Medical Laboratory Sciences

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School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program information is available from the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety office at (505) 224-4111 or Academic Advisement and Career Development (505) 224-4321 or from Program Director/Chair at (505) 224-5021.

cnm.edu/depts/hwps/progs

Program Description

Medical Laboratory Science programs prepare students to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory personnel work in clinics, hospitals, reference laboratories, and physician office labs. They safely collect, process, and analyze blood and body fluid specimens. They use microscopes, centrifuges, computerized instruments, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility workers assume depends largely on the amount of education they have. Students study theory in the classroom, learn skills in campus labs, and complete clinical experiences in area health care facilities and labs. Upon completion of the programs, students are eligible to take national certification exams.

Medical Laboratory Technician Associate of Science Degree (MLT):

Four-term program with general education prerequisites. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform highly complex testing in the areas of clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, and urinalysis. They must exhibit high levels of judgment and responsibility. The MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences: 8401 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670; Chicago, IL 60631-3415; (773) 714-8880; naacls.org. 

Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate (CLA):

One-term program with a phlebotomy prerequisite. Clinical Laboratory Assistants perform specimen processing and waived and moderately complex testing various areas of the lab. Requires completion of the PHLB program (or equivalent) or national phlebotomy certification.

Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PHLB):

Twelve-week program with Accuplacer prerequisites. Phlebotomists collect and process blood specimens using approved venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques. Requires a high level of professionalism when working with patients. PHLB is also offered in a two-term format.

Special Requirements

The MLT program begins in the fall and lasts four terms.

The CLA program begins in the fall and lasts two terms.

The PHLB program is offered every term.

Courses in Medical Laboratory Science programs must be taken sequentially with corequisites.

Criminal Background and Drug Screening: Students with a criminal background may have limited employment opportunities in healthcare and public service. Students are required to undergo a state and federal criminal background check with fingerprints prior to starting any of the programs. Students with a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the programs. A routine drug screen is also required. Students with a positive drug screen will not be allowed to enter the programs. Fees for fingerprinting, criminal background check, and drug screening will apply for each program.

Physical Requirements: Students interested in the Medical Laboratory Science programs must be in good physical and psychological health. A current physical exam and vaccinations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTP, PPD and varicella) are required. Reasonable accommodations are made for those students with disabilities. Some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with a disability are advised to contact the HWPS office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.

Program Fees: The fees for each program will vary and are published in the Schedule of Classes. Fees may include the purchase of a set of scrubs, a nametag, hospital parking permits, criminal background check, drug screening, limited accidental exposure insurance, and an online practice exam. Students are responsible for providing other personal supplies and books. A separate fee for fingerprinting will be required.

CPR, BBP and HIPAA: Students will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining certification in CPR, blood borne pathogens, and HIPAA prior to and during the Medical Laboratory Science programs. Certification can be obtained through the HLTH 1001 course or equivalent.

MLT Enrollment: During the summer term, prospective students must declare MLT as a major and submit a petition packet to the Health, Wellness & Public Safety office to be considered for the classes beginning in the fall. Applicants should petition when they are currently enrolled in their remaining prerequisite courses. The packet will include documents showing high school graduation or equivalent, CNM transcripts, transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended, and proof of a GPA of 2.0 or better. The form can be picked up from the Health, Wellness & Public Safety office or at any MLT Program Information Session. Call (505) 224-4161 for a schedule of Program Information Sessions. In the event that the number of petitioners exceeds the program capacity, completion of general college courses, grade point average, and wait time will be used as selection criteria. The petition process is subject to change.

CLA Enrollment: Enrollment in the CLA program is open to students who have completed the CNM PHLB program. Students who have completed an equivalent phlebotomy program or have national phlebotomy certification may request approval from the MLS Program Chair.

PHLB Enrollment: Enrollment in the 12-week PHLB program is open to any student who meets the Accuplacer prerequisites. Enrollment for the 2-term PHLB program requires department approval. Contact the PHLB Program Director for more information.

Recommended Prerequisites: Medical Lab Sciences students who would like to take related courses while waiting for entry into their program may take HLTH 0850, OTEC 1101 , HIT 1010 , HIT 1020  and/or MLT 1010 .

Career and Educational Opportunities

Immediate job placement locally, regionally and nationally for all Medical Laboratory Science graduates is excellent due to a shortage of lab personnel. Tuition assistance for those who want to pursue more education in Medical Laboratory Science is available through many employers. The PHLB, CLA, and MLT programs are articulated, certain MLT courses will be waived for PHLB and CLA graduates. An agreement with the University of New Mexico allows for the transfer of CNM credits to the Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Science Degree program. Graduate and higher degrees in Medical Laboratory Science are available.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

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