Accreditation Standards - Medical Laboratory Science

Purpose of accreditation

Accreditation is a status granted by the Council to medical laboratory science education programmes that meet their education standards and criteria. Accreditation is about assuring the quality of education and promoting continuous improvement of quality to respond to evolving community needs, professional practice, and ensuring the health and safety of the public.

Obtaining accreditation

A provider planning to develop a new qualification programme, or to enrol students in a new programme, must contact the Council’s Registrar at least 12-months before commencement of the new programme.

For each new accreditation, the education provider is required to submit:

• A report in conjunction with the Council’s six categories of accreditation
• Supporting documentation.

If a site visit is required, a Council-approved panel (including members of the profession) will arrange a time to view your facilities and interview key staff and students as part of the accreditation process.

Ongoing monitoring

Following initial accreditation, a qualification programme will be subject to an ongoing monitoring schedule. Monitoring allows for early intervention by the Council if concerns are raised about an accredited qualification. It maximises the likelihood that students/trainees enrolled in the programme can complete their studies and graduate with a qualification recognised by the Council for registration under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

For a new programme offered by a tertiary education provider, the initial accreditation period will allow for the rollover of one cohort of students (ie three or four years depending on the duration of the degree). Renewal of accreditation will be subject to a further full evaluation inclusive of a site visit.

For existing programmes the Council does not accredit a qualification programme for a set period, however, an accredited provider is subject to an ongoing monitoring programme.

A programme remains accredited only if the Council continues to be satisfied that both the programme and the qualification provider meet the accreditation standards. If during the monitoring process, it is found that the standards are no longer being met, the Council may impose conditions or revoke the accreditation of a programme.

Current accredited programmes

Auckland University of Technology:

• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)
• Graduate Diploma in Science

The University of Otago:

• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (PGDipMLSc)

Massey University (Palmerston North Campus):

• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Medical Laboratory Science) - Please note this course is not accepting any new enrolments.

The other accredited courses lead to registration as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

NZIMLS:

• Qualified Medical Laboratory Technician Certificate (QMLT) in one of the disciplines below:

The following accredited courses lead to registration as a Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician.

NZIMLS:

• Qualified Medical Laboratory Technician Certificate (QMLT) in one of the disciplines below:

Ara Institute of Canterbury:

• New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5)