Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (CMLT) at Nepal Institute of Health Science (Stupa College)

The Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (CMLT) at Nepal Institute of Health Science (Stupa College) is a three-year technical health program affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training.

The course prepares middle-level laboratory personnel to collect and process specimens, conduct laboratory investigations, work with laboratory instruments, prepare reagents, maintain quality-control procedures, and support diagnostic services. 

The 2024 CTEVT curriculum moves from foundational study to medical laboratory subjects and then to hospital- and laboratory-based clinical practice.

Key Highlights

• Course: Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (CMLT)

• College: Nepal Institute of Health Science (Stupa College)

• Location: Gokarneswor-05, Bouddha, Tushal, Pipalbot, Kathmandu

• Affiliation: Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT)

• Duration: 3 academic years

• Academic System: Yearly system

• Entrance: CTEVT entrance examination

• Curriculum Group Size: Maximum 30 students

• Main Laboratory Areas: Microbiology, immunology, hematology, blood banking, clinical biochemistry, parasitology, pathology, histopathology, cytopathology, laboratory automation, and laboratory management

• Clinical Learning: Hospital- and laboratory-based clinical practice

• Professional Council: Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC)

The current CTEVT curriculum is the third revision, issued in 2024.

What Students Learn in CMLT

CMLT focuses on laboratory work used in health services. Students learn how specimens are collected and processed, how laboratory tests are performed, how reagents are prepared, and how laboratory results are handled within the scope of their training.

The curriculum also covers laboratory quality control, laboratory management, instrument handling, reporting, and supervised practical work. Its stated objectives include performing routine and special laboratory investigations, interpreting results within the training scope, establishing quality-control systems, managing laboratory activities, supervising work, preparing reports, and conducting laboratory-related research.

The academic sequence is deliberate: the first year develops basic science and foundational knowledge, the second year concentrates on medical laboratory disciplines, and the third year applies laboratory knowledge and skills in practical settings.

Eligibility and Admission

Eligibility: The 2024 CTEVT curriculum provides the following entry pathways:

• SLC, SEE, or equivalent pass with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and grades in compulsory Mathematics, English, and Science; or

• TSLC in Medical Laboratory Technology with a minimum of 68.33%.

Candidates must also pass the entrance examination administered by CTEVT.

CMLT is a CTEVT program. Admission follows the CTEVT entrance and admission process; MECEE-BL is not required for this course.

Course Structure

The three-year curriculum moves from foundational study to subject-specific laboratory work and clinical practice.

Second Year

Second-year study covers the central laboratory disciplines:

• Clinical Microbiology and Immunology

• Hematology and Blood Banking

• Clinical Biochemistry

• Medical Parasitology

• Clinical Pathology

• Public Health and First Aid

These subjects combine theory and practical work.

Students work with laboratory procedures connected with microorganisms, immune responses, blood analysis, biochemical testing, parasites, clinical pathology, and basic public health and first-aid applications.

Third Year

The third year brings together advanced laboratory study and workplace-oriented practice. Academic subjects include:

• Histopathology and Cytopathology

• Automation in Clinical Laboratory

• Clinical Laboratory Management

Clinical practice is organized across three major areas:

• Microbiology and Parasitology

• Hematology and Blood Banking

• Biochemistry, Histopathology and Cytopathology

The third-year curriculum therefore shifts much of the emphasis from classroom learning to applying laboratory procedures in hospital and diagnostic laboratory settings.

Clinical Laboratory Practice

Clinical practice is a major part of the final stage of CMLT. Students work under supervision in relevant laboratory departments and maintain practical records or logbooks during their postings. Attendance in the clinical departments is also tied to eligibility for the final examination.

In microbiology and parasitology, practical work includes areas such as microscopy, specimen collection, sterilization, staining, culture and sensitivity procedures, serological testing, urine examination, stool examination, and related laboratory investigations.

Hematology and blood banking practice covers areas such as blood counts, hemoglobin estimation, coagulation-related tests, blood grouping, Rh typing, cross-matching, and other hematological procedures.

Biochemistry, histopathology, and cytopathology practice includes reagent preparation, biochemical estimations, microscopy, tissue processing, staining, specimen handling, cytological preparation, and related laboratory procedures.

Evaluation and Passing Requirements

Assessment combines internal evaluation with final examinations.

Each subject has three internal assessments during the year. Written and practical assessments are used according to the nature of the subject, while practical performance is also evaluated continuously. Students must complete the internal assessment requirements before appearing in the final examination.

Theory Pass Mark: Minimum 40%

Practical Pass Mark: Minimum 50%

Students must pass both theory and practical components where applicable. A student who does not pass a subject may appear in a CTEVT re-examination according to the applicable provisions.

Final practicum evaluation considers attendance, logbook maintenance, practical performance, and viva voce.

Attendance

The curriculum requires a minimum of 90% attendance in each subject to appear in the respective final examination.

Clinical postings also require at least 90% attendance in the allotted departments. Students are expected to maintain practical records and have their work signed periodically by the supervising instructor or departmental staff.

Certificate Award

Students who successfully pass all components of all subjects across the three academic years complete the program and are awarded the Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology.

Professional Registration

After completing CMLT, graduates must meet the applicable professional registration and licensing requirements of the Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC) before entering regulated professional practice.

The CTEVT curriculum identifies eligibility for registration with the relevant health professional council according to the provisions of the applicable council framework.

Career Direction

CMLT graduates may pursue laboratory-related work after completing the applicable professional registration requirements.

Work settings identified within the curriculum include:

• Hospitals

• Diagnostic laboratories

• Clinics

• Blood banks

• Research centers

• Industry

• Physicians' offices

• Crime investigation laboratories

The course prepares graduates for laboratory technician-level responsibilities involving specimen processing, laboratory investigations, equipment handling, quality control, and laboratory documentation. Career entry depends on professional registration, recruitment criteria, practical competence, experience, and available positions.

College Contact

Address: Gokarneswor-05, Bouddha, Tushal, Pipalbot, Kathmandu

Phone: +977-1-4917557, +977-1-4917558, +977-1-4917720

Email: info@stupahealth.org.np

Website: www.stupahealth.org.np

FAQ

What is the full form of CMLT?

CMLT stands for Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology.

How long is CMLT at Stupa College?

The program runs for three academic years under the yearly system of CTEVT.

Is MECEE-BL required for CMLT admission?

No. CMLT is a CTEVT program. Admission follows the CTEVT entrance process rather than MECEE-BL.

Is a CTEVT entrance examination required?

Yes. Candidates must pass the entrance examination administered by CTEVT.

What is the eligibility for CMLT?

Applicants may enter with SLC, SEE, or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and grades in compulsory Mathematics, English, and Science, or through TSLC in Medical Laboratory Technology with at least 68.33%.

Does CMLT include hospital and laboratory practice?

Yes. The third year includes clinical practice in microbiology and parasitology, hematology and blood banking, and biochemistry, histopathology and cytopathology.

What are the pass marks in CMLT?

Students must secure at least 40% in theory and 50% in practical components, along with the required internal and final assessment passes.

Which professional council is relevant after CMLT?

The relevant professional body is the Nepal Health Professional Council. Graduates must meet the applicable NHPC licensing and registration requirements before regulated professional practice.