The Department of Health Science Technologies offers certificates, associate and bachelor’s degree programmes in the fields of medical laboratory technology, radiography. The curriculum emphasizes competency-based learning, and students are exposed to the most modern equipment and up-to-date techniques in the laboratory environment, through practical sessions which directly link theory to workplace competencies. Students are also required to complete a clinical internship at approved public and private health care facilities, thereby ensuring that they are ready for the workplace upon graduation.
The Department of Health Science Technologies offers the following degree programme options:
Bachelor Degree Programmes |
Associate Degree Programmes |
| B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology | AAS Medical Laboratory Technology |
| B.Sc. Radiation Therapy | |
| B.Sc. Radiography | |
| Bsc Dental Therapy |
Bachelor of Science – Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical laboratory technology is an important sub-discipline within the allied health sciences. The medical laboratory technologist is an important member of the health care team and plays a critical support role in the provision of quality diagnostic laboratory work. Students in the programme acquire knowledge and practical skills in microbiology, haematology, immunohaematology, clinical chemistry, health policy, molecular biology, applied research and clinical appraisal. The curriculum is organized around a sound foundation in the natural and social sciences and develops the cognitive and psychomotor skills needed for clinical pathological testing.
Instructional activities are designed to allow students to demonstrate growth, empathy, competence and confidence; to apply scientific principles, and to develop problem-solving skills which will enable them to easily adjust to changes and function effectively as allied health professionals and members of society.
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Medical Laboratory Technology
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology, students must successfully complete a portfolio and 138 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Courses in the major area of study 75 credits
Core curriculum courses 48 credits (inclusive of internship courses)
Support courses 15 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 138 credits
Career Options:
- Hospital laboratory technician
- Research laboratory technician
- Sales/Technical representative
- Laboratory administrator
- Medical technology educator
Associate in Applied Science – Medical Laboratory Technology
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology prepares students to become healthcare professionals. Graduates work in all areas of the clinical laboratory, including blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. They perform a full range of laboratory tests – from simple prenatal blood tests, to more complex tests. They uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer, thus supporting diagnostic prognoses that are critical in the area of health care. Often, the medical laboratory technician is responsible for interpreting and communicating critical patient results to the physician. This programme is currently the required qualification for entry into the profession.
Graduation Requirements: AAS – Medical Laboratory Technology
To be awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, students must successfully complete a Portfolio and 82 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study 43 credits
Core curriculum courses 24 credits (inclusive of internship courses)
Support courses 15 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 82 credits
Career Options:
- Laboratory assistant
- Medical laboratory technician I
- Sales/Technical representative
- Laboratory administration
- Medical laboratory educator
Programme Requirements: Health Science Degree Access Certificate
To successfully matriculate into the B.Sc. Radiography or Radiation Therapy programme, students must complete 37 pre-clinical credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5, according to the following distribution:
Foundation courses required for major area of study 13 credits
Core curriculum courses 24 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 37 credits
The other requirements for entry into the B.Sc. programmes in Radiological Sciences include completion of 40 hours approved volunteer service, certification in first aid/CPR computer literacy and a recent police certificate of good character.
Bachelor of Science – Radiation Therapy
The Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Therapy is designed to prepare the student, through a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical education, to treat cancer patients by applying ionizing radiation safely and accurately, using a variety of complex techniques and equipment, assessing the physical and emotional needs of patients, while minimizing the effects of cancer and its treatment to patients. Through an integrated curriculum, students learn to analyze, reason, work independently or collaboratively, take appropriate actions in accordance with practice standards and evaluate the care delivered to patients through reflection, critical thinking and research. Students enrolled in this programme are expected to exhibit exceptional professional conduct and communicate effectively. Graduates of this programme are in high demand and qualify for entry level positions as radiation therapists at public and private hospitals and radiation therapy centers. Graduates have the option of advancing in medical radiation dosimetry, education or management. The curriculum is benchmarked against international standards in radiation therapy education and graduates of the programme are eligible to apply through the Board of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago, to the Council for the Professions Related to Medicine, for registration to practise in Trinidad and Tobago.
Admission to the Programme: Due to occupational safety standards, students must be at least 18 years of age before entering the degree programme. In general, students are admitted to this bachelor’s degree programme after completion of a one (1) year pre-clinical radiological sciences programme called the Health Science Degree Access (HSDA) Certificate. Due to the intensity and rigour of the training in the major area of study, students are encouraged to complete as many college core courses as possible before entering the radiation therapy programme. Achievement of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the HSDA certificate programme is required for admission into the bachelor’s degree programme in radiation therapy. Courses in the radiation therapy major require strong competence in math and physics, therefore applicants should have minimum grade ‘B’ or higher in college physics and math courses. Other entry requirements include completion of 40 hours of approved volunteer service, certification in first aid/CPR and computer literacy. Proof of immunizations, medical clearance and a criminal background check are also criteria for selection.
Once enrolled in the degree programme, radiation therapy students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all radiation therapy major courses to continue in and graduate from the programme.
The radiation therapy programme can only be pursued on a full-time basis because of the clinical experiences needed to fulfill course requirements and develop the level of competency necessary for the profession.
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Radiation Therapy
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Therapy, students must successfully complete 136 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Courses in the major area of study 97 credits
Core curriculum courses 24 credits
Support courses 11 credits
Elective courses 4 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 136 credits
Career Options:
- Radiation therapist
With relevant, formal post graduate certification:
- Radiation therapy educator
- Clinical educator
- Dosimetrist
- Brachytherapy technologist
- Applications specialist
Bachelor of Science – Radiography
The Bachelor of Science degree in Radiography is designed to prepare students to operate x-ray equipment, position patients for x-ray procedures, practice radiation safety, produce x-ray images of human anatomy and deliver quality patient care through a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical education. Through an integrated curriculum, students learn to analyze, reason, work independently or collaboratively, take appropriate actions in accordance with practice standards and evaluate the care delivered to patients through reflection, critical thinking and research. Students enrolled in this programme are expected to exhibit exceptional professional conduct and communicate effectively. Graduates of this programme are in high demand and qualify for entry level positions as radiographers at public and private hospitals and imaging centers. They are also well-prepared to pursue advanced certification in medical imaging specialties such as diagnostic medical ultrasound, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging, to name a few.
The curriculum is benchmarked against international standards in radiography education and graduates of the programme are eligible to apply through the Board of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago, to the Council for the Professions Related to Medicine for registration to practise in Trinidad and Tobago.
Admission Requirements: Due to occupational safety standards, students must be at least 18 years of age before entering the degree programme. Due to the intensity and rigour of the training in the major area of study, students are encouraged to complete as many college core courses as early as possible before entering the second year of the radiography programme. Requirements that are not fulfilled at admission must be taken before any radiography work is undertaken.
Achievement of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the HSDA certificate programme is required continuing. Other entry requirements include completion of 40 hours of approved volunteer service, certification in first aid/CPR and computer literacy. Proof of immunizations, medical clearance and a criminal background check are also criteria for selection.
Radiography students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all radiography major courses in order to be able to continue in and graduate from the programme.
The radiography programme can only be pursued on a full-time basis because of the clinical experiences required to fulfill course requirements and develop the level of competency necessary for the profession.
Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Radiography
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiography:
- Completion of the first year of pre-requisites for the B.Sc. programme, inclusive of the six (6) criteria (GPA, 1st year transcript, first aid & CPR certificate, volunteer service, police certificate, computer literacy certificate).
- Earn 156 credits according to the programme major sheet.
- Achieve an overall GPA of 2.0 equivalents to a C Grade.
- Have no F’s as the final grade recorded against any course.
- Meet clinical requirements.
- Successfully complete the external examiners review.
- Satisfy all financial requirements.
To successfully complete the B.Sc. in Radiography, students must complete 156 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study 93 credits
Core curriculum courses 45 credits
Support courses 18 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 156 credits
Career Options:
- Radiographer
With relevant, formal post graduate certification:
- CT technologist
- MRI technologist
- Radiography educator
- Clinical coordinator
- Health policy specialist
- Mammographer
- Ultrasonographer
- Echocardiographer
- Applications specialist
Bachelor of Science – Dental Therapy
The BSC in Dental Therapy will provide students with the skills and knowledge required to function in the demanding environment of the dental practitioner’s office as a full-fledged and valuable member of the team. Students will be exposed to a programme of study that includes the COSTAATT College core Curriculum courses, key nursing courses and newly developed dental courses.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry into this programme is five (5) CXC or CSEC passes with Grades I, II or III (after 1998) including Mathematics, English, Biology and Chemistry.
Applicants with relevant CAPE passes with Grades I or II or GCE ‘A’ Level passes, Grades A or B may be considered for advanced standing and will be awarded transfer of credits where applicable.
To successfully complete the B.Sc. in Radiography, students must complete 128 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0, according to the following distribution:
Required courses in the major area of study 62 credits
Core curriculum courses 44 credits
Support courses 22 credits
Internship 1000 hours (completed before the student attempts the Dental Council’s licensing examination)
Total Credits Required for Graduation 128 credits
Faculty Information:
Dr. Anthony Lalla
Department Chair
Senior Lecturer – Biochemistry
PhD Pharmacology, BSc BioChemistry, Minor Chemistry, MPhil Biochemistry
Research interests: Pharmacogenomics
Dr. Derek Emmanuel
Senior Lecturer – Genetics, molecular biology, clinical chemistry
PhD, M.Phil., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Genetic paradigms in congenital, childhood and adult onset diseases; predictive testing; screening; and complex traits
Collette Reyes-Bivins
Lecturer
Clinical techniques, radiation therapy
B.Sc., ARRT
Research Interests: The effect of early cancer detection methods employed in the Caribbean and how it impacts survival rate in cancer patients
Sandra Ashiboe-Mensah
Lecturer – Immunology/serology, phlebotomy, organic and biochemistry
B.Sc.
Research Interests: Immunity to infectious disease
Florence Ricketts
Clinical Coordinator Imaging Procedures
DCR, Cert. Dip.
Research Interests: Science education
Dr. Edward Cazabon
Senior Lecturer – Histology, hematology, health and health policy
B.Sc., DVM, Dip. Path, MRCVS
Research Interests: factors affecting student performance and choice of academic career
Shashiprabha Mohansingh
Clinical Coordinator
AASD
Research Interests: The effects of gluthione level on HIV positive individuals and gluthione on aging process
Ferlin Santiago
Lecturer – Immunology/serology, hematology, organic and biochemistry, phlebotomy
B.Sc.
Research Interests: Phlebotomy, Hematology
Wilma Collins
Lecturer – Radiography, medical imaging
DCR (R+T), Dip.Ed
Research Interests: Science education
Francis Pierre
Lecturer – Hematology
B.Sc., ASD
Research Interests: Hematology