According to Jobs Rated Almanac, by Les Krantz, Clinical Laboratory Science ranked 16th among 250 jobs and 3rd among 32 health-related occupations.
Training health related professionals through the years has been done in many instances in isolated situations. As these professionals complete education requirements and move into the "real world", they are expected to work with, understand, and cooperate with other health professions. Through the interdisciplinary training program, the students gain understanding and appreciation for the expertise each health discipline, including Medical Laboratory Clinicians, bring to solving health problems.
Utilizing the problem-based, community oriented curriculum, teams of health professional students will experience a learner motivated approach to problem solving. This experience will be extended to the rural setting and continue through clinical rotations with UNM faculty and rural preceptors.
Medical Laboratory Science students are in the 3rd or 4th year of college and are entering their clinical training when they are asked to participate in this program. The 18 month MLS program may be taken as part of a four year curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences from UNM's School of Medicine, or as a certificate program following a baccalaureate degree. Students may participate in the Interdisciplinary Training Program that includes spending 8 weeks at a rural site, which will count as part of their 20 week clinical requirements for graduation.
How much will I earn?
Entry-level salary for clinical laboratory scientists in Albuquerque is up to $30,000/year. Many other states are much higher for entry level.
Will I find a job when I graduate?
YES!! Right now, one out of every ten positions in clinical laboratories is vacant. A severe shortage of qualified clinical lab personnel is developing. And with a number of accredited programs closing during the past ten years, fewer graduates are entering the field. Many clinical lab scientists are approaching retirement which will create additional vacancies. And remember - several biotechnology firms preferentially hire MTs because they already have the laboratory skills necessary for performing common research tasks.
How long will it take?
You can complete a B.S. in Medical Technology at The University of New Mexico in four years of full-time study. Go to the curriculum page to view the details.
Sam Schumacher has taken a job in Illinois as a Medical Technologist. She worked for 3 months to see how she liked the position. At the end of the school year, she moved her kids east to Illinois and now has made it her permanent address. We wish her well.
Please send us any additional news you wish to share.For more information contact: sdellinger@salud.unm.edu