CLINICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
• Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) Certificate
Program Description
Students study theory and learn the skills of laboratory testing in chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology and urinalysis. Instruction occurs in classrooms, laboratories and medical facilities.
Career and Advancement Opportunities
The CNM CLA program has a 100% placement rate for its graduates. CLA graduates seeking employment found jobs in area healthcare facilities and laboratories.
Special Requirements
Successful completion of the CNM Phlebotomy program or national certification as a phlebotomist, or recent work experience and permission of the CNM CLA program director is required to enroll in CLA 103C.
All Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division career and technical courses required for graduation must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B or C. For Health, Wellness & Public Safety career and technical courses offered only for credit/no credit, a grade of credit (CR) must be earned.
There is a $11 program fee for CLA 101L, which pays for a nametag, hospital parking permits and preventative lab tests in the case of needle stick or exposure to other bodily fluids. Students are required to purchase disposable, fluid-resistant lab coats and must present evidence of current TB testing, immunizations (including hepatitis A & B, MMR, DTP and varicella) and BLS CPR certification prior to the clinical portion of the program. Students may be required to undergo routine drug screening and a criminal background check prior to beginning their clinical experience. Students with a criminal background may have limited employment opportunities in healthcare and public service. Those who have a felony conviction should refer to the relevant New Mexico legislation (NMSA, Section 29-17-5 for healthcare employees available at http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/05%20Regular/final/HB0627.pdf). Students should also contact appropriate credentialing or licensing agencies and local or regional industry for hiring and employment practices. Contact the HWPS Division Office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
Students interested in certain Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division programs must be in good physical and psychological health. Some programs require documentation of a recent health screening from a licensed healthcare provider confirming the ability to safely perform program specific activities and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for those students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with a disability that may interfere with completing program competencies, which may include providing safe patient care, are advised to contact the HWPS Division Office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
Graduation Policy
Students in the Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division must graduate under the current catalog.
Pre- and corequisites are listed in course descriptions and are subject to change with each new catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the pre- and/or corequisites in effect for the term in which a course is taken, regardless of the catalog under which the student entered or will graduate. Students may be stopped from enrolling or may disenrolled if pre- or corequisites are not met.
Students who have successfully completed courses that no longer exist from previous catalogs will be accommodated. Contact the division at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Information concerning this program is available from the program director, Monica Lewis at mllewis@cnm.edu, (505) 224-5068 or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-5056 (South Valley) or (505) 224-4321.
