Medical Laboratory Sciences

Program Description

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: 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; (847) 939-3597; naacls.org.

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.

This program’s first term courses are offered in the fall term only. This may delay a student’s program start date. Please check with an academic advisor for more information.

Special Requirements

Criminal Background: Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions to the School of HWPS. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.

Drug Screen: In many HWPS programs students are required to undergo a routine drug screening prior to starting their program.

Immunizations: All health programs require that students provide documentation of current immunizations completed before beginning clinical courses.

Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)  Office for more information.

Program Fees: Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, initial treatment/counseling in the event of a needle stick or exposure to bodily fluids, etc.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Immediate job placement prospects locally, regionally and nationally for all Medical Laboratory Science graduates are 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.

Assessment Cycle Plans and Reports for this program of study are available.

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

Certificate and Degree Options

• Phlebotomy Technician, Certificate of Achievement 
• Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Certificate of Achievement 
• Medical Laboratory Technician, Associate of Applied Science