Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
47 Total Credits
This 3-semester certificate prepares students for positions in a variety of health care settings including laboratories, hospitals and physician's offices. Learn the basics of phlebotomy as well as medical terminology, law in health care and office management. Many of the courses can be applied toward an MVCC degree. Professional liability insurance is a requirement of the program.
First Semester15 Credits
This course introduces the field of healthcare for people interested in the field. Topics include an introduction to the healthcare delivery system, a brief historical overview of U.S. healthcare, healthcare settings and programs,members of the healthcare delivery team, roles of healthcare professionals, legal and professional ethics, healthcare organizations and agencies,medical record content, risk management, continuous quality improvement, epidemiology (morbidity and mortality), and interpersonal communication skills.
This course explores the form and function of human body systems for non-science students. It stresses normal and abnormal life processes as well as the philosophy and history of science including the scientific method. Laboratory exercises complement lecture topics, which include the study of cells and tissues, and the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Dissections are required in the laboratory.
This course concentrates on spelling, pronunciation, and the
meaning of medical word components, common terms used in
selected body systems, and medical abbreviations.
(Spring semester)
This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.
This course introduces the basics of phlebotomy. Emphasis is
placed on a hands-on approach to learning the theory and skills needed to become a multi-skilled health professional. Areas of concentration include safety equipment, techniques, and customer service. (Fall semester only)
Second Semester16 Credits
This course introduces the field of healthcare for people interested in the field. Topics include an introduction to the healthcare delivery system, a brief historical overview of U.S. healthcare, healthcare settings and programs,members of the healthcare delivery team, roles of healthcare professionals, legal and professional ethics, healthcare organizations and agencies,medical record content, risk management, continuous quality improvement, epidemiology (morbidity and mortality), and interpersonal communication skills.
A continuation of AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy, this course provides a clinical experience in phlebotomy, implementing techniques and procedures in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Prerequisite: AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy. (Spring semester)
The course introduces ethical and transcultural issues encountered in healthcare. Examples of topics include value development, ethical theories and controversies, principles of confidentiality, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
This course provides knowledge and skills for handling most situations that require emergency first-aid care. It provides the opportunity to work toward National Safety Council First Aid/CPR certifications as well as automated external defibrillation (AED) skills.
This course assists in making intelligent health-conscious decisions through topics such as wellness, aging, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, and communicable diseases. It introduces activities and skills for leading healthy lifestyles including fitness assessment, weight management, and exercise.
This course is a survey of mathematics for students in those programs that do not require a mathematics sequence. It provides an appreciation of mathematical ideas in historical and modern settings. Topics include problem solving, logic, geometry, statistics, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.
This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.
Third Semester15.5 Credits
This course introduces the legal aspects of health information,
with emphasis placed on civil law and how healthcare settings
are affected by law and by non-governmental rulemaking bodies. Topics include a review of the history of common law, the primary sources of law, tort law, the court system, corporate liability, medical staff issues, consent to treatment, confidentiality, reporting obligations, and patient rights. It discusses the principles guiding the control, security, and usage of health information. (Spring semester)
This course includes the transcribing of medical reports as well as communication techniques such as formatting of medical reports, business communications, and agenda preparation and distribution. The preparation of office policies and procedures are also included. Emphasis is placed on the role of the manager, including personnel management and the provision for the privacy and security of information within the office setting. Prerequisite: HC120 Medical Assistant Administrative Externship. Corequisite: HC122 Medical Assistant Clinical Externship.
This course introduces the clinical laboratory setting. Emphasis is placed on a general knowledge of clinical laboratory settings and the role of the clinical laboratory assistant within those settings. Topics include hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, and parasitology. Prerequisites: AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy and AH101 Phlebotomy Practicum. Corequisites: MR115 Law in Health Care,HC166 Office Management for Medical Assistants, and AH201 Clinical Laboratory Assistant
Practicum. (Fall semester)
This clinical experience requires the use of knowledge and the
practice of skills learned in AH 200 Clinical Laboratory Assistant Skills. Complete procedures are performed in Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Blood Bank, and Special Chemistry. Central processing functions are performed, including completion of data collection and entry, centrifugation, and separation. Prerequisites: AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy and AH101 Phlebotomy Practicum. Corequisite:AH200 Clinical Laboratory Assistant Skills. (Fall semester)
Prerequisites
- High School Math Course A or its equivalent (Regents score 70 or High School score 75).
- High School Chemistry or its equivalent (Regents score 70 or High School score 75).
- High School Biology or its equivalent (Regents score 70 or High School score 75).
- We will accept you at your current level of readiness and provide opportunities for you to be successful at the
college.
