Alternative Experiences

Spring, Summer, Fall Semesters
2 Experiences Required
1 Credit Hour for each experience

University of New Mexico
Medical Laboratory Sciences

Instructor: Bonnie Griffin

Course Description:
These are one week, five days a week rotations at a location where lab skills and background knowledge are applicable but clinical laboratory testing may not be the primary focus of the facility. OR, an additional week of rotation in a small clinical lab or in a specific area of a large lab can be chosen. Two different experiences are required.

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Labs/Facilities:
Type of labs/facilities for alternative experiences include the following, but are not limited to those listed below. NOTE: Some sites may not be available at certain times.

1.      Large Clinical Division (Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, or Blood Bank)

2.      Forensic/Toxicology Lab

·         Workplace Drug testing, medical drug testing for treatment centers, some therapeutic drug testing, analysis of specimens in chain of custody with presentations in the court of law

3.      TriCore HLA and Molecular Diagnostics Core Lab

·         Flow cytometry, molecular oncology and solid organ transplant HLA testing.  (2 weeks:  2 credit hrs)

5.      Oncology Clinic Lab

6. Virology Lab

·         Diagnostic laboratory testing in Virology including molecular methods, viral isolation, direct fluorescent staining

7. Student Health Center Lab

·         Laboratory services for the student population at UNM. On a given week during the semester the student Health Center sees from 35 - 45 students. Routine hematology, UA, urine cultures, gc cultures, pregnancy tests, monospot tests done.

8. Urgent Care-Clinic Lab

9. Vet. Diagnostic Lab B State Lab or Vet's Office (This is a 2 week rotation = 2 Credit hrs.)

·         Laboratory testing in association with disease in animals

10. Clinical Equipment and Supply Sales

11. Lab Education Program at T-VI or UNM

12. Hospital Epidemiologist

13. Laboratory Management

14. Research Lab

15. Small Clinic Lab

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Student Activities During Alternative Experiences: 

• To learn about and experience a different and unique lab or lab related experience
• To perform procedures, projects, etc., under the facility's supervision
• To spend 36-40 hours/week in the alternative experience

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Grading:
Alternative Experiences will be graded Pass/Fail with a grade of CR (credit) or NC (no credit) given. Grading is based on the following:

1. Submission of a written report for each experience
   • Students will complete a written report (form available) on their experience.
2. Professional Evaluation Form from Alternative Experience site for each experience.
   • It is the student's responsibility to have the site complete this form. Students must receive A "Meets Expectation" in 72% of the areas to be acceptable.

If both items are acceptable, then a Credit grade will be given for the experience. If either or both items are not acceptable, a repeat or additional experience is required.

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