program and be admitted contingent upon successful completion of the degree program. All prerequisites for the program must be completed before enrolling in the program.

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Is there a waiting list?

No, students who are not accepted for admittance during one enrollment year must submit a new application for any other enrollment year. This includes all forms, documentation and transcripts.

What is the application process?

Applicants mail completed application information to the Office of Student Services and Records. The physical therapy admissions committee reviews all information in completed student applications. From this group of applicants, the most competitive students are invited for an interview. The specific characteristics for review are academic record (prerequisite GPA and overall GPA), written communication skills, knowledge of physical therapy, GRE scores, verbal communication skills, problem solving, and resume. All components of the process are included in determining the admitted class.

Will the MCAT, GMAT or a foreign doctor of medicine degree substitute for the GRE pre-admissions requirement for the DPT?

The GRE will not be waived.

Is there a salary difference between the masters and doctoral degree graduate at entry into the profession?

In the only information available, graduates with either degree are considered entry-level with no salary differential. Over time the individual with a higher degree may more readily obtain a higher level position.

Will an applicant with a masters or baccalaureate degree in physical therapy receive advanced standing for the entry- level doctor of physical therapy degree program?

No, a practicing physical therapist needs to enter a transitional doctor of physical therapy program or an advanced level program to enhance professional skills and expand marketability.

What is the eligibility of out of state residents?

The University of Mississippi is a state supported institution. Preference is given to Mississippi residents. Out of state applicants have been admitted into the program.

What is the salary for a physical therapist?

The salary for a beginning therapist is dependent upon the type of clinical setting, the size of the community and the region of the country. Current information can be obtained on the internet at stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm.

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What is the average GPA of students accepted into the program?

The average GPA is usually over a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The range is from a 3.00 to 4.00. To be considered for admission, both the overall GPA and the pre-requisite GPT must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

How many students are accepted each year into the entry level program?

One class of students is admitted each year. Classes begin during the summer semester. The available resources, market demand and the number of qualified students determine the class size.

How many observation hours are required? How do I get the hours? Who arranges them?

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of observation in physical therapy departments or practices. A maximum of 20 hours may be used from any one site. Additional hours and sites are encouraged. The forms included with the application packet may be duplicated. The observation forms must signed by a licensed physical therapist and the license number included. Observation hours must be in the current year of the application. Hours earned through employment will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own observation hours.

Can I work or attend the program on a part-time basis?

The program is not designed for part-time enrollment. The educational program is sufficiently intense that employment limits necessary study time. Work is discouraged and a variety of financial aid opportunities are available.

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When and where may I get an application?

Application deadlines vary from program to program and are subject to change. All applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Further information may be obtained from the
Office of Student Records and Registrar for admission. Their address is:

University of Mississippi Medical Center
Office of Student Records and Registrar
2500 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39216-4505
Telephone: (601) 984-1080