Accreditation of Providers of Prescribed Qualification Programmes
The Council has prescribed qualifications required for registration in the profession of medical laboratory science. Educational institutions who offer these qualification programmes are required to meet the Council's accreditation standards and undergo an ongoing monitoring process.
The Council has prescribed the following qualification for the scope of practice of medical laboratory scientist:
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)
The Council has prescribed the following qualifications for the scope of practice of medical laboratory technician:
- Qualified Medical Laboratory technician (QMLT)
- Qualified Phlebotomist Technician (QPT)
- Qualified Donor Technician (QDT)
The Objectives of Accreditation:
The Council undertakes an accreditation process with a number of New Zealand educational institutions who provide the above prescribed qualification programmes to ensure graduates of those programmes have a sound knowledge and skills base to practise medical laboratory science safely and effectively.
The Council requires that prescribed qualification programmes meet the requirements for competence as set out in the Council's Code of Competencies and Standards for the Practice of Medical Laboratory Science.
Process of Accreditation:
Accreditation is granted for up to 6 years subject to any requirements which may arise as a result of the accreditation review.
Each educational provider of a Council-prescribed qualification programme is required to undergo an accreditation review every 6 years thereafter.
The accreditation process is based on the principles of openness and transparency to all parties.
The accreditation review process is intended to be collegial and constructive and to respect the autonomy of the educational institution.
The accreditation review focuses on the achievement of objectives, maintenance of academic standards, public safety requirements, and sound outputs and outcomes rather than on detailed specification of curriculum content.
The accreditation review of providers of the BMLSc degree programme includes a site visit.
Each accreditation review is undertaken by a Council-appointed team which includes practising medical laboratory scientists.
The Council monitors implementation of any recommended changes after the provider of the prescribed qualification programme is approved for accreditation status.
Ongoing monitoring of education providers of all accredited qualification programmes is managed through each provider submitting an annual report to the Council and regular review of the course content of the qualification programme.
For more detailed information on the Council's accreditation process click on the link at the bottom of this page to download a copy of the Council's policy document.
