Medical Laboratory Technician
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
• Associate of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technician
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Program Description
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) 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.
The MLT program begins in the fall and lasts four terms 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. Graduates are eligible to take both the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Credentialing Agency exams to obtain Certified Medical Laboratory Technician credentials. The MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS): 8401 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670; Chicago, IL 60631-3415; phone (773) 714- 8880.
MLT Enrollment: During the summer term, prospective students must declare MLT as a major and submit a petition packet to the School of Health, Wellness, and Public Safety Administrative office to be considered for the classes beginning the 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 post-secondary schools attended sent to CNM Records Department for a transfer equivalency worksheet (allow 3-4 weeks), and proof of GPA of 2.0 or better. The application form to be included can be picked up from the School of Health, Wellness, and Public Safety Administrative office or at any MLT Program Information Session. You may call the HWPS information hotline at 224-4161 for a schedule of the MLT 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. 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 federal and state criminal background check with fingerprinting prior to starting any of the MLS 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 any of the MLS programs. Fees for fingerprinting, criminal background check and drug screening will apply for each program.
Physical Requirements: Students interested in Medical Laboratory Sciences programs must be in good physical and psychological health. A current physical exam and vaccinations, (hepatitis B, MMR, DTP, PPD, and varicella) are required prior to beginning the program. 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 that may interfere with completing program competencies, which may include providing safe patient care, are advised to contact the program director at 224-5021.
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, fingerprinting, 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 MLT program. Certification can be obtained through the HEALTH 1001 course or equivalent.
Recommended Prerequisites: Medical Laboratory 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 for MLS graduates is excellent due to a shortage of lab personnel. Tuition assistance for those who want to pursue more education in MLS 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 Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program allows for the transfer of credits earned at CNM to the UNM Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Science degree.
Contact Information
Program information is available from Monica Lewis, Program Director, (505) 224-5021, email her at: mllewis@cnm.edu, or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321.
