The Medical Laboratory Sciences Program trains students to enter the fast paced world of the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)/Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS). This career encompasses clinical testing in the fields of chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, urinalysis, and blood banking. With the significant advances in medical research, health care has become increasingly dependent on a growing number of complex laboratory tests and procedures to diagnose and treat diseases. The MLS/CLS student becomes an important member of the health care team who is responsible for providing this essential service.
The MLS/CLS profession requires a broad general science background and specialized laboratory education to become proficient in the performance of laboratory procedures. After graduation, our students are able to choose from a variety of career paths ranging from management to clinical bench work in a hospital or research laboratory. They are responsible for the quality and accuracy of these lab results, providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment of patients. Our trained professionals find challenging opportunities for employment in hospitals and independent laboratories, physicians’ offices, clinics, research, industry, and educational institutions.
Courses
MEDL 121.
A Career in Laboratory Science.
(1)
Introduction to scope and practice of the Medical Technology profession. Basic terminology and a tour of a hospital laboratory are included. Weekly lectures will alternate with hour-long lab sessions covering blood bank, hematology, microbiology and urinalysis laboratory procedures.
{Fall, First eight-week term}
MEDL 234.
Introduction to Clinical Immunology.
(3)
An introduction to the principles of human immune system function with emphasis on developing a general, basic background for those who have no previous experience in immunology or clinical medicine.
Prerequisite: (BIOL 123 and BIOL 124L) or BIOL 201L.
{Summer}
MEDL 300L.
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences.
(2)
An orientation to the profession, blood collection, quality control, lab safety and lab techniques with an emphasis on review of math, statistics, cell biology and biochemistry pertinent to the medical laboratory profession. Library, computer and Internet use as well as educational issues are also included.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 310.
Introduction to Clinical Chemistry.
(3)
A study of metabolic reactions which involve the most common chemical analytes of blood and other body fluids. The principles and methods used in measuring the analytes including spectrophotometric, potentiometric and immunologic assays will be emphasized. Theory of basic instrumentation is also included.
Corequisite: 311L.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 311L.
Introduction to Clinical Chemistry Lab.
(2)
Laboratory experiences for performing and/or evaluating the basic testing procedures used in a clinical chemistry laboratory.
Corequisite: 310.
MEDL 315L.
Clinical Serology.
(2)
A study of principles and lab methods used in evaluation and diagnosis of the immune system and related diseases, augmented by the use of case studies. Development of critical thinking and problem solving techniques is emphasized.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 320.
Introduction to Clinical Hematology/Hemostasis.
(4)
A thorough study of the development, identification and abnormalities associated with blood cells and hemostasis. The principles of routine laboratory procedures and basic instrumentation will be included.
Corequisite: 321L.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 321L.
Clinical Hematology/Hemostasis Lab.
(2)
Laboratory experiences in the performance and/or study of routine procedures and basic instrumentation of the clinical hematology and coagulation laboratory.
Corequisite: 320.
MEDL 330.
Introduction to Clinical Microbiology.
(3)
A basic study of some of the most common medically important bacteria and fungi with an emphasis on techniques, methods and differential media used to isolate and identify pathogens.
Corequisite: 331L.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 331L.
Introduction to Clinical Microbiology Lab.
(2)
Laboratory experiences in the performance of and/or study of procedures used in a clinical microbiology laboratory.
Corequisite: 330.
MEDL 340L.
Introduction to Clinical Immunohematology.
(2)
Study of the basic theory of blood group systems, antibody detection and identification, compatibility testing and blood collection and component preparation. Includes laboratory practice of basic procedures performed in a clinical immunohematology lab.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 350L.
Clinical Urinalysis.
(2)
A study of kidney functions and the physiochemical and microscopic urine tests. Case studies, demonstrations and laboratory practice will enhance the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills needed in clinical urinalysis laboratory.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 351.
Basic Clinical Chemistry Rotation.
(3)
Supervised instruction in the performance of analytical procedures for the various chemical analytes of blood and other body fluids in an affiliated laboratory. Testing will include automated chemistry panels, common spectrophotometric, potentrometric and immunologic procedures of routine chemical analytes.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 310 and 311L.
MEDL 352.
Basic Hematology/Hemostasis Rotation.
(3)
Supervised instruction in the performance of hematological and coagulation procedures in an affiliated laboratory.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 320 and 321L.
MEDL 355.
Clinical Urinalysis Rotation.
(1)
Supervised instruction in the performance of urinalysis and special procedures in a urinalysis laboratory and of routine phlebotomy procedures in an affiliated clinical laboratory.
Prerequisite: 350L.
MEDL 410L.
Advanced Clinical Chemistry.
(3)
Lecture and laboratory experiences on specialized and complex chemical analytes in blood and body fluids; disease patterns, interpretation and correlation of laboratory test results. Development of problem solving, critical thinking and evaluation techniques is emphasized.
Prerequisite: 310 and 311L.
MEDL 420L.
Advanced Clinical Hematology/Hemostasis.
(3)
A study of the principles and practice of non-routine Hematology/Hemostasis procedures, with the development of problem solving and interpretive skills through the use of case studies and laboratory tests.
Prerequisite: 320 and 321L.
MEDL 430.
Advanced Clinical Microbiology.
(3)
A continuation of the study of medically important bacteria and fungi with an emphasis on a thorough study of body systems and their related infections. A comprehensive study of normal flora of the body versus pathogenic flora and interpretation of representative cultures. Critical thinking and problem solving will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: 330 and 331L.
Corequisite: 431L.
MEDL 431L.
Advanced Clinical Microbiology Lab.
(2)
Laboratory experiences in the interpretation of cultures of the different areas of the body. Emphasizes interpretation of direct exams and cultures, differentiating normal flora from pathogens, as well as critical thinking and problem solving.
Corequisite: 430.
MEDL 432L.
Clinical Parasitology.
(2)
A study of medically important parasites including staining and wet prep procedures, life cycles, morphologic identification and diseases. The major emphasis is on the appropriate methods of collection and handling of specimens, laboratory techniques and the microscopic appearance of the diagnostic stages of human parasites.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 440L.
Advanced Clinical Immunohematology.
(2)
Advanced study and development of problem solving abilities applied to blood group antigens and antibodies, compatibility testing and hemolytic anemias. Includes use of discussion groups and practice of advanced laboratory procedures.
Prerequisite: 340L.
MEDL 445.
Clinical Management and Education.
(2)
The theory and principles for supervising a clinical laboratory with emphasis on problem solving techniques and current lab managerial methods. Also covers education methods for instruction in the lab or for presentations.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 451.
Advanced Clinical Chemistry Rotation.
(1)
Supervised instruction in the performance of analytical procedures for various chemical analytes and panels, including special chemistries, blood gas collection and immunochemistry, either in an affiliate chemistry lab or in the student lab on campus. Advanced rotation will include a quality assurance/control project.
Prerequisite: 351 and 410L.
MEDL 452.
Advanced Hematology and Hemostasis Rotation.
(2)
Supervised instruction in the performance of routine and non-routine, complex hematological and coagulation studies, including evaluations of quality assurance and in introduction to management of a hematology lab, either in an affiliated laboratory or in the student lab on campus.
Prerequisite: 352 and 420L.
MEDL 453.
Clinical Microbiology Rotation.
(5)
Supervised instruction in the performance of microbiological procedures in an affiliated laboratory.
Prerequisite: 430 and 431L.
MEDL 454.
Clinical Immunohematology Rotation.
(4)
Supervised instruction in the performance of blood banking procedures in an affiliated laboratory.
Prerequisite: 440L.
MEDL 463.
Laboratory Operations and Laboratory Mathematics.
(2)
Introduction of all mathematics and quality control/assurance necessary for a competent laboratory scientist to succeed in the profession of medical laboratory scientist.
Restriction: must be enrolled in MLS certificate program.
MEDL 498.
Research Honors.
(1 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
MEDL 499.
Special Topics in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
(2 to a maximum of 4 Δ)
Supervised experience in a variety of laboratory settings with increased responsibility or an independent study with tutorials as outlined by the program director.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: must be enrolled in B.S.M.L. program.
MEDL 500.
Selected Topics in Pathology.
(1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
An advanced graduate-level course in which current information important in research techniques and administration of a research laboratory will be discussed. The course is a problem-based learning model given by multiple instructors.
MEDL 550.
Lab Management Seminar: Selected Topics.
(1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
A graduate-level course in which current information important in laboratory techniques and administration of a private clinical laboratory will be discussed. The course is a problem-based learning model given by multiple Pathology Clinical and Research faculty.
MEDL 600.
Clinical Lab Sciences Master's Degree Apprenticeship Program.
(1-4 to a maximum of 10 Δ)
This course will serve as the non-thesis culmination of the CLS master’s degree. It will involve clinical or research apprenticeships in established laboratories either on the UNM campus or in the Albuquerque area.
